A/C repair
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
A/C repair
I've searched the forums and haven't found anything to help me. I want to fix the A/C in my 85 and my question is, how much would I be looking to spend to repair it? From what I know, its still the r12 and needs to be converted to the r13 system. The A/C system seems to be working fine and the hoses and everything looks fine, its just not blowing out cold air. My uncle used to be a mechanic and says that if I bought the vacuum pump and conversion kit, we could do it since he knows how. Would this be a cheaper route then going to a shop? If it matters my car is an 85 manual and I live in Maui, HI. Thanks!!
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
Not exactly sure, but have you looked @ the pressure of the gas inside the aircon? Is there any gas left? You might have a small leak in the pipes causing gas to leak, no gas means no cool air. That's my problem with the aircon system at the moment. Although I could be wrong, it's just a simple thing to check before you try more expensive options.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
If the compressor is engaging and not cycling on and off rapidly, you don't have a system problem - you've got an air flow problem - tell us what's happening with the compressor and whether it's electronic or manual air.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Alma AR
I had a problem similar to yours. I had hot air blowing from the vents and no A/C. It was discovered that I had freon, but a sensor that detects whether freon is present or not before the clutch engages, was bad. The compressor never turned without that clutch engagement. The part cost about $12 and took about 10 minutes to install. Ask an A/C guy to check that sensor.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 702
Likes: 2
From: Conyers Ga
More info is needed.
Vacuum pumps aren't cheap. And NO, a shop vac won't work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Actually, if you have a good size compressor you can buy a displacement pump at Harbor Freight Tools for 9 Bucks. More ingenious souls simply rig the PCV side of the engine to a manifold gage set and let the engine do the work. Sometimes pumps can be rented - check the Yellow Pages, Autozone, etc.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
... a vacuum pump can easily be made from a discarded refrigeration compressor with fittings...assuming that the compressor isn't shot....i have 3 of them in my garage now along with 2 comercially manufactured pumps......
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Also if not blowing cold could be if it like my 88 the A/C fan isnt blowing to cool of the ac radiator cant remember what it is called, it would blow hot. My 88 the ac fan wasnt coming on and ac was blowing hot when fan kicked on it was cold again. So happy hunting on that 1.Fan should be on as soon as ac is turned on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Main fan for this Year is grounded when the fan switch opens which it won't do until the high side hits 220 psi. It closes at 190 psi, and the fan should turn off. You won't see those pressures much below 60 degrees (without some engine heat). Proper diagnosis requires a manifold gage set.