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Discharge line cracking over and over

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Quin Simpson, Sep 5, 2024.

  1. Quin Simpson

    Quin Simpson New Member

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    Hello everyone, I have a 2015 Prius V that I bought used and drove for a few thousand miles and the a/c discharge line blew. Since then I've replaced the line a few times, replaced the condenser with a new one, and inspected the compressor (looked inside and drained remaining oil before the mechanic refilled it) there was clean oil with no metal flake or signs of damage in the compressor but there was some in the old condenser. Any ideas on what could be causing these lines to consistently blow after a few days of the a/c working fine?
     

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    #1 Quin Simpson, Sep 5, 2024
  2. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    The metal tube may explode due to excessive pressure.
    Misalignment of the fastening and vibrations may contribute to this.
     
    #2 MAX2, Sep 6, 2024
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  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    @lech auto air conditionin would be the guy to ask. He would probably say change the compressor, txv and accumulator and flush everything with those parts removed.
     
    #3 rjparker, Sep 6, 2024
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  4. Quin Simpson

    Quin Simpson New Member

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    Yeah kinda looking like if any of the other a/c components need replaced I might as well do the whole system. Any recommendations on where to find a good flush post or video? Also what's a txv? Also I took it back to the mechanic who filled it and he thinks that it's something external causing it because he finds it super unlikely that pressure can be causing it for a few reasons such as it breaking close to the same point every time and breaking at the metal vs at a joint or the rubber.
     
    #4 Quin Simpson, Sep 6, 2024
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That would be my strong suspicion. The compressor itself mounts to the engine, which moves about with reference to the body. Further along, the line connects to the condenser, which is fixed to the body. Of course there is a hose section to allow the necessary motion.

    I'd suspect that, perhaps because of some past collision and body work, there is not enough clearance or flex being allowed, so that as the engine moves, too much repeated bending force is being applied to the steel tube. You may need to compare to a car without the problem and take some underhood measurements between the compressor, body, and condenser to see what is different.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Sep 6, 2024
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The txv is a dynamic metering device that is before the evaporator and has a very small opening to reduce pressure going into the evap. Because of the small opening it can get clogged up quickly.

    Tom Lech has a YouTube channel and covers almost all aspects of auto ac. https://m.youtube.com/@coldfinger459sub0
     
    #6 rjparker, Sep 6, 2024
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