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#1
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Maintaining 92 a/c system
I have noticed an increased amount of threads regarding a/c issues on the forums as of late, understandable considering we all are experiencing much warmer weather. Having said that, my 92 svx like many others is lacking a/c, the aforementioned heat mades a/c practically a necessity. So begins my next project, fixing my lack of a/c issue...
I have had the car for 9 years now, and have not had a/c in it this entire time. Went to Mineke a few years back, they retrofitted the r12 to a r134a system and the system worked pathetically for a week and eventually went back to blowing hot air. There is certainly a leak somewhere in the system. Rather than troubleshoot I am going to try and replace the major components of the a/c system (all o-rings, compressor, condensor, trinary switch, low/high pressure hoses). I would like to go back to r12...is this possible? I did a quick search of available parts on subaruparts.com, and they had only 96 parts available (no a/c parts for a 92). These parts all pertained to a r134 system. Are these 134 parts for the newer svx's compatiable with the older 92 parts? Will I be able to run r12 using high/low pressure hoses apparently intended for a 134 system? Wanted to get some insight before I went ahead and started purchasing incompatiable parts. Reason I am wanting to stay with r12 is because i've heard that has better cooling capabilities and i already have two cans readily accessible. |
#2
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
Well spotted.
I am watching this thread with a microscope to find the answer, as no sooner had I switched to r134a my a/c crapped out. Mike
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1992 SVX Mica Red/Black (Ruby Pearl) (ADM)- 290,000 kms. With Koni adjustable front shocks, THRICE o/hauled 4EAT with transmission cooler and now the 'QUICK CHANGE' unit, custom PWR aluminium radiator, replacement water pump, fuel pump, crank pulley, Pioneer 6 x 9 rear and 6 inch front speakers, Sony Head unit, rattles from the front end and steering, front DBA slotted rotors. Blown heater core, ruined CV joints, new car park damage. FOR SALE... www.thebeatleboys.com |
#3
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
My cars have been running r134a for years. We've had a run of 90+, high humidity days here, and both cars are cool and comfortable. I've never been without AC for more than a day, and that was due to an error my mechanic made right for free. Both cars now have aftermarket, remanufactured compressors.
Based on this experience, I believe any AC "conversion" that soon craps-out or cools inadequately is suffering from some problem having nothing to do with the refrigerant used. dcb |
#4
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
Three things.
My 92 was converted to R134 10 or 11 years ago at the dealer and until this year has had ice cold flow. I think your problem is not with the gas but the repair. More interestingly the mechanic who works on my car just told me that there is a new gas being introduced to replace R134. It runs at extremely high pressure and is environmentally virtually inert. I don't know the name for this new stuff but you may want to check it out if you're going to replace the whole system anyway. Lastly as I mentioned in another thread I used R12a in my PT and it has worked fine. nice and cool cheap and easily available plus environmentally safe.
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Peter ART Cryogenic/Slotted Rotors, Stainless Steel Brake Lines, PWR Radiator, Tranny cooler, Stebro, Earthworm's Poly Differential/front & rear swaybar bushings, Koni Inserts and Mychailo SVX Sport Springs all 4 corners, Indigo Blue paint. Liquid Silver Wheels. |
#5
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
it seems that most of the time it's the orings that are the problem as they are different r12/134. their are a few to replace.
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WFO! http://www.cardomain.com/id/Schralper "You all laugh cuz I'm different I laught cuz you're all the same." |
#6
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
I would just keep the freon. r132 and r134 are only around because DuPont was about to lose the patent (originally patented in the 40's and renewed in the 60's with a revised version of freon). They published an article on Ozone depletion and to "support" the environment they came up with r132 and r134. Just a business scam, nothing else. Freon works better, IMHO, and it is probably about as bad for the Ozone as flatulence.
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Cam '92 Ls-L Dark Teal 11:1 CR ECUTUNE pistons ECUTUNE .256 duration intake/exhaust cams ECUTUNE STAGE 2AV1 ECU Z32 MAF/SR20DET injectors Balanced & Blueprinted |
#7
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
Quote:
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1992 Pearl White LS-L "Ruslana" #4946 - 180k on body, 95k on engine. Mods: ECU bead crush, 15 min mod, 20 min mod, drilled/slotted rotors & Axxis ceramic brakes, SS lines, 17" Evoke F1 wheels, XS-HF137 Sony Xplod speakers, 6000k HID's (lows & fogs), resistor mod, 1½" Sleek Spoiler mod, custom exhaust by svxfiles, '02 WRX aluminum racing radiator by svxfiles, Summit Racing 400# x 300# springs w/ Koni's by svxfiles, ClassGlass fiberglass hood /w scoop, Nevin's rear sway bar, '97 grille, phenolic spacers, custom LED interior lighting, custom paint. †"War doesn't determine who is right, only who is left"† Work to be done: Tinted windows, clear/LED tail lights, tailbar mod, "Power Mode" mod, Supertone horns, clear corners & headlight lenses, 2 pc splitters or custom bumper, Alcyone side skirts, TruSpeed Stage III SVX Intake, Hydra, 4.44 tranny swap, JDM auto folding side mirrors, engine rebuild, super charger, STi seats, bone leather interior /w SVX emblem, dash overhaul, SVX decals, paint (stock color). Total cost?: 22k At least it's going down..
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#8
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Re: Maintaining 92 a/c system
Quote:
http://www.partstrain.com/store/deta...RMS191113.html dcb EDIT / DISCLAIMER: I have had no dealings with PartsTrain.com, found via a quick Google search. Buyer beware. An HRM reman compressor (as linked above) was installed in my silver SVX in December 2007, @ 160,000 miles, at which time the refrigerant was changed to R134a. The system has required no service since. Last edited by dcarrb; 06-17-2010 at 04:57 AM. |
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