Accumulator replacement on a '78

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Jun 1, 2013 | 08:30 AM

wptski

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From: Warren MI

Accumulator replacement on a '78

Right now I'm not really sure if I'm going to need to convert to R134A.

I know one thing for sure, one needs to replace the accumulator at least. I've search this forum and didn't anything on a '78. Some posts were about cutting a hole in the wheel well!

Anyone replace one on a '78 without cutting a hole? I know that large fittings need large/long wrenches!

Jun 1, 2013 | 08:41 AM

78anniversary

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From: Rockford MI

I took my car in to an A/C mechanic to have my system redone. He accessed and replaced the accumulator from under the car. No cutting required. There is a removable access panel down there behind the wheel well.

Jun 1, 2013 | 08:46 AM

wptski

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From: Warren MI

Thank you!

Jun 1, 2013 | 08:53 AM

mds3013

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I used a cut off 10in. and wide jaw 8in. Crescent style wrenches. From the bottom as 78anniversary stated. I got lucky and found a one piece accumulator. Lubricate the threads, nut and o-ring with the proper oil for your refrigerant and the tightening process will go easier. The positioning of the part and hose will turn as you tighten the connection. I start with them a little counter clockwise so when I tighten them they turn into the proper alignment. The second pic. shows the splash shield you need to remove. You will also have the remove the pass. side rocker cover to access the side bolts for the shield. If you can stay with R12. It works well and is not hard to get. mike...

Last edited by mds3013; Jun 1, 2013 at 09:11 AM.

Jun 1, 2013 | 10:31 AM

wptski

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From: Warren MI

Haven't worked on any AC since the eighties and it was my '78. Had to have a memory refresh on AC's.

I have five 12oz cans of R12 and it's not empty just low, I "think". If R134A is $15-$20 for 12oz cans around here, what's the price of R12? Easy to find, are you sure?

Jun 1, 2013 | 02:26 PM

mds3013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wptski

Haven't worked on any AC since the eighties and it was my '78. Had to have a memory refresh on AC's.

I have five 12oz cans of R12 and it's not empty just low, I "think". If R134A is $15-$20 for 12oz cans around here, what's the price of R12? Easy to find, are you sure?

WalMart has R134a for $9.97. EBAY has R-12 but CL may be a better price. Not too many people have a use for R-12 anymore. I would rather keep the system as it was designed rather than change over. Just me. If you are going to change the accumulator then you are going to have to remove the existing charge and pull a vacuum. If it is just low and is charged with R-12 then I would top it off with R-12 and run it. If you need to replace the accumulator I would recharge it with R-12. I will purchase your R-12 if you do not have a need for it. mike...

Last edited by mds3013; Jun 1, 2013 at 02:30 PM.

Jun 1, 2013 | 03:48 PM

calwldlife

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From: Southern Cal Ca

St. Jude Donor '22

I did it from under neath.
should have removed
over flow and air claener stuff.

Jun 1, 2013 | 05:28 PM

wptski

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From: Warren MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by mds3013

I was just asking about the accumulator removal, no plan to changeover to R134A yet. Had a bit of bad luck today as a charging hose loosen up somehow or I didn't tighten it down enough and I lost good part of the R12 charge that I had! At first I thought that I had a massive leak all of a sudden. Will be double and triple checking the hoses from now on.