A/C Charging with Easy Cheap Safe Alternative Refrigerant
Hotdog,
I might have some spare hoses, you looking for nipondenso or the other compressor for connection type? They are different.
Last edited by turbowash; Sep 20, 2013 at 12:21 PM.
A/C Fix
152a is the answer to cold A/C, 36* @ the center vent.
I was tired of sourcing a MANA drier. I converted to a generic one similar to what Jack posted on pg. 1 or 2 in this thread. I have a friend who is in the business create a couple of jumper hoses from the drier to existing set-up. He also pressure tested my condenser for me.
New compressor and "O" rings throughout.
My FD is a '93' and the FSM calls for 21.2 ozs. of refrigerant. The molecular wgt. of 152a as oppose to R12 is .56% X 21.2=11.8 ozs.
After 7 yrs. w/o A/C, I finally found out I have a fan speed problem. #2,3,4 blow warm. I was able to remedy this issue with a search; "air conditioning fix"/linnadawg.
Thanks, Jack.
I was tired of sourcing a MANA drier. I converted to a generic one similar to what Jack posted on pg. 1 or 2 in this thread. I have a friend who is in the business create a couple of jumper hoses from the drier to existing set-up. He also pressure tested my condenser for me.
New compressor and "O" rings throughout.
My FD is a '93' and the FSM calls for 21.2 ozs. of refrigerant. The molecular wgt. of 152a as oppose to R12 is .56% X 21.2=11.8 ozs.
After 7 yrs. w/o A/C, I finally found out I have a fan speed problem. #2,3,4 blow warm. I was able to remedy this issue with a search; "air conditioning fix"/linnadawg.
Thanks, Jack.
so Im about to ask a question that might have already been asked and answered but I don't have time or the patience to read through 11 pages. I am very mechanical but have no clue about a/c units/compressors.....so be nice
I got a 89 t2 with only 48k on the clock. the A/C does not blow cold and in fact im not even sure if it works. there is no click or different noise when I push the a/c button on the console so I don't know if the a/c clutch/compressor is engaging/working. my first thought was re charge the system but after reading the first page it seems like I shouldn't just buy any old re charge off the shelf. I also checked and there is "some" pressure, maybe like 5-10lbs, coming from the line.
before I go mess something up that I have no idea about I figured it would be best to ask what I should do first. I live in the PNW where most days I wouldn't need a/c anyways but it has been rather warm for are area for the last 2 months and Im sick of sweating my booty off.
I got a 89 t2 with only 48k on the clock. the A/C does not blow cold and in fact im not even sure if it works. there is no click or different noise when I push the a/c button on the console so I don't know if the a/c clutch/compressor is engaging/working. my first thought was re charge the system but after reading the first page it seems like I shouldn't just buy any old re charge off the shelf. I also checked and there is "some" pressure, maybe like 5-10lbs, coming from the line.
before I go mess something up that I have no idea about I figured it would be best to ask what I should do first. I live in the PNW where most days I wouldn't need a/c anyways but it has been rather warm for are area for the last 2 months and Im sick of sweating my booty off.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 845
Likes: 38
From: Oscoda, MI
The original refrigerant is likely R-12, and lack of refrigerant is the reason the compressor is not engaging; the low-pressure cut-off switch has activated. I strongly recommend that you have the car taken to a certified shop that handles Automotive AC and have them recover the refrigerant, check for leaks, and refill with R-12 if possible.
Otherwise, if you want to change to a different refrigerant, have a shop recover what refrigerant is left in the system first (do not vent R-12 to the atmosphere), then take apart and change out all the o-rings to the newer green ones lubricated with refrigerant oil or nylog blue (R-134a and alternative refrigerants) or red (R-12 if you go back to it), and replace the drier/receiver. Also, check the AC compressor hoses for cracks/damage and have them rebuilt with barrier hose if needed (for R-134a, it's recomended)
To be thorough, you can also replace the condensor with a larger parallel flow one for better efficiency and put in a high-low-pressure cut-off switch, install conversion fittings, change out the refrigerant oil in the compressor with Ester and flush the lines. The original compressor should handle the newer refrigerants fine.
