project7s

iTrader: (5)

I'm I've searched and couldn't find any info. Has any one replaced the ac expansion valve on an 80 with the dealer installed a/c? How hard is it to get to? Thanks

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Its in the evaporator case under the dash on the passenger side. Basically you have to disconnect the AC line fittings on the front of the firewall, and remove the clamps on the evaporator air inlet and outlet and remove the bolts that secure the case to the firewall and dash.

I havent checked lately but I think Four Seasons still offers the valve, its a standard piece found on numerous cars from the period.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Rock Auto has them:

More Information for GPD 3411263

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

They come with two different style fittings, the one shown is flare filltings, make sure you get the right style, (yours is probably flare).

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Thank you for the help. All of the other fittings on my system are flared fittings. So I should be able to remove it without removing the dash?

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Yes, no need to remove the dash, but you will need to take out the golve box though.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Oh ok, thanks. I was really hoping I didn't have to pull the dash

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Well I got it out not to terrible I think the worst part was getting the expansion valve out off the box. I ordered a new one and it should be in Tuesday so we'll see how it is going back together.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Also you would not believe the leaves that was in that box. If any one keeps having leaves come in there blower fan that's where there coming from. Did any of the sa cars have a screen under the wiper panel to keep them out?

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

I dont think so, as i recall its wide open.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Are you planning on replacing the dryer and condenser?

project7s

iTrader: (5)

I have a new drier, and I've ordered a new compressor as well. Which one is the condenser? The one under the dash or in front of the radiator?

CyByrd

I'm glad I'm not the only one who isn't (hard core). I'd gladly add 50lbs for a/c. The heat don't play in Mississippi yo. Folks think ur car is a pos if u have the windows down. It's kinda like a status symbol here. Word!

Sent from my iPad using RX7Club. how bout that!

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Well I was hard core......till that 96 degree heat hit lol then I turned in to a wuss and started putting all the air stuff back on.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

The condenser is the one in front of the radiator.

If you are not on a tight budget you should consider replacing it, especially if your system has been out of service for a while. They tend to get clogged up and ours is on the small side to begin with and if it is not working right you will be disappointed in the performance of your system.

BTW I agree with the hard core part. I have always been obsessed with making my car lighter and have gone to extreme measures to make it lighter, but I refuse to give up the AC. I bought my car without one and suffered for years before I finally added the AC and I will not go back.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

I'll check around and see if I can get a new condenser any where. That would be really disappointing to have put this much time and money in to it so far for it to not be cold.
What about the evaporator? Now that it's out,I blew trough it and it wasn't clogged or anything. I did look for a new one of those and couldn't find it any where.
A little history about the car.before I bought it, it was bone stock and had been sitting in this army guys parents house, in there shed for 15 years, while he moved around. Every thing mechanically was shot except the trans, over the past two years I've replaced everythin, motor, rearend, everything break related, all clutch items, everything fuel wise, exhaust, and before he parked it he had pulled some of the rare LS interior parts out and lost them, which had now been replaced. Long story short I should have started with a different car lol, but I wanted one that was rare and a LS seemed like a good idea, and I've really enjoyed bringing it back.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like an excellent project!!

I have never replaced the evaporator core on mine and it does fine, so as long as it is not clogged and doesn't leak I think you will be good.

And another thing about the condenser coil, what I said above goes double if you are converting to 134. I dont know the science behind it, but I understand the 134 does better with a larger condenser, so if the smallish one on our cars is not @ 100 % then it is even more of a problem.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

It's the evaporator not under as much pressure as the condenser? Yeah I'm planning on using 134 freon.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Since you are going to 134 I suggest trying to get a new condenser at least or do what I did and get a larger one. I found a ac company in that sells systems for street rods and upgrades for older cars. They also sell seperate components. I got their catalog, measured the area ahead of the radiator carefully and got the biggest one that would fit. They had all different configurations so you can get the proper fittings in the proper locations. It was a pita, but my ac cools really well.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Ok since you talked me into, I called every auto place in town with no luck on a new condenser.
I did how ever find a new one on ebay from a company in cali called ccsautoparts for like $260 total. It's supposed to be a direct replacement and will take r12 or 134, so I ordered it and we'll see how it fits when it gets here.
Also every thing I've replaced so far says you can use 134 except the expansion valve. It didn't list any thing, i assume it will be fine?

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

I think it will be fine, In all that I have read about switching from r12 to 134 I have never seen any mention of the expansion valve.

project7s

iTrader: (5)

Ok so I got every thing installed and charged the ac. I noticed two problems, while it is cool it doesn't blow out of the vents worth a dang, like maybe if I were driving for a100 miles it would finally be cold in there.
Is there another blower fan I can use to get more air flow?

Problem 2 I can't turn the compressor on while the car is at idle or it will cut off, now the car has a rb aluminum flywheel, rb Holley and a new but stock 80 alt. I'm thinking one of the three may be the problem just not sure which one.but right now it's an a hole to drive.

luiml73

iTrader: (1)

What does your Holley normally idle at? Nikki's use a throttle opener Our Holleys do not have this function, You might just have to raise your idle a bit, to keep it from shutting off. I too purchased all the AC components for my SA, but have not installed them yet.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

I had the same issue with my idle. I am running webbers and could raise the idle speed so the AC wouldn't kill it but did not like the high idle, so I robbed the idle compensator from the Nikki and adapted it to my carbs, works like a charm. Its a combination of a electric valve that controls a vacuum diaphragm that opens the throttle slightly. It is adjustable so as long as it is adjusted properly my idle speed does not change when the ac comes on.

I also had the weak blower and I have tried everything without much success. I even installed a relay and ran a larger power wire for the positive to the blower motor and installed a new resister block, it may have helped a little but it still feels whimpy.


And since Im talking about my ac mods I also didnt like the way the ac hurt my power so I stole an idea from a ford I had and installed an adjustable vacuum switch that cuts the compressor when I am near full throttle. This really helped the car feel more powerful when using the ac, I hardly notice thats it is on power wise now.

luiml73

iTrader: (1)

Even though I don't have a webber, I'd like to see a pic of how you did this?