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Post by 86STAust on Jan 13, 2005 8:30:22 GMT -5
Hi there - I'm installing Air Conditioning into my 1986 St Celica - which has never had A/C. I purchased what appears to be a complete A/C unit from an 87 ST. So technically should be no prob fitting it.
But - is there anything I should be careful of before I shove it into place? Or should I just shoot first and ask questions later?
I've been told that regassing the system will be required once I've put all the pieces in - so perhaps it's just a matter of getting the regassing professionals to do any tricky pressure testing etc..?
thanks for any advice you may have
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Post by blck87gtconv on Jan 13, 2005 11:39:30 GMT -5
Are you sure the have the entire system? There's WAY more to it than just the compressor and condensor. Let's not forget about all the plumbing involved.
I just have this feeling that you're in farther than you realize.
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Post by White87GT on Jan 13, 2005 12:10:11 GMT -5
A few points that'll help..... 1. Replace every o-ring in the system, no matter what. 2. You'll have to replace the climate controls unless they are already set up for A/C. 3. There is an A/C computer somewhere, I think. Might be ECU controlled though. 4. Be NICE to the lines. They never want to fit together, but they cannot be bent in any way or they will not function. 5. You might have to add wiring for the compressor. Should be there though. 6. When you recharge it (which is nessecary) go ahead and get it converted to R-134. If your not sure what you are doing, you might want to just have a professional install it. You've at least aquired all of the parts for it.
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Post by 86STAust on Jan 13, 2005 19:28:22 GMT -5
Thanks White87GT, I'll definetly be following your advice and replacing all o-rings.
I did a visual check and I'm fairly certain I have all the parts: A/C radiator condensor + gas cylinder, compressor motor, a large plastic box with evaporative metal cooling grill inside (there's an electrical computer board attached to this box with the neccessary plugs/wiring coming off it) - this box goes inside cabin behind glovebox (RHD car). Plus all the plumbing and brackets. I also now have a dashboard A/C button which appears to just click into an existing slot! Easy as..
Only thing missing I think is a new larger fan belt. No idea what size to buy for this. Should I just measure the distance/size needed with a piece of string and buy one from any autoparts store?
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Post by White87GT on Jan 13, 2005 23:08:50 GMT -5
Thanks White87GT, I'll definetly be following your advice and replacing all o-rings. I did a visual check and I'm fairly certain I have all the parts: A/C radiator condensor + gas cylinder, compressor motor, a large plastic box with evaporative metal cooling grill inside (there's an electrical computer board attached to this box with the neccessary plugs/wiring coming off it) - this box goes inside cabin behind glovebox (RHD car). Plus all the plumbing and brackets. I also now have a dashboard A/C button which appears to just click into an existing slot! Easy as.. Only thing missing I think is a new larger fan belt. No idea what size to buy for this. Should I just measure the distance/size needed with a piece of string and buy one from any autoparts store? Should be able to just walk in and tell them that your car has A/C and they should be able to look it up.
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Post by blck87gtconv on Jan 14, 2005 17:48:30 GMT -5
btw.. your car has no fan belt. It has an alternator belt, a timing belt, and a power steering belt only.
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Post by 86STAust on Jan 14, 2005 22:05:14 GMT -5
Yes, I was using the term "fan belt" too loosley - my apologies! I've now bought a new alternator/crankshaft belt to accomodate the A/C compressor without a problem.
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Post by racerb on Jan 14, 2005 23:30:03 GMT -5
Hey if you come across any extra parts that your missing, give me a chance to help you. I've got 2 complete systems I've removed from both my cars, might be able hook you up if needed. Don't forget to purge the system completely, and use the best compressor oil you can get, be a bitch if it were to lockup on you first time out. Talk to a good AC tech before you charge the system, so he can check it for leaks, reclaiming freon is a major pain. racerb
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Post by 86STAust on Jan 18, 2005 21:59:09 GMT -5
Thankyou for the offer racerb - but I'm afraid it wouldn't work, because I'm in Sydney Australia!
And my "ST" is in fact a GT 3s-fe.
Has anyone converted their A/C system to a different gas than r12 - but without changing to a newer oil - ie keeping the r12 compliant mineral oil?
