Rovers North 300 Tdi AC line

[michael67]

I've got an AC in my LHD 300 Tdi that looks a lot like the one sold by Rovers North. Install was two owners ago, I'd say late 2000s, 2007 or 2008 maybe. Anyway, between the installer not doing a good job and a cheap-o plastic grommet, a hole wore through the high pressure line where it goes through the firewall. Is there a source for a replacement line? Nothing on the Rovers North web site jumps out as matching.

The hole is about 1/4" long and 1/16" wide. A quick search brought up this stuff called "Super Alloy 5" for soldering aluminum lines - anyone used this or something similar? I think I could probably splice the line, but the hole is right at the firewall, which would mean enlarging the hole for the line; I may enlarge it a bit anyway as I'd like to put on a larger grommet.

Otherwise it's a couple trips into town and back (an hour each way) to either have this one fixed or a new one made.

Thanks

 

[Mack]

I've got an AC in my LHD 300 Tdi that looks a lot like the one sold by Rovers North. Install was two owners ago, I'd say late 2000s, 2007 or 2008 maybe. Anyway, between the installer not doing a good job and a cheap-o plastic grommet, a hole wore through the high pressure line where it goes through the firewall. Is there a source for a replacement line? Nothing on the Rovers North web site jumps out as matching.

The hole is about 1/4" long and 1/16" wide. A quick search brought up this stuff called "Super Alloy 5" for soldering aluminum lines - anyone used this or something similar? I think I could probably splice the line, but the hole is right at the firewall, which would mean enlarging the hole for the line; I may enlarge it a bit anyway as I'd like to put on a larger grommet.

Otherwise it's a couple trips into town and back (an hour each way) to either have this one fixed or a new one made.

Thanks

I don’t think RN sells new lines separate from the kit. You could buy a AC hose crimping tool and make a new line yourself. I have made my own lines for several different Defender AC styles and it is a pretty easy process.

 

[Z.G]

Assuming you're referring to the dryer to evap pipe, and assuming it is actually an RN AC system, we have that in stock to ship asap. We dont list these parts separately on the website because it would confuse people trying to buy replacement parts for factory AC systems. M2473-01

 

[michael67]

Assuming you're referring to the dryer to evap pipe, and assuming it is actually an RN AC system, we have that in stock to ship asap. We dont list these parts separately on the website because it would confuse people trying to buy replacement parts for factory AC systems. M2473-01


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No, I mean the short line that goes through the firewall. One end connects to the line you show, the other end connects directly to the evaporator. You have to remove the evaporator box/fan assembly from the truck in order to get to the other end of the line.

 

[Z.G]

I think you may be referring to the line that comes attached to the evaporator. The line that's connected to these 2 lines?

 

[michael67]

Yes, but mine doesn't look like that - it's two separate lines. Like I said, mine looks like the RN version, but there's no marking other than a serial number plate as to the true origin. And I can only tell so much from the RN pictures.

As to the crimper, it's a metal line and I'd rather keep it that way for now. I'm going to give the "Super Alloy 5" a shot. Worse case it's a waste of $70.

 

[michael67]

Turns out my system is an Elite system, not a RN system. Looks like Elite is no longer in business, or at least not selling Land Rover ACs.

I gave up on soldering aluminum - I could never even get test piece to work. I was able to cut out the leaking bit and join the two halves together with a Dorman compression fitting joint. With a bit of bending I can keep the joint inside and still use the same sealing plate on the bulkhead.

I pulled a vacuum but the vacuum leaked away after a few hours. I gave up tracking down a leak that slow and charged the system with freon; I had already added oil with the UV dye. Given it's been nine years since the compressor has had freon, I was impressed it still worked like a champ (kudos to Denso!). After running for a bit, it looks like there's a small leak in the metal line between the condenser and the drier where it rubbed against the radiator bracket.

The Land Rover condenser to drier line looks nothing like my Elite line, and there's no way a compression fitting joint will fit there. Likewise, the space is too tight for a rubber line. Anyone have a source for Elite spares? Otherwise I'm going to try to find someone locally to fix or fabricate a line.

 

[JimC]

Go to a thermoking and ask them to fabricate a hose for you.

 

[michael67]

I took it to "Austin Rebuilders", a place that specialize in hose fabrication and repair. Seemed to do a good job (admittedly not the prettiest) as well as pressure testing the line. I've encased the section of the metal hoses next to the radiator bracket in rubber hoses.