Subaru A/C question
 

My 93 Legacy wagon's R13 type A/C is acting up. At Normal A/C setting I hear a clicking from under the dash and engine performance varies with the clicks. Seems like the system is cycling on and off. At Max A/C setting, there is no cooling at all.

Are these systems still serviced and charged with refrigerant? I have a can in the garage.

Under worst conditions, what is the process for converting to new refrigerant R134?

Thanks,

Matt

Matt

I had my R12 topped up recently, everything going fine. So I have not made the changeover, but I can tell you what I know from the technician:

They purge your system, by connecting it to a vacuum. This takes all the old refrigerant out. They have to change the condenser, because the connector for R134 is a different size. This costs a good few bucks. Also, they tend to want to change seals, but this is not major costly, and I think the job can be done without putting in new seals.

Then they recharge using the new gas. The trick to get it right seems to be putting in the correct poundage, so the differential between the high pressure side and the low pressure side is the correct value. They may also add a dye to the new gas, which will show if you have a leak.

The system turns itself off if there is insufficient gas inside to protect the compressor. This is because the gas contains lubricant, without lube, the compressor burns up. So no gas = no cooling, and don't turn on the AC manually if you are low on gas.

Lastly, the clicking you hear would indicate maybe a sticking door or solenoid, some kind of problem possibly not related to low gas pressure. Search for the AC diagnostic routine on the forum. It is probably similar for a Legacy, and worth a try to highlight what electrical fault you may have, before you go to the expense of recharging with whatever gas.

Best of luck

Joe:) ;)

Why would you need to change the condensor? The low side hookup is between the evaporator and the compressor. The 134a can plugs right in there no problem. I just switched mine over.

Stephen

Wrond word, they change fittings, not the condensor. An R134 system must have proper quick couplers - they just comply with the law.

It is a good idea to put new O-rings everywhere because R134 is more agreessive and more likely to leak. Changing filter-dryer is also recommended.

Sorry guys

You are quite correct. I did not mean the condensor, I meant of course the filter-dryer. The connections are changed to the push-on type.

Joe:)

Shows what I know about aircon.
If it's working, it's :cool:
If not, it's :mad:

Matt

Another thought occurs; when your aircon comes on by demand, the compressor spins using an electromagnetic clutch. These can burn out or seize. It could be what is causing your clicking.

Check out if it's working. Get someone to switch on the AC in the car while you have the hood up. Check does the pulley on the compressor spin when it should. If it does not, that could be the problem.

Hopefully you have not seized up the compressor through running with low gas/no lubricant.

Joe