P38A Air Con Condensor Nuts

Hi,
Just before Midges stopped play I was having a look at the air con condenser which I have to replace (along with the drier which is toast) and I wondered whether anyone knows what size the nuts are ?

initially 19mm seemed too small, and 20 seemed to fit, but quickly 20 started to slip and now even 19mm seems a bit slack.

I’m worried about rounding the nuts which appear to be aluminium (I’m sure there’s a good reason but it’s bloody annoying) so does anyone have any smart tips for getting these off safely ?

thanks again

badly-bitten Bob

Possibly 3/4” then? Are you using a flare nut spanner? If not probably worth getting a set as otherwise you risk destroying the fittings.

Thanks, I shall investigate !

Aluminum on aluminum seems to want to seize together so use some penetrating fluid.

Piece of wood and gentle tap with hammer

Rubberknees said:

Piece of wood and gentle tap with hammer

Click to expand...

Hi,

I’m not sure I understand, do you mean to give the seized nut a tap ?

I’m sill a bit puzzled about the actual size of these nuts.
On the one I’ve attempted with a conventional spanner, a 19mm flare spanner seems to fit but then slipped on the nut and doesn’t want to go on in any other orientation. The lower nut seems to sit between 19 and 20 mm -3/4” would be 19.05mm but I’m really struggling with this

I wonder if a good-quality pair of mole grips would work...

awkwardbob said:

I wonder if a good-quality pair of mole grips would work...

Click to expand...

...and a little butane?

myfirstl322 said:

...and a little butane?

Click to expand...

I wondered whether a little heat might help -although there’s been a bit of an oil leak and copious penetrating fluid sprayed liberally... I don’t want to create an inferno !

I seam to remember doing mine with a big adjustable spanner,
some times going for different flats can break the tight joint, grips tend to squash the nut on to the thread.

Quality adjustable spanner though like bahco.

Extreme ,but in the past iv cut a slot in a ring spanner ,put over a pipe then used mole grips on the spanner to stop the ring bit spreading ....,,it was a turbo oil feed pipe ,nut ,,,,

awkwardbob said:

Hi,

I’m not sure I understand, do you mean to give the seized nut a tap ?

I’m sill a bit puzzled about the actual size of these nuts.
On the one I’ve attempted with a conventional spanner, a 19mm flare spanner seems to fit but then slipped on the nut and doesn’t want to go on in any other orientation. The lower nut seems to sit between 19 and 20 mm -3/4” would be 19.05mm but I’m really struggling with this

Click to expand...

Yep the tap can just shock it to help turn then as said adjustable spanner or small stilsons

Thanks for the helpful advice, will try and see how it goes !

And they’re off !
Some combination of 20mm, 19mm and 3/4” flare spanner’s and an adjustable wench.
The top nut was tough and a little ‘chewed’ but the bottom one (with the 20mm flare) was a dream.

moral of the story: spend £15 on the right tools rather than trash an expensive pipe !

-and ask for advice, obvs !

Thanks again, on to the next challenge !

Bob

awkwardbob said:

And they’re off !
Some combination of 20mm, 19mm and 3/4” flare spanner’s and an adjustable wench.
The top nut was tough and a little ‘chewed’ but the bottom one (with the 20mm flare) was a dream.

moral of the story: spend £15 on the right tools rather than trash an expensive pipe !

-and ask for advice, obvs !

Thanks again, on to the next challenge !

Bob

Click to expand...

Well done

Flossie said:

Quality adjustable spanner though like bahco.

Click to expand...

I've got a rather nice 8 incher.

I've got a 6, 12 and 18 inch
Bloody expensive 15 yrs ago.

And an acksaw bahco.

Flossie said:

And an acksaw bahco.

Click to expand...

Sorry bad English. Meant-
Anna bahco ack sore.