Installing used AC system
#1
05-19-07, 09:19 AM
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Installing used AC system
My wife drives a rare car, only 7,000 ever imported, that went out of production 10 years ago. Needless to say finding an AC system has been a challenge, and buying new isn’t possible. After months of searching I finally found a used AC from a wreck. It’s being shipped right now so I’m trying to get prepared with the right tools and what not. I’m a dedicated DIY’er no project is too big or complex for me to tackle, but I’ve never installed an AC before. I’ve got all the hand tools you could need, (WHOA! did I just write that?! DO NOT let my wife see that <lol>) flare wrenches, metric, standard, sockets, torque wrenches, air tools, and so on. Are there any specialized tools required? How about specialize thread sealants? Other stuff I should know?
The car it came from had 56K miles on it and the system has been removed for several weeks. It was under pressure until removed, so I don’t believe there is any damage to it from the accident. Are there any parts that should be replaced as a matter of course?
TIA
The car it came from had 56K miles on it and the system has been removed for several weeks. It was under pressure until removed, so I don’t believe there is any damage to it from the accident. Are there any parts that should be replaced as a matter of course?
TIA
#2
05-19-07, 09:33 AM
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Wow, you do have a job ahead of you. But, if you do have the tools, you should be ok...
Are you having a pro vacuum the system? Do you have those tools?
Hopefully this A/C you are getting was closed off as not to allow moisture into the system. Moisture is bad bad for A/C.
Is this system coming with all the electrical? I.E. control panel, control modules, etc?
Are you having a pro vacuum the system? Do you have those tools?
Hopefully this A/C you are getting was closed off as not to allow moisture into the system. Moisture is bad bad for A/C.
Is this system coming with all the electrical? I.E. control panel, control modules, etc?
#3
05-19-07, 03:12 PM
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>Wow, you do have a job ahead of you. But, if you do have the tools, you should be ok...
The famous last words are "I don't think it will be that hard." <lol> Air was a dealer added option only, so unlike some cars that start with the evaporator core and build the rest of the car around it this only looks like a complete back breaker. (as compared to the ball buster some cars can be.)
>Are you having a pro vacuum the system? Do you have those tools?
I can rent the vacuum for $30 from Autozone, the AC manifolds sell for around $50 plus the 134a for around $10 a can. (don't know how many cans it will need) So I'm guessing it will cost me around $110 to do it myself or PepBoys will do it for $130. So I'm thinking the pros can do that part.
>Hopefully this A/C you are getting was closed off as not to allow moisture into the system. Moisture is bad bad for A/C.
I hope so too, but what if it wasn't?
>Is this system coming with all the electrical? I.E. control panel, control modules, etc?
According to the seller every nut, bolt, hose, module, button, and widget I will need is included. And everything will be labeled for easy installation.
Before I install the various parts are there ways to test them to insure they are good?
The famous last words are "I don't think it will be that hard." <lol> Air was a dealer added option only, so unlike some cars that start with the evaporator core and build the rest of the car around it this only looks like a complete back breaker. (as compared to the ball buster some cars can be.)
>Are you having a pro vacuum the system? Do you have those tools?
I can rent the vacuum for $30 from Autozone, the AC manifolds sell for around $50 plus the 134a for around $10 a can. (don't know how many cans it will need) So I'm guessing it will cost me around $110 to do it myself or PepBoys will do it for $130. So I'm thinking the pros can do that part.
>Hopefully this A/C you are getting was closed off as not to allow moisture into the system. Moisture is bad bad for A/C.
I hope so too, but what if it wasn't?
>Is this system coming with all the electrical? I.E. control panel, control modules, etc?
According to the seller every nut, bolt, hose, module, button, and widget I will need is included. And everything will be labeled for easy installation.
Before I install the various parts are there ways to test them to insure they are good?
#4
05-19-07, 03:56 PM
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I'm not sure if there is a way to bench check the items prior to install.
Moisture in the compressor can damage the seals and corrode components.
Make sure you pull a good vacuum for at least 45 mins to make sure any possible moisture is out and there are no leaks.
You got me curious now, what vehicle is this?
Moisture in the compressor can damage the seals and corrode components.
Make sure you pull a good vacuum for at least 45 mins to make sure any possible moisture is out and there are no leaks.
You got me curious now, what vehicle is this?
#5
05-19-07, 09:44 PM
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>You got me curious now, what vehicle is this?
Well, the year of my wife's car 98, there were just 477 of them imported. It's a 2 seater with leather, has "T" tops with removable panels for those nice spring days, 4 wheel drive, for those nasty days, automatic, gets in the mid 20's for gas milage, 4 speaker stereo system, power windows, and soon air conditioning. So far it doesn't sound too bad does it? But, it's biggest claim to fame is in 2004 it was voted one of the worst cars of all time. Which is might be why only 7000 or so were sold, or it could be the styling. (Its the styling, you either love it or hate it.) Its a Suzuki X90. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_X90
My wife loves this car. She wanted something unique to run errands in and wanted me to buy her a Nash Metro from the 50's. Yeah, right, you think parts for an X90 are hard to find. The X90 is really just a Sidekick with different sheet metal, so most parts are redily available. That said, its be a long search to find AC. And those "T" tops, are just another way to say green house, dang that car gets hot in the sun <lol>
Well, the year of my wife's car 98, there were just 477 of them imported. It's a 2 seater with leather, has "T" tops with removable panels for those nice spring days, 4 wheel drive, for those nasty days, automatic, gets in the mid 20's for gas milage, 4 speaker stereo system, power windows, and soon air conditioning. So far it doesn't sound too bad does it? But, it's biggest claim to fame is in 2004 it was voted one of the worst cars of all time. Which is might be why only 7000 or so were sold, or it could be the styling. (Its the styling, you either love it or hate it.) Its a Suzuki X90. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_X90
My wife loves this car. She wanted something unique to run errands in and wanted me to buy her a Nash Metro from the 50's. Yeah, right, you think parts for an X90 are hard to find. The X90 is really just a Sidekick with different sheet metal, so most parts are redily available. That said, its be a long search to find AC. And those "T" tops, are just another way to say green house, dang that car gets hot in the sun <lol>