Otherwise, if you want to change to a different refrigerant, have a shop recover what refrigerant is left in the system first (do not vent R-12 to the atmosphere), then take apart and change out all the o-rings to the newer green ones lubricated with refrigerant oil or nylog blue (R-134a and alternative refrigerants) or red (R-12 if you go back to it), and replace the drier/receiver. Also, check the AC compressor hoses for cracks/damage and have them rebuilt with barrier hose if needed (for R-134a, it's recomended)
To be thorough, you can also replace the condensor with a larger parallel flow one for better efficiency and put in a high-low-pressure cut-off switch, install conversion fittings, change out the refrigerant oil in the compressor with Ester and flush the lines. The original compressor should handle the newer refrigerants fine.
Um thanks. All that sounds really expensive. Not trying spend a lot to get this working. I will make some calls though about getting it recharged. I don't need it to blow super cold air, but something less then warm would be better then nothing lol.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
In your shoes, I would charge with *ONE* can of R152a. If the system runs and cools, you are golden. If it doesn't, you haven't lost any ground. Then take the long road.
Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
152a is the answer to cold A/C, 36* @ the center vent.
I was tired of sourcing a MANA drier. I converted to a generic one similar to what Jack posted on pg. 1 or 2 in this thread. I have a friend who is in the business create a couple of jumper hoses from the drier to existing set-up. He also pressure tested my condenser for me.
New compressor and "O" rings throughout.
My FD is a '93' and the FSM calls for 21.2 ozs. of refrigerant. The molecular wgt. of 152a as oppose to R12 is .56% X 21.2=11.8 ozs.
After 7 yrs. w/o A/C, I finally found out I have a fan speed problem. #2,3,4 blow warm. I was able to remedy this issue with a search; "air conditioning fix"/linnadawg.
Thanks, Jack.
I was tired of sourcing a MANA drier. I converted to a generic one similar to what Jack posted on pg. 1 or 2 in this thread. I have a friend who is in the business create a couple of jumper hoses from the drier to existing set-up. He also pressure tested my condenser for me.
New compressor and "O" rings throughout.
My FD is a '93' and the FSM calls for 21.2 ozs. of refrigerant. The molecular wgt. of 152a as oppose to R12 is .56% X 21.2=11.8 ozs.
After 7 yrs. w/o A/C, I finally found out I have a fan speed problem. #2,3,4 blow warm. I was able to remedy this issue with a search; "air conditioning fix"/linnadawg.
Thanks, Jack.
If the system is still slighly pressurized, then none of the worst things have happened to the system-it likely doesn't have moisture in it, and you haven't lost any oil.
In your shoes, I would charge with *ONE* can of R152a. If the system runs and cools, you are golden. If it doesn't, you haven't lost any ground. Then take the long road.
Good Luck.
In your shoes, I would charge with *ONE* can of R152a. If the system runs and cools, you are golden. If it doesn't, you haven't lost any ground. Then take the long road.
Good Luck.
Doesn't it need to refrigerant? Or do I not know what I'm talking about. I thought there was a difference in the stuff you use on keyboards and such and the stuff you use put in your ac unit.
The term Refrigerant covers many fluids, including Carbon Dioxide.
The can will tell you if it has R152a (diflouroethane) in it. Doesn't hurt to jog down to your local Staples or Officemax to check.
It's confusing at first, but this is the secret not many people know - which means incredible savings for you.
The can will tell you if it has R152a (diflouroethane) in it. Doesn't hurt to jog down to your local Staples or Officemax to check.
It's confusing at first, but this is the secret not many people know - which means incredible savings for you.
MECP Certified Installer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Mesquite, TX-DFW
Pick up a can of duster, read the ingredient label. If it says diflouroethane, then there you go.
