I discovered a small hole in my low pressure aluminum pipe coming out of the firewall (pipe w/ low pressure fitting). I was wondering if it would be wise to have the pipe welded/repaired or try to find a good used one.

 

Its going to be hard to weld something that thin, but if you can get it done cheap enough might be worth a try. AC lines go for dollars on this forum. The main thing is to make sure the line is not kinked and that the weld does not penetrate so that it will obstruct flow.

 

I had mine welded, and it is holding up well.

 

Not advisable - Welding up a small line like that could restrict the pipe in that area.ike RES said above. Better to get a new one.

Later

 

If you decide to buy a used one make sure that it is from the correct system (MANA or Nippondenso) and is for the correct refrigerant. The fittings on the ends of the lines are slightly different for each system type & refrigerant.

 

The lines can be successfully repaired by an experienced or professional welder (using the right equipment and procedure). The high side lines on my FD have been modified by welding and they are leak-free and have held just fine.

Which reminds me, I owe someone a line....