I got me a 86 base rx7. I just went to recharge my AC myself. Got a 134a recharge kit. I kno the system runs R12 but couldnt find any and i heard it is best to switch. Anywho i leaked my system of old R12, but there wasnt any in it...ok, so i put the adapter on and started filling up my system, all seemed well...AC compressor kicked on once i started filling it up as normal. But then i noticed a leak where the lines go on top of the compressor. Can i replace this with a gasket or is there O rings that go there? Anyone have this problem? I heard i gotta change something if my sytem was left open. Some help would be nice, it's getting hott as hell out here. Thanks

 

Fix all your leaks. Replace all your o-rings. You must then pull a vacuum on the system before you recharge it.

Your system will do better with Freeze12, available on ebay, than using R134a. If you search, you will find lots of threads with lots of good and bad info. Basically, our systems are not designed well for 134a and do not do well with conversions to 134a. Freeze12 is much closer to R12 performance and pressures. But you must have a tight leak-free system first.

 

First, try and stay away from the 134 as you will loose about 10% cooling, and it is not compatable with the mineral oil used in R12 systems. It is also very different from a molecular standpoint in that it will leak out easier, even through the hoses as they are not lined.
As above, first find the leak and repair, pull a vauum, which must be done to void the system of any moisture, then if all ok, charge it up. I've never tried the Freeze 12, as I still use R12, but from what I hear it works fine.

 

i searched. i already ran out and bought 3 cans of R134a...i dont wanna waste it... I guess i will try the Freeze12. I found my leak, it leaks out on top were the two houses mount on top of the AC compressor. i can take a pic of it, but if you kno what im talking about. Is it safe to unbolt it and pull it off? Does it have a gasket or O rings? Will i need to replace my accumulator/drier or whatever that thing is? What vacuum would i pull?

 

Return the 134a. if you haven't opened them, you can return them.


It uses orings. You can buy some replacements at parts stores. Replace the reciever-dryer. I can tell you that orielly's and autozone both have the wrong part in thier database. http://www.blackdragonauto.com/ will have the correct part. It is not listed on the web site, but it is in the catalogue. They have an 800 number on the web site.

You should pull a vacuum of at least 28 in. hg., preferably up to 29+. It should hold that vacuum overnight. If it doesn't hold, you still have leaks.
Only use mineral oil or Ester oil in your system. NO PAG oil ever in a system that has had R12.

 

i bought the 134a in a kit...oh well, umm so what vac line? im not sure of what one to pull. What size are the O rings? Thanks

 

the reciever-dryer you speak of...do you mean accumulator - drier? i found one on aircoparts.com

 

What we're speaking of is a Vacuum Pump. It is attached to the gauges which are in turn connected to the lines. The pump will create a vacuum in the system of @ 29". This will boil the condensation out and then it will be ready for a charge, if it holds vacuum after the pump is shut off.

 

oh... where can i get a vacuum pump? Mine came with a little trigger thing with a guage that i plug the bottle to...will that work?

 

Those recharge/conversion kits are known in the auto a/c business(MACS) as 'Death Kits'. In inexperienced hands they can destroy your compressor.

You can take your chances, but I have found that many of the parts stores use a common database; oriellys and autozone have identical parts numbers on a/c parts and on catalytic converters. If your aircoparts.com uses the same one, you're screwed.

You can rent a vacuum pump at autozone. They make you pay a full deposit for the pump, then you return it withing 90 days and they give you all your money back. You also need to rent/borrow/own a set of guages.

You may in be a little over your head on this...

Here is a link that has some auto a/c basics. Read it through. It is very helpful to refresh and add to your knowledge before starting this project

http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...&threadid=9179

Here is a link that has a really good proceedure to follow.

http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...&threadid=7931



Be careful and good luck

 

how much would i be looking at to spend if i did it myself vs. taking it in to have a professional do it for me?

 

make friends with your home a/c repair man and he will do it on the side for you for pretty cheap i cant tell you how many people ask me to do side jobs i cut them a good deal some times unless its a pain in the *** i.e. removing the whole dash to replace a coil.