I'm thinking about trying to get my '77 wagon's AC working. Never done anything like this before, kinda intimidated but I figure I'll give it a try.
I think the older cars used to use freon but now it's... something else.
Anyone successfully restore one of these systems? Any special tricks?
Jef go to Auto-Z get evacuation pump, manifold gauges and 2 can's of R-134. Don't change oil in system. Evac. system down for 30 or 40 minutes close both valves on manifold let sit for 5 minutes tap gauges see if they rise if so you have a leak and if so check for wet looking fittings and connections looking for oil residue. If ok install tapper on 134 can screw all the way in then out this is after it's connected to yellow hose as in center hose hold can upside down back off yellow hose at manifold and bleed hose until you have liquid freon then close, now open left blue valve slowly don't exceed pressure on left gauge. Hey this is getting to be to much when you get equipment give me a call. Fred :) yea that's right I have done this over a 1000 time's
Thanks for the quick reply but now I'm thinking I've hit a major road-block to this project...
The engine in this wagon is not the original. I was just now trying to connect the belt from the compressor to the engine but couldn't find a groove on the drive wheel to connect to (sorry if I don't know the right terms). There are 2 grooves on the wheel. I am thinking that there is supposed to be a 3rd groove to run the belt to the AC compressor?
Yes there is 3 on A/C car's the 1 next 2 engine meaning rear 1 is not used. I have that pulley for 2.3. Rotate comp. inner hub 1'st make sure it's ok. Fred :)
Hey there A/C newbie! I have done there Factory A/C systems in my Pintos. I also installed a dealer A/C system in my sisters 2.3 Pinto. They are VERY basic systems by todays standards and the work very well. Two of the four were converted to Sandin compressors and the other two run R134a. You can see the difference bellow:
Sandin
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3467703702_f499a70dd3.jpg)
York:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3982296702_dcfcb344e6.jpg)
If you want modern performance than you need to move to a Sandin with a manifold type condenser. If you are ok with mediocre around town A/C and great Highway A/C, then the York will be fine. Don't get me wrong, the York WILL blow ice cold at lower speeds but it does take a huge tole on around town milage and will not work well in stop and go driving. I would bring your car to an A/C shop to do the Evac and filling. I have saved so much time doing that since I don't have A/C tools here and they can instantly find leaks. Good luck and an A/C Pinto is not hard to get running and totally worth it.
I have the york, thats very odd where your AC is located... thats where my alternator is on my 2.3l. the AC for mine is on the passenger side lower part of the engine...
That is because those are 2.8's. Your 2.3 has it in a better place, in line with the evaporator.
Alberto
Quote from: Fred Morgan on May 25, 2010, 11:47:09 AM
Yes there is 3 on A/C car's the 1 next 2 engine meaning rear 1 is not used. I have that pulley for 2.3. Rotate comp. inner hub 1'st make sure it's ok. Fred :)
Well crap. The AC situation's going to have to wait for a bit.
The 85 degree heat we're suddenly having has caused some minor radiator leaks to become worse. Can't avoid replacing the radiator any longer.
On the upside, I think removing the radiator will give me better access to the AC stuff. Going to take it all apart, inspect everything, replace o-rings anywhere I find 'em.
BTW, the compressor inner hub seems to be fine.
oh, they are 2.8. didnt even notice. :P
While on this subject, I have an industrial vehicle (vintage 1982) with the Ford 2.3L 4-cyl (Pinto) engine. It has a three groove pulley on front. I'm looking for a bracket to mount a Sanden a/c compressor. Plenty of room & four mounting holes on the right side of the eng. block. Any recommendations where to look? Do I also need a tensioning -or- idler pulley? Pictures would be great!
RailNet802, over
I have mount comes with tension adjuster pulley and all mounting hardware for $40.00 + ship. Fred :)
I'd like to buy a 3-groove pulley if anyone has one to sell. Sounds like I'll need one to get anywhere with the AC project....
Take the radiator and have it fixed. Its usually only $35 or $40 to have it fixed around here. Or, dump in a bottle of Bars leak stopper. That has stopped up my wagons radiator now for a year or so.
I have tried the Stop Leak but no-go. Almost seemed to leak worse after I put the stuff in!
It ended up being $140 for a new one. That's not too bad.
Quote from: Fred Morgan on May 26, 2010, 06:17:23 PM
I have mount comes with tension adjuster pulley and all mounting hardware for $40.00 + ship. Fred :)
Excelent, please quote ground shipping to Channelview, TX 77530 & how you want payment. Got any pix of it installed?
Mike Harris
The location of your A/C compressor reminds me of where it's located on the Mercury Zeyphers in the junkyards around here.
Mike I will get you install picture and ship price asap. Jef A/C crank pulley is $25.00 + ship but let me know for what engine. Fred :)
We should move this to part's wanted. Fred :)
Mike 2 day ship to 77530 is $10.70. Fred :)
Okay. Had to take a break from this project but ready to get back into it. Of course I have more questions.
First off, as far as the pulley... I understand that for AC the lower pulley normally has 3 grooves- which mine doesn't. BUT I've noticed that the upper pulley on the fan has 2 grooves- which I don't think is normal. Anyway, it looks to me that I could run a belt from this fan pulley to the compressor and tension it to work. Any reason why I shouldn't do that?
Also, when I thought I'd try to tackle this myself, I never took into account that I need to convert the old R12 fluid to the new. I'd rather not spend the big bucks to continue using the atmosphere-wrecking old stuff so besides just getting this thing to work and be leak-free, there's the business of retrofitting the fluid. Is this something I can do myself?
Mike pulley was shipped today at 11:43 am my time should receive in 2 days thanks Fred :)