AC Conversion and Repair.
OK... I have been doing some work on my A/C System, and figured I should do a write-up. My A/C started cycling on and off last fall, and when I tried to use it this spring, is was completely dead. I lived without for a while, but finally decided to deal with it a few weeks ago. Here is what I have experienced and done.
Step 1, research. My system was R-12, so I knew I needed to pay someone to fix things, or convert it. All of the parts stores seem to carry R-134A conversion kits, but I still wanted to learn a little about it before buying one. At first search, I found site after site that said the conversion kits didn't work. They all had various reasons why, but I soon noticed one common denominator. None of the authors had actually tried one of the conversion kits. They were preaching theory, and what the "experts" said. The problem is, the "experts" are always the companies and shops that want you to pay them $$$ for the parts and labor to do it the "right" way. A little more research revealed that every testimonial I found had found success using the cheap conversion kit. That was enough for me.
So it is time to try the conversion kit. I picked up the EZ Chill RKR-8 kit from Walmart for for around $40. It includes 3 cans of High Mileage R-134a and Oil, trigger dispenser with built-in gauge, adapters and fittings, label, and “How-To” CD.
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The conversion is so easy, my 3 year old could do it. You simply screw on the 2 adapters. Really... that's it.
Next, it is time to charge the system. You attached the trigger/gauge assembly to a can, and plug it in to the low side plug. This is the one that the is by the firewall on the 1.6. You start the car, run the AC on full, and pull the trigger. You need to pause to shake the can every once and a while, but that is it. If it wasn't for a leak I found, I would have been done.
So I had a leak. A big leak. This wasn't a leaky O-ring, this was a gapping hole. It appears I had been sloppy in the adjustment of my hot side intercooler pipe and it was laying right against the condenser. I guess the heat slowly melted through the condenser. Time for a new Condenser.
Channelmaniac was wanting the A/C system out of his future SPEC, so I traded him the labor in ripping it out for the parts that came off. Good Deal!!! I had about a week between knowing that I was replacing the condenser, and having it, and extra time for Titus is always a bad thing. I am a sucker for tools, and I found both an A/C Manifold Gauge Set and an A/C Vacuum Pump on sale at HarborFreight.com. Being that the system had been open to the air for who knows how long, I figured a vacuum was a good idea. The manifold is required to properly use the vacuum. $45 on the C.C. and they were on the way!
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OK, now HF is slow as molasses on shipping. It was 6 days after ordering that I finally got confirmation that the parts where on it's way via stage coach from California. In that time I got the used condenser and had some free time to install it. I had also spent about $3 on a bunch of o-rings, as I figured I might as well replace any old O-ring that i came in contact with. I swore to myself that I was only going to install the condenser. I would wait for the vacuum to arrive before recharging. So then the condenser is installed. And I am staring at the EZ Chill kit with 2 cans of R-134A sitting on the shelf. I'm hot, and I want to feel cold air. What the hell.... I throw a can on there. It works. It may not be as cold as it could be, but it is now working. That was Sunday. It's survived the 45 minutes of stop and go on I-35 at 5pm yesterday and still blows cold.
Today my Vacuum and manifold arrived. If I ever need to replace anything on the system, I will use it, but until then, it will sit in my garage. It is available to rent for $5. ::Clown::