Wondering if anyone in the DMV area would be willing to help me do this sort of conversion to my FD... Ive called plenty of shops in my area and nobody seems to understand what I want, so of course I'm not willing to let them work on my car lol
I'll pay and provide food and drink
I'll pay and provide food and drink
Awesome story
So I was having a terrible day. I was already late for work because my house was flooding with a backed up sewer (not a toilet, the sewer was actually backing up in my damn house). So that got taken care of and all cleaned up (thankfully I was able to contain the flow before it got to the carpet). So I go out to get in my car and drive off and realized I had a dead battery from leaving my laptop plugged in (and on) for a few days. So I jump started the car and headed out to work. So far, I'm pretty disgruntled. I get halfway to work when I get cut off by a crown Victoria on 22" wheels, followed by him slamming on the brakes. He whips his car over to the next lane, so I start to go ahead and speed up, but didn't see why he nearly locked his brakes up. Something is in the road ahead, and now I don't have time to stop, nor can I move over because traffic was already flying around me from the idiot that slowed my lane down. So... I run right over it. My car is lowered, so naturally it gets stuck under my car as I drag it to a stop on the side of the road (people were quite upset now).
So I get out, get the jack out and pull some sort of electric pump that is covered in oil out from under my car. It pushed the radiator up and back some. I have a v-mount, so now I'm furious. An already awful, shitty day has just turned worse. Pissed as all hell, I grab the jack and that oily pump and throw it in my trunk and go on in to work. The next morning when I get home I realize my bumper and trunk lid is coated in oil. Immediately I fear that I have broken my oil cooler (as I already inspected the damage done to the radiator, which holds coolant just fine). Upon further inspection, the engine is still dry. So I pop the trunk to find that the pump I had thrown in there leaked more oil out, and it was just getting caught up in the turbulence as it dripped out. I grabbed the pump and almost tossed it in the dumpster, but curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see what it was and if it still worked.
After a little research, I find out that it's an electric vacuum pump for air conditioning systems! Hell yeah! And yes, despite being ran over, it does still work. Much better than the venturi pump from harbor freight.
So I was having a terrible day. I was already late for work because my house was flooding with a backed up sewer (not a toilet, the sewer was actually backing up in my damn house). So that got taken care of and all cleaned up (thankfully I was able to contain the flow before it got to the carpet). So I go out to get in my car and drive off and realized I had a dead battery from leaving my laptop plugged in (and on) for a few days. So I jump started the car and headed out to work. So far, I'm pretty disgruntled. I get halfway to work when I get cut off by a crown Victoria on 22" wheels, followed by him slamming on the brakes. He whips his car over to the next lane, so I start to go ahead and speed up, but didn't see why he nearly locked his brakes up. Something is in the road ahead, and now I don't have time to stop, nor can I move over because traffic was already flying around me from the idiot that slowed my lane down. So... I run right over it. My car is lowered, so naturally it gets stuck under my car as I drag it to a stop on the side of the road (people were quite upset now).
So I get out, get the jack out and pull some sort of electric pump that is covered in oil out from under my car. It pushed the radiator up and back some. I have a v-mount, so now I'm furious. An already awful, shitty day has just turned worse. Pissed as all hell, I grab the jack and that oily pump and throw it in my trunk and go on in to work. The next morning when I get home I realize my bumper and trunk lid is coated in oil. Immediately I fear that I have broken my oil cooler (as I already inspected the damage done to the radiator, which holds coolant just fine). Upon further inspection, the engine is still dry. So I pop the trunk to find that the pump I had thrown in there leaked more oil out, and it was just getting caught up in the turbulence as it dripped out. I grabbed the pump and almost tossed it in the dumpster, but curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see what it was and if it still worked.
After a little research, I find out that it's an electric vacuum pump for air conditioning systems! Hell yeah! And yes, despite being ran over, it does still work. Much better than the venturi pump from harbor freight.
Awesome story
So I was having a terrible day. I was already late for work because my house was flooding with a backed up sewer (not a toilet, the sewer was actually backing up in my damn house). So that got taken care of and all cleaned up (thankfully I was able to contain the flow before it got to the carpet). So I go out to get in my car and drive off and realized I had a dead battery from leaving my laptop plugged in (and on) for a few days. So I jump started the car and headed out to work. So far, I'm pretty disgruntled. I get halfway to work when I get cut off by a crown Victoria on 22" wheels, followed by him slamming on the brakes. He whips his car over to the next lane, so I start to go ahead and speed up, but didn't see why he nearly locked his brakes up. Something is in the road ahead, and now I don't have time to stop, nor can I move over because traffic was already flying around me from the idiot that slowed my lane down. So... I run right over it. My car is lowered, so naturally it gets stuck under my car as I drag it to a stop on the side of the road (people were quite upset now).