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Post by White87GT on Jan 18, 2005 22:51:49 GMT -5
Thankyou for the offer racerb - but I'm afraid it wouldn't work, because I'm in Sydney Australia! And my "ST" is in fact a GT 3s-fe. Has anyone converted their A/C system to a different gas than r12 - but without changing to a newer oil - ie keeping the r12 compliant mineral oil? I did that, but then I had a compressor problem. It was then charged by a shop, not sure what they did, and I still have a compressor problem.
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Post by Jeremy on Jan 21, 2005 21:04:17 GMT -5
yea man you have to take your dash off & install the AC evaporator.,
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Post by jg24Chris on Jan 27, 2005 12:13:42 GMT -5
Generally speaking when you buy the conversion kit it comes with the oil for 134a along with the different fittings for recharging the system. I don't know about Aus. but here in the US, R12 is rarely availabe and when it is, it's too expensive to justify using it.
And while we are on the subject to test for leaks you need to pull a vacuum any way. That will pull the oil out to some extent. If they charge you for freon to test; you can get quite a bit of money in the States by turning them in for violating the EPA clean air act.
I have an A/C license but can't afford 300 bucks for R12.
-Chris
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Post by jg24Chris on Jan 27, 2005 12:38:42 GMT -5
Some of the oldest scams in the US, related to A/C:
1) We had to replace the R12 in your system. -Nope, R12 is no longer manufactured and MUST be recycled. Whatever they pull out can be put back in.
2) We charged you for 6 pounds of freon because we had to test for leaks. -Nope venting R12 is illegal and will result in a $25,000 fine and 10 grand to you for turning them in. R12 depletes the ozone (bullshit) and R134 adds to the greenhouse effect.
-Nitrogen will work for a pressure test. A vacuum is the preferred method. Nitrogen is also cheap, you can use R22 for testing but, you will then need to change out the filter drier.
3) The freon was worn out. Or change your freon every year or so. I see this one all the time.
-Nope, freon NEVER wears out. If your system isn't as cool as it used to be, you have a leak. When freon is recycled all you are doing is removing the moisture. If the system is properly sealed moisture can not get in.
-Always replace o-rings even if you think they are good.
-Yep cause Murphy's Law will kick your ass, any time you think it will hold, it will fail.
Most cars will only take 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of freon. Keep this in mind to keep from being over charged, both literally and finacially.
The local Ford dealer tried to charge me for 6 pounds of R12. (4 pounds to test for leaks) Stupid son of a bitch wrote it on the bill! It was like $600.00 with the new expansion valve. I told them "Let's forget the bill and I get it all for free, or I turn you into the EPA and you pay the fine". I didn't pay a dime.
Turning them it takes time and we all know how the Govenment works.
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Post by 86STAust on Jan 27, 2005 20:46:43 GMT -5
Thank you all for the replies. Update - I installed the complete A/C system. PAG was oil placed in the compressor (replacing the original mineral oil). New receiver/drier installed. Had the system charged and updated to R134a - and tested for leaks. Didn't cost too much ($250AU for A/C unit, $70AU for receiver/drier, $145AU for gassing/conversion and testing for leaks = Total of $465AU + my time, so far). The problem (as already stated recently on 4th Gen Repair Help Forum): A/C Light Flashing - compressor not kicking in « Thread started on: Today(27 Jan 05) at 08:59am » <br> "...Everything seemed to be fine - except that when I turn the A/C on while the engine is running the button light flashes and the compressor does not engage (and no change in Revs) and there is no cold air. The local mechanic did some small amount of testing and they think it is a problem with the A/C computer module (not the compressor or pressure valve), but are generally unsure." So I'm still working on it!
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Post by Jeremy on Jan 27, 2005 21:29:40 GMT -5
Some of the oldest scams in the US, related to A/C: 1) We had to replace the R12 in your system. -Nope, R12 is no longer manufactured and MUST be recycled. Whatever they pull out can be put back in. Just wanted to correct you there I am EPA certified & I charge r12 systems everyday. R12 is still produced it's just controlled. We order R12 about once every other month. The business needs to have a special license to buy R12. In the US you have to be licensed or EPA certified in refrigerent to touch anything but R134a. You cannot even hookup a set of gauges without certification. You are right about the fines tho & for turnign ppl in you get 10G's. I should have turned my ex-boss in, he had 3 techs there that wasn't certified & they handled R12 everyday.
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