Thread: air con unit for 86 county

Depends on when the system was manufactured as to what needs to happen.

Not sure when the change over began from old gas to new gas. Old gas I think was referred to as R12a, due to a patent expiry that gas became obselete. It was found in most car air con. systems. The new gas R134 replaced R12a and has different qualities and is found in most newer vehicles. That's not to say R134 cannot be used in old a/c systems.

In your case what needs to happen is the oil in the compressor changed, two new fluid lines and a regas. Also if you a/c system has been seperated for some time it to me would be the ideal time to do a complete refit to ensure when the new gas goes in, it's not going to leak back out in a hurry. Should be able to get it done for $400 if you do the labour and they just do the repairs/regassing.

Hi Deano
I had to update to the new gas in my 88 mitsi TRYTOO 2 years ago.They change a seal in the compressor(behind the clutch) and change the gas fittings.It cost me $250.I would connect everything up ready to run(if you are able to) and then take it to the shop.Ask them to put FLURO DYE in the system(costs around$25),if you have a leak they can find it with an infra red light.This stuff should be compulsory with a re-gas,you take your aircon in,they tell you you need a regas,they know its leaking and they know its impossible to find the leak unless its blatently obvious.You pay your $100 or more for the re-gas,as you drive off they rub their hands together saying he will be back.When you return they tell you its impossible to find the leak,but we can re-gas again and put fluro-dye in,come back again when it stops working and we can find the leak with a special light.By now you are up for a repair of the now easy to find leak,plus your 3rd re-gas.If it was mandatory to run that dye in all aircon systems it would stop "COWBOY" aircon people ripping customers off.
My local aircon people advise you to run the dye,at your cost,but will save you the $$$$ if there is a leak.
Andrew

I also should of mentioned.the fluro dye is compatible with oils and coolants and can be used to trace any fluid leak.
Andrew

Thanks andy!

What was the reason for the seal change Andrew ?

Hi Jay
The older seals arent compatible with the new gas.9 times out of 10 you loose your gas from that seal behind the pulley due to lack of use,the seal dries out and lets the gas out.Running the aircon whilst the heater in winter is the answer,it demists windows heaps quicker and lubes the seal.
Andrew

Nothing defogs the windows quicker than running the a/c for a couple of minutes. The Mrs usually arcs up though, even with the heater on full.

A couple of points for ya's I'm a fridgy by trade, now a trade lecturer. So I hope this doesn't sound like a lesson.

R12 was a CFC gas which has been banned in Australia as it is an Ozone depleting substance.

134A is the replacement refrigeration while it is not an Ozone depleting gas it is a green house gas.

134A runs about a 20% higher head pressure (or discharge pressure) so it can wear out an old compressor faster than the old gas would have. With a conversion a point to remember is that all the "O" rings in the system will need to be replaced as the new oil needed for the new refrigerant eats them out and it is mandatory that they are replaced (so the system needs to be flushed to remove the old oil. It is also mandatory to fit a new drier as well.

A way to check which type of compressor you have is by the gauge line fittings if they look a bit like a tyre valve fitting but a bit bigger with the thread on the outside like a normal bolt, then it is an R12 if the thread is on the inside of the fitting it is the new 134A type.

By far the best way to leak test a system is to pressurise it with dry nitrogen and use soap and water on all joints if bubbles are produced then there is a leak.

Finally refrigeration and airconditioning is now a lisenced trade just like electrical and plumbing, you can get in serious ca caa doing a back yard job.

My advise for you would be to fit the inside part (evaporator) and all the parts that go with it, the condenser which goes infront of the radiator and the compressor, make sure that the ends are all sealed off with tape at the very least, then take it to a reputable service outlet and get them to fit the rest. That way you do all of the manual labour part which takes the most time therefore money and they do the lisenced bit and you don't get into trouble.


I hope I have helped without dragging on about it

Cheers Blythe