Is there a way to clean out and re-use an evaporator instead of swapping it?I really don't want to pull the dash and all that is involved in that unless there are just no more options. I just got the new condenser yesterday,and the belt is in route,so,I have everything I need except the new seals to install my a/c equipment.I'll let the service guy do the seals and 134 conversion.
In terms of the tubes, people flush using solvent specially made to play nice with the refrigerants and oils if any gets left in the system. While it would be ideal to pump fluid in, I know most people doing it themselves would just pour some solvent in one side and use an air compressor to shove the solvent out the other end. After a few blasts of solvent through the tubes, everything would likely be good enough to use. I still prefer the pump method though as it's more thorough. Then of course there's the fins and any that gets in between them over the years...
The a/c service guy should have the right pump to flush the evaporator themselves. I don't think the evaporator typically goes bad, unlike the heater core.
I'd strongly recommend a variable orifice tube if you don't have one - it's the one regret in my system. I reused the (flushed) evaporator and the (flushed) discharge line but everything else has been replaced and the new liquid lines always come with the fixed orifice, not the variable that will give much better cooling at idle.
I don't have any personal experience, but the techs on A/C forums do not recommend the VoV. High failure rate and not substantial improvement.
I'm swapping everything myself,then having a pro do the 134 conversion,add the seals,and tend to business.I'll try cleaning it out with some of the solvent listed above.My friend just did his a/c in his car and has it at his house.Thanks guys.I think I'm good to go now.
I have read that using a condenser from a 94-95 stang will help the system cool better. I have yet to try this though..
That would be a great idea to try.......if I wanted to pull the housing from under the dash......which I do NOT want to do.LOL.
vinnie, the condenser is in front of the radiator ;)
Yes, he's a little confused ;)
I'm liking my '97 Cobra condenser - it barely gets warm with the stock mechanical fan and either idle or at higher rpm's.
I still wish I had a variable orifice though. From what I understand, as long as there is no detactable contamination in the system (water/dirt), the variable ones wo0rk quite well. The variable ones today are much better than those of the past and if they fail, they fail open (about the same size as the fixed orifice - or rather, close enough). Optimally, they would allow for a 10 degree Fahrenheit improvement but realistically, I would expect to see about 4-5 degrees lower out of the vents at idle - maybe 6-8 degrees when the cabin is baking.
Yeah,I know the condenser is in front of the radiator. I just bought a brand new one two days ago. It was a long day and I was thinking about the evaporator.Busy week......and then some.
Too bad you can't find R-12. I have R-12 in mine with the stock A/C components and it freezes my arse off :D The stock system works really well.
The guy doing the vacuum and charging can probably get it.I'll ask him what's best and go from there.Our new Honda has the new stuff (obviously),and gets frigid.I'm planning on doing some serious insulating as well with the Sport,which will help retain the cold in the summer and warm in the winter.I want the Sport HIGHLY functional,quick,and super comfy inside.
Yes it does but I've gotten my r134 system to blow so cold at cruise (largely due to the compressor not pumping enough at idle) that I can still feel my hand freezing after being out of the car for over 10 minutes on a 90 some degree day (I enjoyed putting my cold hand on peoples' necks - they don't like that). The stock system works great but r134 can do just as good.
If I remember right, as of last year or something, it became easier to obtain r12. Apparently r134 is just as bad for the environment and I'm not sure you have to be a licensed a/c person to purchase it anymore? I do like my $5 cans of r134 though.
Check into FREEZE12 works like R12 better than R134a and you don't need a license to buy it. I get mine at my local NAPA. I paid the same for my freeze12 as I would have paid for the r134a.
Stuckman
Freeze 12 works well , however all it is is 80% R134a and 20% R142b
the 134 does the cooling the 142 carries the oil through the system So it cools exactly the same as R134 ....no better no worse :D
I put Duracool into my T-Bird about 7 years ago and it's been freezing cold ever since. The compressor has been noisy as hell for those 7 years, and I'd been expecting it to fail, but it keeps right on cooling.
I'd always thought Freeze 12 and Duracool (and just about all those universal replacement refrigerants) were nothing more than a methane/butane/propane blend. I do know they're quite flammable, but then again, so is R134A...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/National-Refrigerant-12-1-12oz-Can-R-12-Made-U-S-A-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19be594005QQitemZ110567702533QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
R-12 is readily available on ebay
Do not forget that Freeze12 and other similar "drop-ins" are technically illegal to use. Also, make sure none of it is in the system if you have a mechanic work on your car as it will contaminate his recovery machine.
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
I don't think they're illegal here in Canada (but not sure though). I do know those 1-lb over-the-counter R134A cans and any R134A DIY kits are illegal to sell here, but the replacements aren't...
Where is this information from?
Freeze 12 and Freezone are EPA approved as long as regulations are followed ..eg: dedicated equipment , not mixing refrigerants etc...
There are shops around here that I know have used both with dedicated equipment .
Actually, you appear to be correct. Freeze12 used to be listed as illegal on the EPA website, but I see that now it is listed on the "acceptable" list. If I recall however, you must use Freeze-12 specific fittings and label the system accordingly.
Nonetheless, it's still 80% 134A.
Interesting! Thanks for the heads up!
Shiny Side Up!
Bill