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A/C compressor and lines installed!
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58098
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Author:  dpstark2 [ Mon Jul 20, 2015 7:57 am ]
Post subject:  A/C compressor and lines installed!

Forgive me if there is a better section for this, but since it's in the engine bay, here it is:

I finally got the A/C lines and compressor set up in my Dart. It has a Classic Auto Air system in the cab, which I am far from impressed with. The compressor, mount, lines, etc., are all custom under the hood. This was necessary in order to clear the exhaust and intake stuff.

Here's a pic. Can't seem to get it to embed correctly...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aIiBr ... 73-h717-no

After I took this, I lengthened the compressor tensioner to work and secured the two A/C lines to the fender. Now I need to pull vacuum, fill it, and find a belt that fits.

Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:08 am ]
Post subject: 

Nice work (when I was able to focus on it…kept getting distracted by the air cleaner).

Author:  dpstark2 [ Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:32 am ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Dan!

Anybody else reading this have any tips on evacuating and filling the system? I see a cheap gauge set at Harbor Freight, and I think I know a guy with a vacuum pump. I made sure all the fittings were pretty tight, but I have no idea how tight they need to be. I'd hate to pay a shop to fill it then have a leak and pay again. Since there is a chance of leaks, I'm more apt to buy the stuff to do it myself just in case... but I'm not sure.

Author:  Charrlie_S [ Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

The main thing, is read the label on the can of R134a carefully. Make sure there is no sealer in it. Just pure R134a.

Author:  Brian [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:42 pm ]
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The best way to test the system is to pressurize it with nitrogen. Pull a vacuum to around 500 microns. Then weigh the charge in.

Author:  Charrlie_S [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:13 pm ]
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Quote:
The best way to test the system is to pressurize it with nitrogen. Pull a vacuum to around 500 microns. Then weigh the charge in.
True, but how many DIY'ers have nitrogen, and a micron vacuum pump?

Author:  Pierre [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

You can rent nitrogen tanks from a welding gas supply for cheap I imagine. Fittings may be an issue.

Argon/CO2 mig mix probably isn't a good idea, CO2 is supposed to have higher moisture right? What about straight argon TIG mix? You can borrow my TIG tank if need be.

Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jul 22, 2015 5:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

I do not recommend DIY air conditioning charge-up unless you well and truly know what you're doing and have the correct tools (all of them) for the job. It's way too easy to injure yourself and/or plant the seeds for eventual destruction of the system (insufficient vacuum/condensibles and contaminants remaining in system, improper oil charge, refrigerant undercharge, refrigerant overcharge, etc). False economy.

Author:  dpstark2 [ Thu Jul 23, 2015 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks for all the input. I agree it may not be the best idea to do it myself. Weirdly, though, I do have access to all the tools, including the pump. Still, I'm weighing my options here before I do anything. I doubt I'll get to it right away, anyway.

Author:  dpstark2 [ Tue Aug 04, 2015 3:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well, after a lot of work the Dart has A/C. Sort of. The heater core is currently bypassed because the water valve supplied by Classic Auto Air is closer to a tube than a valve. I've had so many issues with their parts and instructions I guess I shouldn't be surprised. At least this time they are sending me a new one free of charge.

Without hot water in the core all the time, it blows nice cold air and works pretty well. I do wish it had separate normal/max functions. It only works in the recirculate (max) mode. I guess that's OK, but it speaks to the universal nature of the stuff they're selling, regardless of their "perfect fit" claim (which is a total joke by the way).

Just a word of warning to those looking at A/C: Classic Auto Air stuff may work, but I'm really REALLY unimpressed with their quality, tech support, and instructions.

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