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Yep, well aware of the leak rate of R12 and HC's vs some of the newer refrigs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies
Mostly it isn't an issue but i was having to re-charge this system every eight months and yet couldn't find a leak.
Bloody frustrating.
The standard Defender/AMC system that Kelvin and I have is a bloody big compromise and it just works with my crew cab, so I don't know how a wagon driver gets on at all.
nahh theyonly explode if you forget to vac em down..
whats more problematic is all the hydrogen the battery gives off when its on charge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blknight.aus
Yep, that's the one that scares the begeezus out of me :o
the main issue with a defender is the condencor.its a hyundia excell [X3]unit that needs the fans to be working moving hot air away.its a parallel flow unit that easily blocks and often gets replaced with a serpentine unit that is 20% of the original.
if you needing blended gasses or a higher pressure gas then you have a condencing issue.if any other hose other than the discharge hose at the compressor ends fails on a regular occasion then you have a capacity issue or the hose is under sized.
sanden-defender system was miles ahead of a mid 90's hilux but has lost ground now that denso-hilux are using a full size condencor with a liquid colector and post liquid cooling.[subcooler].also the compressor is a bit more fuel freindly.
the under dash unit is suited to a truck cab plus a little bit.
2 compressors used over time-sanden or denso.both are close enough to be the same size or power drain.
sanden scroll pump TR90 is far more fuel/power efficient but must be spun at full revs to work-also the pulley bearing is like the denso and not suited to offroad use.
fridge truck using higher pressure gasses the cheep hoses should last 12 months.
these trucks normally get the dryers replace anually and the the hose end would normally be replaced untill the lining inside the pipe hardens.
anual leakage for R134A is grams per year and there is 20%+ more than the defender needs.thats about 4-5 years on a system desighned to be service bianually.
Getting back to the OP, I would say there ARE certain aspects of CERTAIN Lowlux moels that appeal over a Defender, Like overall low reverse and 1st gearing, reasonable ergonomics and a fantastic quality A/C system, BUT overall you'd have to say the Defender ticks more of the important boxes, a decent chassis, and frugal and powerful engine, (In a good state of tune and tweaked a 300Tdi will out pull a 2.8 hilux in almost any situation, and use less fuel / blow less smoke doing it) fantastic suspension, excellent 4 wheel discs, constant 4x4, etc etc etc.
Anyway, unless we also know the model and spec of Hilux in question, IE a V6 auto TRD current model IS a 'nice' on road and offroad vehicle, yet a 1990's 2.8 leaf sprung dual cab ute is an abomination....we can't give a good unbiased opinion.
JC
or when you conect the earth lead on most new vehicles with there capacitor stoage bits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blknight.aus
The condenser is actually an aftermarket, universal fit Sanden, (edit, Sanden Pt # MFC-2068AE /edit) and I agree the fin spacing is miles too close as it blocks a lot of air to the radiator and is undersized IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Davehoos
I've noted 3-5* increase in coolant temps hill climbing just from fitting the condenser in winter, (a/c switched off) ambient around 10*C
The blends give a repeatable 8% capacity increase over R134a, ie. the pull down time is approx. 8% faster with lower discharge pressures for a given ambient (so less load on the engine)
I mainly carry a blend as there are still so many old commercial R12 systems around.
Straight R134a is miles cheaper.
Hi I Take on board all that you say and agree with the qualities of my defender, other wise I would be driving a Hilux. So from what everyone has said it looks like I just have to put up with a vehicle that really can not handle Air/Con and maintain performance,(even without the canoe) My son wins this one as he has performance and good air/con. Thanks PeterQuote:
Originally Posted by justinc
I actually prefer the 2.8 leaf sprung dual cab ute. It is exactly what i am in the market for. I have been holding out for one with a decent turbo conversion which i intend to build a work truck / tourer out of. They have a good basic engine, decent ergonomics and what is not to love about a dual cab. Seems like a good basis for customising. Just gotta be careful of the rust demon.Quote:
Originally Posted by justinc
he may have air con but they are crap offroad and I mean realy crap. they lift wheels way to easy and are very low.Quote:
Originally Posted by pjlhat