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Re: [Shop-talk] Epoxy/JB Weld on auto a/c line?

To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Epoxy/JB Weld on auto a/c line?
From: "Randall" <tr3driver@ca.rr.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2011 15:57:18 -0700
> I suspect the hole is larger than 0.002", but lets just assume that it
> is 0.031" which is about 1/32" (still pretty darned small).  At 200 psi
> that is a net pressure on the patch of about 2.5 ounces.

Having tried similar repairs with JB Weld, I don't believe that calculation
is meaningful.  I don't know all the reasons why, but one is that the tubing
itself gets slightly larger under pressure.  This puts any kind of adhesive
patch under considerable tension, even if there is no hole at all.

Also, even though the total force is small, it is concentrated over an area
the size of the hole.  Think of how easy it is to punch an ice pick through
a beer can.  So your patch still has to withstand 200 psi.  

Tony's solution might work, but the clamp needs to contribute considerable
strength.  Since you'll have to open the system anyway, I'd go with cutting
the line and inserting a union of some sort.

-- Randall 
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