A/C compressor threads ruined! What do I do?

[firstwindstar02]

So I went to refill my A/C for the first time since my swap. It was leaking so I took the refigerant line off and of course one of the o rings was busted. I switched it out went to retorque and the bolt just kept spinning. Took it out and all the threads were rusted onto the bolt! I know I can tap and die that shit but a bigger bolt won't work with the refigerant line, I might be able to sneak a 3/8" in. I'm about to JB weld it but that will be a bitch if I ever need to drop the engine again. Anyone have any other ideas?

[firstwindstar02]

I heard I could jb weld the inside walls of the ruined thread and coat the bolt in liquid soap and let the jb weld dry and the bolt should screw out and in no problem.

What is the best way to put the jb weld in the hole without creating a huge mess and ultimately freezing the bolt in there forever?

[adrenochrome]

Heli-coil or a solid thread insert (which you would have to retap a bigger hole for) are some options you might wanna consider... The soap idea or any lubricants wouldn't work due to JB Welds strong epoxy mixture... But what you could do is completely fill the hole in flush with JB Weld and let it fully set then drill and retap right into the JB Weld after it's hardened... I've done it on a few other things and they still hold to this day... It's not like a head bolt or exhaust bolt you're dealing with so it will work... Just be careful when drilling and tapping to use an oil like WD-40 to lubricate your work so you dont damage the epoxy... This is all if you dont wanna use Heli-coil or thread inserts which can be a bit pricey because they usually come in a kit with the tap and a few other thread lengths to choose from.

[vindctar]

Originally Posted by firstwindstar02

So I went to refill my A/C for the first time since my swap. It was leaking so I took the refigerant line off and of course one of the o rings was busted. I switched it out went to retorque and the bolt just kept spinning. Took it out and all the threads were rusted onto the bolt! I know I can tap and die that shit but a bigger bolt won't work with the refigerant line, I might be able to sneak a 3/8" in. I'm about to JB weld it but that will be a bitch if I ever need to drop the engine again. Anyone have any other ideas?

Housing of the AC compressor is removable and hence "swappable". I would buy a "totally shot" compressor with a good housing (or just the housing, if available) from a junkyard and swap the part that has lost threads., i.e., where the refrigerant lines go in. I say this would be better than rethreading, epoxy welding, etc., and will also give you the peace of mind. I know, AC mechanics do this all the time.

Note: Maybe, do a practise disassembly of the housing at the junkyard to check that you wouldn't need any special tools...I think all you got to do is unscrew the 4 long bolts and that should do it.

[firstwindstar02]

Thanks for the advice but I think I'm gonna just jb weld into the stripped out hole and permanently set a threaded stud in it and attach the refigerant line with a nut.

[vindctar]

Sure why not, probably less of a hassle too...and if needed, you can always go to plan B . Keep us posted.

[mark v]

The JB weld should hold fine.

[mpeoples]

Be sure to flush and evacuate the refrigerant line completely. If you get JB Weld down that line, into the compressor, or it plugs a line, well that will be no fun at all. You might also visit the JB Weld web site to see if the epoxy is susceptible to breakdown by R-134 refrigerant. If it is, you're better off with a wholly mechanical fix (Heli-coil, thread insert, etc.).