In bringing my 88 10th AE online, I need to get the AC system squared away. Many moons ago my 87 had a leak in the evaporator core, but I don't recall if that was a common fault or randomly just that car. I poked around with the search but didn't have much luck, so I figured I'd just ask directly if there is a good place to start.

 

If the A/C hasn't been run for a long time, it is pretty common for the shaft seal on the compressor to fail. As far as common places to find leaks in the A/C system, its more likely you'll find them on the high pressure discharge side due to the higher pressures. But they can be anywhere, need to hunt for them using either UV dye method or with an electronic sniff detector. I prefer the latter method as it's fast & easy, and the cheap sniff detectors you can buy at Harbor Freight for < $40 will do the job.

What's the current status of the A/C on you 10AE? Is it still charged with the original R12 refrigerant? Assuming no electrical issues, if the A/C has at least some refrigerant charge left in the system, you should see the compressor clutch engage, and run the compressor when you turn on the A/C switch & blower fan. If that doesn't happen, most likely all (or almost all) of the refrigerant leaked out

 

I'm not sure when it last worked, but the previous owner had it out in the high desert east of Los Angeles, and I acquired it earlier this year, so I doubt it went terribly long with no working AC. I'll get a cheap sniff detector and I guess plan on shoving R134a in it to get things going. Are compressors etc still available? I have a few NLa parts here like a MAP sensor etc, but nothing for the AC.

 

Unless you know with 100% certainty what it's charged with now (i.e., R12 or R134a), and what lubricant is in there (i.e., mineral oil, PAG or Ester), you should NOT try to just recharge the system with R134a. If it's still an original R12 & mineral oil system, the mineral oil is not miscible with R134a, which means it won't distribute and properly lube the system with R134a. Not to mention mixing the different refrigerants will have weird effects on things.

The Denso or Sanden compressors that were used on the FC are still available on the aftermarket as new or rebuilt parts.

 

I can pump it down to vacuum from the high side to be safe/prep for conversion, correct?

 

Maybe, really depends on what kind of lube in there, that's because.evacuating the system won't pull out all the oil with the refrigerant. What you don't ever want to do is mix mineral oil (used on R12 systems) with PAG lube (typical for R134a systems).

If the car was ever converted to R134a by a competent shop in its past, you should find a sticker indicating as such that also tells you what kind and how much oil & refrigerant was used.

 

It is starting to sound like I should punt to an AC shop vs DIY this if properly evacuating it is this fiddly.

 

Not sure if you can use a micron gauge when pumping down the system, but it is done in HVAC/Refrigeration....not sure what number of microns though? Maybe 500? Shouldn't take long.

If you still haven't found the leak, you could also use soapy bubble solution. HVAC supply houses or plumbing supply houses carry pre made stuff.

Good luck, I deal with refrigerants a good amount of time, it is sometimes hard to trace down a leak..

 

My compressor is locked up solid and ill not turn, so if someone knows where I might find one that would be a great help as I've struck out so far. I'd also like to find a condenser, and the expansion valve for the evaporator if not the whole assembly.

 

I only need a condenser and evaporator core now, found compressor and expansion valve.

 

post here if you get a line on new parts as i need them as well.

 

Rock Auto claims to have compressors and expansion valves in stock.

 

I have those, bought a kit that had compressor, valve and drier.

I need a condenser and evaporator.

 

Does anyone know where to get a replacement for the Nippon Denso compressor? The only ones I can find are the Sanden, which has a different port arrangement so it is not a real replacement.

 

If it's the one with the 4 top holes that the hoses mount on then I got mine from carid.

 

It's this one. Do you have the part number you ordered? I don't see it when I scroll through the list.

 

duplicate, delete me.

 

https://www.carid.com/universal-air-...eid=3865124676

 

Awesome, ordered, I will report back if it fits since it only lists fitment for 1991 but it certainly looks correct.

 

i bought it for my 86. have not tested it but the top ports do line up, it's also listed as a fit for some toyota vehicles.

 

I can confirm that this part worked as a replacement. The AC in my 10th AE now works very well.

 

Very glad to hear you have a/c. I'm ditching power steering, power brakes, and other bits but no way in hell I'm losing my a/c.

 

FYI, while that compressor works, the receiver/dryer in the kit is not correct (it's too small). You'll want to source that separately.