AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
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From: Boston, MA
AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints?
Ok, I just got brand new AC Condensor and Accumulator from 18Carfan. Is there anything special I need to know to install them? I've already installed a condensor in my car, but I needed yet ANOTHER one. It was so simple to do. I also have new o-rings and orafice tube, and I'm going to try and pick up some refridgerant oil also to lube them with.
Any tips?
The system is bone dry, no R12 in it at all.
Any tips?
The system is bone dry, no R12 in it at all.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: waukesha, wi usa
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (scorp508)
Scorp
I just had to recharge my system. I took it to Chevy and they wanted $1400 to convert blah blah to the R134a.
I read that Interdynamics had a kit that didnt need to change over your old R12 system as long as it was holding
a charge. A couple of weeks ago I bought a kit for $29 it had the connectors, 3 cans of refridgerant, and 1 can
of oil. I was hesitant at first but some other members here used it and said it works fine with no damage to
the old seals or system.
Here is their web site http://www.id-usa.com/aircond.htm
In Wisconsin you have to be certified to handle refridgerant. So I had to get my friend that works at an Ice Arena
because he is certified to handle those compressors.
Good Luck Let me know what you think
Pete
I just had to recharge my system. I took it to Chevy and they wanted $1400 to convert blah blah to the R134a.
I read that Interdynamics had a kit that didnt need to change over your old R12 system as long as it was holding
a charge. A couple of weeks ago I bought a kit for $29 it had the connectors, 3 cans of refridgerant, and 1 can
of oil. I was hesitant at first but some other members here used it and said it works fine with no damage to
the old seals or system.
Here is their web site http://www.id-usa.com/aircond.htm
In Wisconsin you have to be certified to handle refridgerant. So I had to get my friend that works at an Ice Arena
because he is certified to handle those compressors.
Good Luck Let me know what you think
Pete
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (scorp508)
What are you going to use, R12 or R134a?
Did you buy the R134a compressor from 18carfan?
I had all my O rings change last year when I convert to R134a, still had to charge one can of R134a in this year. So, make sure you tight everything good when replacing the O rings (green color for R134a, don't know what's the different either). You need to cut one of your wrench in haft in order to replace one of the O ring.
I don't know much about A/C, but I know for sure you need to have the sys. vacuum at least an hour before charging freon
Did you buy the R134a compressor from 18carfan?
I had all my O rings change last year when I convert to R134a, still had to charge one can of R134a in this year. So, make sure you tight everything good when replacing the O rings (green color for R134a, don't know what's the different either
). You need to cut one of your wrench in haft in order to replace one of the O ring.I don't know much about A/C, but I know for sure you need to have the sys. vacuum at least an hour before charging freon
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: Gardner KS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (VQT88Vette)
Scorp,
Do you plan on using R12, R134A, or ??? How are you plannning on charging the system? Are you doing it yourself or is someone else doing the actual charging? Are you replacing the compressor? -Jeff
Do you plan on using R12, R134A, or ??? How are you plannning on charging the system? Are you doing it yourself or is someone else doing the actual charging? Are you replacing the compressor? -Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
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From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (18carfan)
Hmmm, hints? Here's one, the condenser is in the front.
Just make sure that everything is super clean and that the o-rings are lubed and don't bind. The only major concerns are making sure that nothing is rubbing anywhere or binding. This is what usually causes failures. If the connection tubes don't line up perfectly, move them untill they do because having stress on them will cause problems. Also make sure that there is nothing rubbing up against any part of the system that could wear through and cause a leak. Even things like the wiring harness can abrade through the aluminum in short order.
Just make sure that everything is super clean and that the o-rings are lubed and don't bind. The only major concerns are making sure that nothing is rubbing anywhere or binding. This is what usually causes failures. If the connection tubes don't line up perfectly, move them untill they do because having stress on them will cause problems. Also make sure that there is nothing rubbing up against any part of the system that could wear through and cause a leak. Even things like the wiring harness can abrade through the aluminum in short order.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (18carfan)
Scorp,
Do you plan on using R12, R134A, or ??? How are you plannning on charging the system? Are you doing it yourself or is someone else doing the actual charging? Are you replacing the compressor? -Jeff
Do you plan on using R12, R134A, or ??? How are you plannning on charging the system? Are you doing it yourself or is someone else doing the actual charging? Are you replacing the compressor? -Jeff
I won't be doing the vacumm and charge myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: Gardner KS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (scorp508)
Since you are using R12 it should be a fairly simple job. I assume that whoever is doing the charging is knowledgeable in the field so you should be good to go. I always make sure and leave the gauges hooked up and alone for awhile (sometimes for up to an hour) after pulling the system down to help make sure there are no leaks. Better to find them before the R12 goes in than after so you don't donate your liquid gold to the ozone depletion movement . -Jeff
. -Jeff
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (18carfan)
I assume that whoever is doing the charging is knowledgeable in the field so you should be good to go. .................. Better to find them before the R12 goes in than after so you don't donate your liquid gold to the ozone depletion movement .
.
He's really good. Liquid gold, this is so true.... $50/lb around here.Question for ya, the accumulator had two stickers in it, one said 2.78 lb and one I think 2.42 lbs. Whats the deal with that?
My radiator shroud has a sticker on it saying 2.25lb. :D
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay area, CA USA
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (scorp508)
Check out the bulleting board section at http://www.aircondition.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: Gardner KS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (scorp508)
Question for ya, the accumulator had two stickers in it, one said 2.78 lb and one I think 2.42 lbs. Whats the deal with that? My radiator shroud has a sticker on it saying 2.25lb. :D
My radiator shroud has a sticker on it saying 2.25lb. :D
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: AC Condensor and Accumulator Install, hints? (18carfan)
Some of the cars that drier fits have the freon sticker on the drier and that's for those vehicles. -Jeff