So I get out, get the jack out and pull some sort of electric pump that is covered in oil out from under my car. It pushed the radiator up and back some. I have a v-mount, so now I'm furious. An already awful, shitty day has just turned worse. Pissed as all hell, I grab the jack and that oily pump and throw it in my trunk and go on in to work. The next morning when I get home I realize my bumper and trunk lid is coated in oil. Immediately I fear that I have broken my oil cooler (as I already inspected the damage done to the radiator, which holds coolant just fine). Upon further inspection, the engine is still dry. So I pop the trunk to find that the pump I had thrown in there leaked more oil out, and it was just getting caught up in the turbulence as it dripped out. I grabbed the pump and almost tossed it in the dumpster, but curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see what it was and if it still worked.
After a little research, I find out that it's an electric vacuum pump for air conditioning systems! Hell yeah! And yes, despite being ran over, it does still work. Much better than the venturi pump from harbor freight.
So I was having a terrible day. I was already late for work because my house was flooding with a backed up sewer (not a toilet, the sewer was actually backing up in my damn house). So that got taken care of and all cleaned up (thankfully I was able to contain the flow before it got to the carpet). So I go out to get in my car and drive off and realized I had a dead battery from leaving my laptop plugged in (and on) for a few days. So I jump started the car and headed out to work. So far, I'm pretty disgruntled. I get halfway to work when I get cut off by a crown Victoria on 22" wheels, followed by him slamming on the brakes. He whips his car over to the next lane, so I start to go ahead and speed up, but didn't see why he nearly locked his brakes up. Something is in the road ahead, and now I don't have time to stop, nor can I move over because traffic was already flying around me from the idiot that slowed my lane down. So... I run right over it. My car is lowered, so naturally it gets stuck under my car as I drag it to a stop on the side of the road (people were quite upset now).
So I get out, get the jack out and pull some sort of electric pump that is covered in oil out from under my car. It pushed the radiator up and back some. I have a v-mount, so now I'm furious. An already awful, shitty day has just turned worse. Pissed as all hell, I grab the jack and that oily pump and throw it in my trunk and go on in to work. The next morning when I get home I realize my bumper and trunk lid is coated in oil. Immediately I fear that I have broken my oil cooler (as I already inspected the damage done to the radiator, which holds coolant just fine). Upon further inspection, the engine is still dry. So I pop the trunk to find that the pump I had thrown in there leaked more oil out, and it was just getting caught up in the turbulence as it dripped out. I grabbed the pump and almost tossed it in the dumpster, but curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see what it was and if it still worked.
After a little research, I find out that it's an electric vacuum pump for air conditioning systems! Hell yeah! And yes, despite being ran over, it does still work. Much better than the venturi pump from harbor freight.
Be sure and get some more vacuum pump oil and refill the reservoir on the pump, or it won't work correctly. It uses that oil to seal and keep gasses from flowing back into the system once removed.
I got lucky and found a lab-grade vacuum pump for a reasonable price on eBay years ago. The listing didn't have a lot of info, but it did have the model number. I decided I would gamble that I could make it work for AC stuff. After a little effort to adapt it to the right fittings, the thing has been awesome. It can pull some ridiculous vacuum.
This is perhaps the best read ive read yet. Kudos to jackhild59 for sure.
I found the stuff at home depot and since there are a million home depots around me ill be getting some soon.
Heres the stuff I found
Attachment 541742
http://m.homedepot.com/p/CRC-8-oz-Co...5-6/100206489/
Here are the specs of it
http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/prod....aspx?id=05185
I found the stuff at home depot and since there are a million home depots around me ill be getting some soon.
Heres the stuff I found
Attachment 541742
http://m.homedepot.com/p/CRC-8-oz-Co...5-6/100206489/
Here are the specs of it
http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/prod....aspx?id=05185
You'll get it cheaper here (If you're doing 2 cars or want extra just in case):
