CUTLASS OEM 85 vs. 87 V8 A/C Hose Assemblies Not The Same

[69hurstolds]

Although the replacement parts fit both, I never really noticed the differences that the V8 hose assemblies have between the 85 and 88 Cutlass. In 1985, the OEM hoses are SLIGHTLY different than 86-88. Although they mate up and fit the same, the metal line coming out of the muffler bottom to the condenser is slightly smaller in diameter on the 86-88. Additionally, the 85 compressor suction hose is a hair shorter, but the metal tube is slightly longer. It still is the same overall length, but there's more hose on the later hose. Parker was the manufacturer of the hose assemblies, so obviously they used Parker rubber barrier hoses. 80-84 used a slightly different assembly, GM p/n 22505485. The OEM GM part number for 1985 was 22525317. It was a one-year deal for whatever reason. 86-88 was p/n 25526129. The Parker hoses, however, are strange. They used Parker Parflex 80 hoses, which were, at that time, typical hydraulic hoses. I mean, wtf? Both hoses have the black phenolic nut to attach the suction hose to the accumulator. This is how you tell and OEM hose from a replacements. All the OEM 85-88 Parker assemblies have the black phenolic nut and all replacement hoses have metal attachment nuts at the acuumulator. Plus, the replacement hose assemblies, even GM over the counter ones, are R134a compliant.

Four Seasons 55479 is the aftermarket replacement for the 85-88 hose assembly.

Four Seasons 55071 is the aftermarket replacement for the 80-84 hose assembly.

Here's a chart lifted from a place in Ft. Lauderdale that does A/C work and has stuff and supplies. Gives AC Delco and GM part numbers for Cutlass hoses. The PBI part number is the vendor's part number, so never mind that.

 

[69hurstolds]

Everyone likes pics. 1985 hose on top, 1987 hose on bottom. You can see the difference here that the 1985 hose assembly compressor suction hose end that connects to the accumulator has the black plastic nut and a longer metal tube section. Thus, the 1987 hose has 3.25" longer hose piece to make up for the shorter metal fitting piece.

The 1987 OEM hose has the GM part number stamped right on the crimp sleeve. The 1985 version has no part numbers stamped on it.

The 1985 condenser side hose. I removed the foam rubber insulator sleeve and you can see the stampings. Parflex 80, 10mm.

The 1987 condenser side hose. Parflex 80 with 7652 designator stamped on it.