Thread: 1990 RRC A/C...What to do...

Where are the common leak spots for these?

Worn Compressor Shaft seals are always a good place start looking for leaks.

Sometimes it can be the wear faces &/or rubber component. Comp out to sort it usually.

I know nothing about Hychill that you mention as it is after my time on the tools. R12 & R22 yes, but no use to you.

Having said that I still have a full 17kg drum of R22 that I retired with & I'm told it can be worth "2 million $" but as it can't be used without Audits etc there ain't no point in keeping it.

Archived R22 info from 2013

R22 refrigerant cost $$$!!! - Air con - Home

Call me lazy ... but if its lasting 3 years between re gasses (thats one tiny leak!) I'd be just throwing a shot of bang gas in it.... You will probably find it lasts even longer as the stuff seems to leak less.

seeya,
Shane L.

New hoses are never a bad idea, older hoses often leak at the crimps. Then a new upgraded compressor like a Sanden SD7H15 wouldn't be a mistake.

The other respondents here are right - I have had to repair the aircon in several Rangies and all turned out to be leaking seals or hoses and none are a major problem for a qualified service shop that will test the system with dye to determine the source of leaks, then recover any residual gas from the system before doing anything else.

Even compressor seals can be replaced unless the unit is too far gone and good second hand compressors are generally available . Regardless, the cost is not trivial - expect a bill of around $500 to do the job properly.

Hi-Chill runs at a lower pressure than other aircon gasses so it may save replacement of some of the hoses - especially those running into the cabin that are a PITA to get at and therefore costly to replace due to the time taken. This was the solution in my 93 Vogue SE and it saved a lot of money. The "purists" may argue that Hi-Chill is not an "approved" gas and one shop actually said it was illegal (not true). Cooling performance is excellent.

I strongly advise NOT trying to have your system re-gassed with the old R12 - that IS illegal

My Hichill has been in 4 years in my 2002D2 Td5 auto.
It still cools well.
I have been wondering whether I should contact the Coastal Cool Air bloke re a top up as last I heard he was wanting to become a financial advisor. LOL. Probably not now due to the mandatory education requirements which my son has just completed.

Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by bee utey

New hoses are never a bad idea, older hoses often leak at the crimps. Then a new upgraded compressor like a Sanden SD7H15 wouldn't be a mistake.

Thanks for the advice. I just googled the compressor you recommended which looks to be an R134a version of the Sanden SD-709 which I currently have.

There is also a Sanden Enhanced SD7, basically an upgraded version of the compressor you quoted me with 15-20% more cooling capacity but same dimensions. Do you think the upgrade would lead to better performance in the real world?

Thank you to everyone for their input.

I know people do not think much of the hard dash A/C, what were the limitations of it other than being an afterthought?

Are there any components which can be upgraded? Bigger evaporator maybe?

Originally Posted by CSK

Thank you to everyone for their input.

I know people do not think much of the hard dash A/C, what were the limitations of it other than being an afterthought?

Are there any components which can be upgraded? Bigger evaporator maybe?

My 1991 Hi-Line has the R 134a system and although I concede it is not as effective as some fitted to other makes of vehicle, I have absolutely no complaint.

I drove to Goulburn and back last Friday in 38 degree heat with the aircon set to the coldest position and the fan on II and it was a totally comfortable trip. It is the air distribution that is the main problem on the Classics so back seat passengers do not get as much cold air as would be preferable. (The air distribution was much improved in the P38).

I suspect you could spend a large amount of money on an upgraded compressor and condenser for very little improvement (others may disagree). My advice would be to get the system checked thoroughly for leaks, ensure the compressor is working effectively, install a new drier and get it filled with Hi-Chill if you can find someone to supply it.