Back when R12 was cheap and available I used to replace components, and
re-charge the air conditioning in my cars myself to save money and to keep the
systems working.
I lack the scientific knowledge, but seem to have a knack for the practical
knowledge about how to make things work. I did real well until R12 was banned
several years ago. Now I pay a shop to do my air conditioning work. The systems
on my old Imperials are no longer functioning mainly from lack of use, but I
keep the A/C systems on my 2 GM and 3 FMC vehicles up to date and running well.
All of these systems are modern cycling systems. I have run into just about
everything from faulty cycling switches, to leaky compressor shaft seals, and
conversions, both good and bad, from R12 to R134A.
Most of my current knowledge and experience with modern systems comes from
spending lots of money and making a few mistakes along the way. When one of
those cycling systems suddenly doesn't work, first I get a severe stomach ache,
then I make an appointment with my local A/C shop to have my wallet emptied.
If the car is only going to be used occasionally, I would not highly recommend
spending the money to fix the A/C unless you plan on spending and spending and
spending to keep something going that you hardly ever use.
Finally, R134A leaks out faster than the old R12 Freon did, so although
converting the car from R12 to R134A is probably a great idea, it generally
doesn't solve all of your A/C worries.
Paul
In a message dated 3/30/2004 5:14:25 PM Eastern Standard Time,
nt014b6628@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
>
>
> Paul & all,
>
> I have tried a couple of times recently to post but have had my mail
> returned
> so here goes after re-subscribing.
>
> My 82's AC lost the will to work last year, the gas level has gone low
> enough to
> stop the clutch engaging, the compressor has a covering of oil which i
> assume
> is the result of a leaking front seal from Paul's post (below). Most UK
> registered
> cars now have AC but the large airport related vehicles i work on do not
> have AC
> so i lack any specific experience in this area.
>
> I have recently taken up a new post working as a lead hand on
> the breakdown crew for British Airways at London airport, which is roughly
> what i did six years ago but now i get a bit more and have a bit more
> responsibility. It was a shock at first as i have not had to work as a motor
> mechanic for six years. For any mechanic out there have a think
> what you would do if you had a 65 tonne aircraft tug broken down whilst
> trying to push an aircraft out into the taxiway fully loaded with all
> engines
> running and you are the one that has to get it going again? Gulp!
>
> I may not have posted for a while but i have been watching, keep up
> the good work.
>
> Neil Thorpe Black 82 Imp London, England.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <RandalPark@xxxxxxx>
> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 9:12 PM
> Subject: Re: IML: Dads 82 AC clutch
>
>
> > Another common source of leaks is the compressor shaft seal.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> > In a message dated 3/29/2004 9:41:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Philip
> Brust" <pbrust@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
> >
> > >Lawrence-
> > >
> > >Randall's post was right on the money...sounds like low refrigerant.
> Check
> > >the sight glass in the receiver-dryer for bubbles while the system is
> > >running (clutch engaged). The receiver-dryer is located on the passenger
> > >side fender-just follow the AC lines to it. You may have to clear dirt
> away
> > >from the top fitting to see the sight glass.
> > >
> > >Here are the common leak points for a 318 AC system: fittings on the
> > >expansion valve at the firewall, fittings on the receiver-dryer,
> condenser,
> > >and the dreaded evaporator. Over the years, I've had a number of 318
> Mopars
> > >and every one of them has had leaks in those places. The condensers have
> > >usually failed in the same place: look for oil/dirt accumulation at the
> > >bottom front of the condenser on the passenger side. I have one to
> replace
> > >on my 86 Fifth Ave right now.
> > >
> > >One other source of leaks: the hoses. While 35 year old hoses hold just
> > >fine, some of the mid-eighties hoses have leaked R-12. Hoses will be
> softer
> > >than normal and covered with refrigerant oil and dirt...don't know why.
> > >
> > >Leaks must be fixed sooner or later...the only vehicle that I
> successfully
> > >maintained with a "can a year habit" was a 90 Dakota. It had a very small
> > >leak in the evaporator that started when it was about five years old.
> That
> > >went on for about 5 years until the evaporator failed completely. That's
> > >rare and I suggest you be prepared to spend some $ if you want AC. Once
> the
> > >faulty component is identified and replaces along with the
> receiver-dryer, a
> > >conversion to R-134 is probably the best way to go.
> > >
> > >Phil Brust
> > >73 & 82 Imperial
> > >With 13 lbs of R-12 still left...
> > >
> > >
> > >
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> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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