Straightening a bend copper tubing of an air conditioner filled with refrigerant

air-conditioningcopper-tubing

I have a bent copper-tubing of an air conditioner filled with refrigerant that I want to straighten (because I need make some space for mounting a curtain rail). Now, I'm fully aware that it is not recommended to bend/straighten a copper-tubing due to risk of:

  • Leak
  • Cooling inefficiency

Since, I really need to mount that rail. I was hoping that someone could see the attached images of the situation, and tell/guide whether

  • these bends are really severe to cause the risks
  • If so, what are my options to get this tubing straighten

Will being filled with refrigerant (higher inner pressure) would prevent potential kink?


Images description

  • Red circles: are the bends that I want to straighten.

  • Green arrow: shows the desired path of the tubing

  • Box: that the tubing runs into is a large PVC wire channel to get a cleaner look.

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Image: 02

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Best Answer

First, is that electrical box secured or just hanging on its wires? if it is just hanging that needs to be addressed as well.

Then, is there any spare length in the copper pipe, assuming it is covered by the tape stuff? I think the pipes will be too short if you tried to put two 90 bends in them with a pipe bender. Also, copper pipe work hardens so the original bending will have made the pipe harder to bend a second time around.

I would consider making new pipes to meet the proper run you want then refill the system.