OSU1984DDS

i am trying to find out if there is more than one choice in air conditioning system condensors. i have a 1983 gsl and am being told they are no longer available. if i cant locate one, what are the odds of being able to just flush the existing one? does it have to be removed from the car to be flushed? i know these are elementary questions but i am just a novice when it comes to these things, thanks for your help,,mike

OSU1984DDS

is there an aftermarket condensor that will fit my car? if not ,what are the chances a good flushing will cure the problem? i have already replaced the compressor, i have a new expansion valve as well as drier and evaporator waiting to be installed. thanks in advance for any input or if you even have a usable condensor for sale i would be grateful, thanks ,mike

Zero10

The chances would be better if we had any idea what the problem was. Did you suffer a compressor failure?

OSU1984DDS

i will try to give a history of the problem as it developed. i bought the 1983 gsl in feb. of this year, after cleaning the gas tank and changing the fuel pump and fuel filter, plugs, wires, filters all around, the car ran like it was still 1983. had the air conditioning system charged in may, the dealer said they didnt think it would hold the charge since it had been so long since it had worked, cool air lasted about one month, then only warm air. changed the compressor but no cold air, have it being looked at now at a shop i trust and they found the evaporator all clogged up with little pellets from i think they said the dryer. so i plan on a new dryer, evap. expansion valve, and am having trouble finding a condensor. they are not sure if they can flush the original one but will try and see how it goes. i am not the most mechanically inclined when it comes to cars, i like them, i drive them, but dont really know much more than that. i am learning, and reading all i can, i may at least develop a working knowledge of the terminology of how things work, but its going slowly. so any advice , input, and even any well deserved jokes about my lack of technical ability will be welcomed..regards,,mike

Zero10

Sounds like the receiver/dryer came apart, the dessicant bag failed and distributed the pellets through your system. The expansion valve needs to be replaced, but the evaporator, lines and condenser can be flushed/cleaned. The receiver/dryer obviously also needed to be replaced, but it may have been that the compressor itself was fine. Since it has been replaced already at least you are working with a known good compressor (hopefully...)

Given how many places the system will need to be opened to complete these repairs, make sure it is thoroughly checked for leaks afterwards (sniffer + UV dye is best).

Just curious, but what did they charge the system with? They can't charge the system with R12 if they suspect it has a leak, so did they use R134A? If so, I believe that one of the oils used with R134A is incompatible with the old dessicant bags and that is what caused it to fail. If this was a Mazda dealership they should have known better and in my opinion they should be on the hook for at least part of the repairs if this is the case.

When they replaced the compressor they should have had high/low gauges on the system to verify its operation after replacement, and at that time they should have noticed the high/low pressures would be way out of wack and hunted for the problem, not requiring a second visit to another shop to diagnose the problem. I'll refrain from passing personal judgement on the dealership at this point, but I wouldn't return there ever.

OSU1984DDS

thanks zero ten for the advice, i felt the dealership may have caused an issue as they were rather quick to say nothing could be done to help my system. they did indeed use R134, and a short time after that i heard a strange noise that must have been the pellets flowing through my system? i have a new receiver/dryer, expansion valve, and hopefully a new evaporator so i just have to hope all will sort itself out once everything is flushed and new parts are in place.

Zero10

The evaporator is a bit of a PITA to replace which is why I suggested that it can be flushed. Of course replacing components is always safer, so if you've already bought the parts and are willing to put in the time then you might as well replace it too.


I thought I remembered reading somewhere about a TSB or some other form of dealership communication specifically advising against putting R134 in our A/C systems due to the risk of desiccant bag failures, but I can't find that right now... If anybody else knows where that is then you might able to return to the dealership armed with it and have some of the repairs paid for.

OSU1984DDS

that would be a valuable piece of paper to show to the mazda dealer, stadium mazda of boardman,ohio. do evaporators ever develop leaks? mine when i took it out showed evidence of the green dye they used to check the system, but it really didnt look that bad to me, but im a dentist, not a mechanic, and this is a whole new world of doing stuff on cars, but it can be relaxing and i just hope i dont create bigger issues for my car by trying to learn how to do stuff myself. i even have a physician friend who collects ford pintos and does all the work himself. i will stick to my rx7 for now.