After replacing the VIR-accumulator/dryer assembly $100 and filling with new oil, draining the compressor and adding new oil, paying $100 to flush out the lines/evaporator/condenser, paying $20 to evacuate the entire system, and then adding a R134a/ester oil charge ($10) to bring total oil to 10oz, and 3 more cans of R134a ($5 each) my total cost was $245.

The lowest temp I have recorded from my vents during 100 degree weather is 48 degrees :( I was hoping for something in the low 40's, but at least I won't be cooking without any A/C. :) I also must figure that the entire system (except for the new VIR I installed) is almost 30 years old, so 48 degrees from something this old I should be thankful. :blueangel:

I also installed a vacuum operated heater hose shut-off valve and new heater hose so when the A/C is on there will be NO heat going into the venting system via the heater hose. But, just sticking my hand down around the evaporator housing inside the engine compartment tells me that there is still a LOT of heat from the exhaust manifolds getting into the system. Also, the compressor is bolted directly to the exhaust manifold so it gets hot too. And, the VIR valve is sitting near the fender vent so there is a bit of hot air flowing past it. I guess there is no way to completely insulate the A/C system from the heat without a heck of a lot of work.

 

I suppose I could pay $245 and have my ac working again.... buy why? All that cold air will go right out the top. If i'm hot, I drive faster. :D

 

Update.

I was right...the engine heat was keeping the A/C from doing it's job. I drove today when the temp was 90 degrees, and the air temp out the vent dropped to 41 degrees. The other day when I was checking it I had driven around town to get more freon, and was running the engine while filling the system, so the engine temp was around 200 degrees. So, here is another reason to pull the thermostat in the summer...it means a cooler running engine...around 160 degrees around town...so that the A/C can do it's job without that 190 to 200 degrees bumping up the temp in the cockpit.

 

nice work! I got mine working about 2 months ago. I get cold air ( haven't put a thermometer in it though) but not sure about the air flow. I think I'm going to have my windows tinted just so the A/C can keep up. That big back window + glass tops, makes for a hot interior in FL. :mad

 

Nice work. :D All you guys converting to R134a has got me looking at it now. It's just that I had mine entire set rebuilt with the old R12 in mind. But have mounted only condenser and condenser lines so far. Guess if I'm gonn'a do now is it. That location of the V.I.R. scared me into buying a eliminator kit. Just one more delay to start-up. :rolleyes: Did you enjoy R&R that V.I.R.? :lolg:

 

Good job! :thumbs:

And thanks for sharing the details. :cheers: With any luck, I should have my AC by November. :nopity

 

Great Job!! :thumbs: :thumbs:

 

Well, now that I have the A/C working my engine temp climbs up to 200 degrees even on the freeway so I know I'm getting enough air flow through the condenser and radiator since the air dam is in place. I suppose next thing may be a high flow water pump...or just a new one...I bet after 50,000 miles and some high RPM's there may be some cavitation in the vanes. Well, I guess 200 isn't that bad, but I'll have to keep my eye on it this summer.

 

Find a way to insulate the evap box. Esp if you have headers........