ac been degassed years ago. what to do to get it working?

[milkandoj]

My j-spec vr4 was degassed when complied into austrslia, so it hasn't run for 5+ years.

Im deciding if to rip all the AC gear out for a new radiator setup or get it working.
AC would be nice in Perths long hot summers.

If I wanted to get it working I believe id need to vacuum or pressure tested for leaks and if that checks out, regassed.

But I wonder if the compressor may be stuffed due to lack of the lubricating properties of the gas. I could always try another 2nd hand one if mines stuffed.
I just dont want to pay to get it gassed only to have to dump it to change a compressor.

Anyone been down this road and have an idea of costs involved/ what i can do myself prior/how I can check if the compressor is stuffed before i het it tested and regassed.

 

[BRUSHED]

Who you get to gas it should be checking for any faults. As for holding pressure, when they vacuum it down if there's any leaks it will come up as a fault on there machine if it leaks. Just have a word to them and tell them your concerns

 

[DOUGMO]

as above a leak should show up when its vaaced down, if its ok get them to put some dye in with the gas (which hopefully they would anyway) and then if it springs a leak down the track it will be easy to find

 

[MDK87]

Without gas in the system, the pressure switch won't allow the compressor to engage, this is to avoid dry running.
You could apply power directly to the terminals on the compressor to ensure the magnetic clutch is grabbing but you really won't be able to tell it's internal condition/capability without charging the system as that is when the pump is under load.

 

[EVO-00X]

It'll probably have a Japspec dryer and/or Japspec compressor in the car which doesn't meet our refrigerant standards. Ditch them for the Auspec ones.
Costs about $90 to regass.

 

[VR42LT]

Look out is it coming back to life?

 

[4piknup]

Spin the compressor to make sure it pumps. You will need new seals on hose ends and inside the compressor. Maybe they can nitrogen charge it to test for leaks before gassing it.
You will need new dryer before charging it with refrigerant.
I dont see why you cant just air charge it to check the radiator part for leaks.

 

[milkandoj]

So why wont the j spec dryer or compressor be suitable? Wont it work with the ozone safe gas they use these days?

Can I just pull these bits out of an aus spec wreak? Or are the aus spec stuff made before the new gasses were used?



....yeah might be putting the car back on the rd. Just figuring out the setup firsr.
I had to sell my sport bike so I need some boost back in my life lol

 

[4piknup]

You need to change the seals when you change from r12 to new gas. Thats all the conversion is. But I think ist a special tool to get the clutch setup off to access seal.

 

[evo-gsr]

From memory its just a couple of 8mm bolts that hold the clutch setup on....you then need to evenly pry it up to get it off.

 

[croket]

Aircon is overrated i pulled mine from my jspec pump is still in though , just wind windows down its only a button. Ive done 2 WA summers without aircon and dailyied it too

 

[4piknup]

From memory its just a couple of 8mm bolts that hold the clutch setup on....you then need to evenly pry it up to get it off.

And then you can get to the front seal easy?

 

[evo-gsr]

From memory...yes. ↑

 

[VR42LT]

Thats the way. There are a few vr4s getting around over here now but they are all off the road atm

 

[4piknup]

There is r12 drop in gas available (or there used to be)
I think the seal absorb some of the oil and the old oil is not compatible with the new gas. So all seals (in pump and at connections) need to be changed.

Id speak to a few aircon guys to confirm. If you have a friendly panel shop, they are good as the aircon guy will be there quite often.

 

[GeoKez]

Go the hydro carbon regas when it's a fixed up. :-/

 

[4piknup]

Is that just special propane or something? Sounds like it

 

[GeoKez]

Yeah, it's a propane blend. Company in Perth called Engas is doing it (guy that owns the jimmy I took you to see jack). I've seen the testing on this gas, and it's pretty impressive, less power sapped from your motor and really, really cold off coil temps. Still lots if stigma about driving around with a gas bottle in your engine bay thou......

 

[4piknup]

I would run ammonia if anyone would adapt it.
I dont see the problem with propane. Lots of people have 100l of it in boot