C5x7 2.0 HDi aircon condenser pipe stuck

[aerodynamica]

Hi all, I had the aircon checked by a mobile A/C company and right enough the condenser has a big hole in it. After the guy warned about how hard removing the pipes can be I went to have a go ; top pipe came out a treat. Bottom pipe will not, it is seized in there. Also access is not good. My concern is the pipe end breaks off so then the whole pipe needs replaced. Of course, out of the two pipes the stuck one is the long one that goes back behind the engine.

Has anyone had success in easing out a stuck A/c pipe from the condenser and if mine does snap off , can that long pipe actually be removed without first removing say, the engine

[mickthemaverick]

Are these the type of pipe connectors you have Graeme?

Copied from the web actually ahowing a C2 condenser.

[Paul-R]

My concern is the pipe end breaks off so then the whole pipe needs replaced.

Not necessarily. There was an edition of Flipping Bangers where Gus and Will got a proper A/C specialist to cut off and replace a short section of pipe that had rotted underneath a body clamp. It can be done.

[aerodynamica]

Are these the type of pipe connectors you have Graeme?

Yes, they're like those. Can get the nut off easily enough but the pipe is stuck tight and there's only so much force you can put on the thingy flange before the risk of twisting the pipe goes up

[mickthemaverick]

Take the bolt out and dowse the whole fitting with plus gas or similar releasing agent, leave it overnight and then apply some heat with hot air gun while wiggling the pipe. It should release with enough patience and gentle wiggling.

[aerodynamica]

Ah yes mick, I've done that first bit but was hanging fire against heat in case there were cautions. It being alloy worth O rings. But I'll do that and see how it goes