I have a 1980 LS that has the original AC system (that hasn't worked in several years). I want to upgrade the system this year and have started the planning process. I know I'll need to upgrade to R134 and the associated components need to be compatible with it. I was looking at the parts catalog I have for the 80 series SA model cars and find that the section for the AC circuit is missing. The sections I need are 6130, 6140 and 6150 from the number 3 starting location group. I have the parts lists from Wright-here and Foxed.ca but neither one has those sections. I also have the FSM and AC compressor repair manual but neither of those have anything on the AC circuit. If anyone has these sections I would like to get a copy.

As an alternate approach does anyone make "drop-in" or "plug-n-play" replacement AC systems for the SA series cars? I know they make them for older Porsches and a few others but haven't found any for an RX7.

 

https://www.foxed.ca/rx7manual/manua...omp_repair.pdf

https://www.foxed.ca/rx7manual/manua...%20Install.pdf

 

Thanks for the follow up. I have both documents. Neither one has the parts list or even a schematic of the circuit.

 

Mazda had separate catalogs for the AC parts. Basically nothing was available, even in the 90's, so it would really only be good for figuring out what went where

 

Not sure an actual, Rx-7 specific schematic exists. Are you looking for a list of components? There may be a vendor or supplier out there who can supply a kit, but I'm not aware of anyone currently offering one for a 1st gen.

I took the plunge last year to be self sufficient for my growing collection of SA's. I was able to repair and recharge one car and do a complete install on another that never had A/C installed. I did this by sourcing all the needed major OEM components second hand, from other cars that had been parted out. I did use new hoses, as I also bought bulk hose and the needed fittings along with a crimper to make them myself.

I also purchased a set of gauges and vacuum pump and some other various supplies and researched how the whole process works. I was able to get both systems functioning, with temps in the 40-45 degree range in 80 degree ambient temperatures, using R152 for my refrigerant. You won't be making snowballs, but the system blows cold and 35-40 degrees below ambient isn't bad.

In reality, isn't all the hard after the initial learning curve and even the complete install is completely OEM original in appearance. Do you know why it isn't functioning? Assume it a lack of, or low charge? Best case scenario is, its just a bad hose or leaky fitting and needs flushing out, a new hose, some fresh oil and a re-charge. If its a pinhole in the evaporator or condenser it gets more complicated. Thats where if you can't repair it, you are looking for a compatible replacement or another used, good OEM unit.

I'd start by trying to find the reason it lost charge. (the leak source) The best way I found was to make an adaptor, so that I could hook my air compressor up to my charging line on my A/C manifold (A/C gauge set). I just charge the system with a few pounds of pressure and go around the system with a soap and water solution in a spray bottle. Just like finding a leak in a tire. Once identified, you'll have a much better idea of what it will take to fix things.

 

If it helps, here is a page from one of my manuals which shows a diagram of the major A/C components.

 

Thank you, very helpful

 

I think others answered most of your questions. Get a gauge set (Harbor Freight decent ones) and learn how to charge an AC system. Also, use canned air (R152A), it has the same cooling curve as R12 and will work with the stock SA AC components really well and better that n 134. Also when you get the new hoses made (which is a must) make sure they use the latest type that is more flexible and won't let the smaller molecules pass thru that the newer refrigerants are made up of. You can get a lot of the components on rockauto like dryers and things. I redid mine but it leaks down, a task for another day, I suspect my compressor leaks at the pulley somewhere.

@Banzai Good tip on using a compressor to find AC leaks. I was going to use the dye but was holding off because of the mess it might make.

 

hello , I have been looking on the forum About airconditioning for the first.gen. Rx7
I have a car without A/C and started to build it in.
I have al parts exept the wiring from the evaporator to the a/c button and to the extra connector by the blower motor resistor.

is there anybody here with a good picture of this cable?

thanks in advance.

 

What year car are you working on? I believe there are differences in the systems btw SA's and FB's.

 

I have a 1979 car.
have a set of a car at same year
a button for the ac in the vent ****.

i am missing a wire set under the dash. And not sure what to connect
under the hood a relais with wiring to ac pump and Connection to orogonal car wiring.

 

Should be 2 wires coming from the evaporator (blue and yellow w/round bullet connectors). These exit though the fire wall near the coolant lines and go along the fire wall (zip tied to the brake booster hard vacuum pipe) and attach to the A/C relay in the LH corner of the engine bay, over by the voltage regulator.

There is an additional small harness that also attaches to the relay with a 2 prong connector plugging into the harness and a round bullet connector that goes to the clutch on the compressor.





I think the other wire your asking about is just a jumper that plugs into the blower motor. It just connects the 2 leads already in the housing.



An overview of the components for an SA install, not including the hoses.

 

thank you very much.

 

One question , you have the push **** also? Not the micro switch on the side of the housing?

is it correct that there is also a connection with 2, a male and female next to the heather motor.

i have a wire with 2 extra bullet connectors.
witch I believe should be connected to the original 2 inside the car.
( next to heather motor)

 

I have cars with the center, push button on / off button, and earlier built cars that only have the fan speed switch (no center button) otherwise known as the "always on" control. Not sure what you mean by "micro switch by the housing", or the other connector you speak of. Pictures of the two A/C control types, both 79.

 

Sorry , I mean this micro switch witch the always on system should have.

 

The other Connection is , as I understand from the manual , there is a Connexxion with these 2 next to the blower motor

 

That micro switch is mechanically pressed when you slide the vent control lever over to heat or defrost. The wires you pictured with the round bullet connectors I believe would continue over to the micro switch. I think its a way to prevent the A/C from functioning if you have the controls on heat. I'll have to take a look at a car with the later push button **** to see if it has the micro switch or not.

When I installed A/C in a car with the early, "always on" **** I left the micro switch off, as I don't drive my cars in the winter at all. Wouldn't be hard to install however.

 

I looked at two different cars today, both with the later, center push-button A/C on switch. Neither one had a micro switch attached to the side of the center housing. Still assuming the micro switch is an early build feature to inhibit the A/C function since those switches had no push button to separately turn the A/C off or on.

 

I am working on building in the A/C.
however I have this hose. Looks like it is one meter to long?

 

If you can't fit the whole thing in a single picture, it's too long!

That is a 1/2 line that runs from the evaporator to the compressor and only needs to be 33 inches long not counting the fittings.

 

One more question.

I have al parts mounted. A relay bought from riggs vintage. But now I have the strange issue that the choke wil only stay for al Little ,whene I pull it only the first part will be hold. I can not fully leaf it on.also the light is lighly on in the ACknob.
do I push the button, choke fully release.

could this mean the AC relai is broken?

 

@Banzai Would you be able to share the part numbers or a source for the hose connections? I was gonig to just have my AC hoses rebuilt using the old ends but I'd much rather have new ends as well. Thank you.

 

well I have all parts bought on ebay 😬
only the pump new on rock auto.
flare connections on my set.


foto with an good parts Total. I received here

 

Yeah, I have a complete A/C I just just looking to completely rebuild the lines. I haven't looked in a while but last I looked I could only find flares from commercial HVAC systems. (It's been a long time so I my have some details wrong.) I was specifically looking for how the names of the parts are. Maybe I just need to go search again and refresh my memory.