AC gurus more questions-copper washers?
 

I am trudging along on my AC upgrade and I'm starting to get it back together.When I removed all the hoses,drier and evaporator I noticed that some of the flare fittings had copper sealing washers on them and some didn't,unfortunately I did not right down which did or didn't,so my question is when assembling flare hose connections are copper sealing washers needed or are they extra insurance?I am useing Nylog sealing compound on each fitting.If they are needed where can they be purchased?Are they made specifically for AC or will any copper washer work?

You must be working on some vintage parts there as I believe Porsche stopped using the copper washers on the A/C fittings in the mid-70's. They are used for A/C and other service. The copper washers (they are soft annealed copper) are used between steel or brass flare fittings; they are not used with aluminum fittings (the center tube and flare are aluminum; the nut remains steel). Many modern A/C fitting arrangements use at least one aluminum fitting in the pair (usually the hose side). Below is a source for new copper flare fitting sealing washers. Use the Nylog in all the joints including the ones fitted with copper sealing washers. Jim


http://www.rparts.com/Catalog/Installation_Components/fittings/copper_t&f.asp

Thanks Jim actually it is a 83SC,I'm not sure why there were washers in 3 locations but I believe evey fitting on the hoses is aluminum and the mating fittings are brass so I don't think I need any washers just the Nylog.I will pull a vacuum to verify no leaks,if it leaks I'll add washers.

I've seen '83 A/C flare type hose fittings that are steel (check with a magnet) but they were assembled without copper washers. Someone may have installed copper washers to overcome marring damage to the steel sealing surfaces. How do they look? Jim

I will check with a magnet.As far as how they look they appear to be in good shape.