I'm new to 4Runners and trying desperately to buy my first one. The '88, SR5, 22RE that I'm looking at has a burst A/C hose. I was told this happened when re-pressuring the system. Does this sound legit? What would cause this and is it an easy fix? Is there a way to test the A/C without this hose? It burst next to the battery. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

No. Hoses and rigid lines are rated for at least twice the max system operating pressure. Oil and battery acid will tear them up though.

It's quite likely years of battery acid residue ate through the ridgid aluminum pressure line below the battery tray- between the condenser and evaporator. You need to replace that line and the associated O-rings. It's a PITA to loosen the pressure line from the condenser; they typically corrode together.

Hint- While the system is discharged, pull the evaporator from under the dash and clean all the lint, hair, leaves and junk out then replace all the 17 year old O-rings and re-assemble. Don't forget to use a little refrigerant oil when reassembling the connections.

When all parts are reassembled, pull a vaccuum on it for 1 hour, shut the valves and make sure it holds vaccuum for another hour. Recharge the system.