Is it true that if you blow the high pressure side on the AC the condensor is then shot?Since I bought the truck I never fixed this but with the warm weather I sure would like to get this fixed.I guess that I just can't replace the pipe and recharge with one of those AC kits from Napa,that I have to get the system evacuated.Who in Calgary could do this without charging me a arm and leg???

 

do you mean if the hose blows off ????? .

 

Yep....The high pressure line was rubbing againat the frame and sure enough a hole...The AC is completely empty...This is the way the AC was when I bought the truck...The power is disconnected from the compressor but tested it about two years ago and the compressor still works....Can't remember the price on this high pressure line...

 

Good old Princess Auto has a recharge kit on sale right now - the rest I cant help you on.

 

Dave, you might have to tig the line up or get another one from mopar. I had a jumper cable fall off my passager battery post and tag my A/C line. It dumped A/C fluid/gas all over the place. I could have TIG the line back up, but Tate hasn't bought a TIG yet.

I would also check the orings on the complete system. They tend to break down without being pressurized and exposed to ambient air.

The A/C shops usually do a reconditioning of the A/C pump if its been exposed to moisture/dust and so on. I've been told that it will effect on how well that the A/C will work. I always thought it just another method to take more green out of my wallet.

This is just rumor stuff, but I heard that the A/C home recharge kits will only allow you to re-charge the system once and after that the pump will have to be repaired/replaced. A/C stuff is expensive so ask lots of questions.

I have a beat-up A/C condensor to replace and then all that lovely pricey A/C reconditioning. I'm hoping on getting mine done soon, but then I'll have no money for speed parts.

I just drive around these days with the windows down. Its cheaper.

When I was at Nova we had an HVAC guy, so we used his vaccum pump and pressurizing system to recharge our systems. He also had access to that banned A/C stuff.

 

Thanks Mike....I know nothing about AC units...The line has been exposed to the open air for I don't know how long.I did remove the line 2 years ago and capped the ends.I jumpered the compressor and it does work but will not kick in when you switch it to AC in the truck...Is there a safety built in, that if you loose all freon the compressor will not work?Going to see how much this will cost because now with the chimneys on the truck ,it would be nice to have AC without opening the windows.

 

I aggree with you Dave, A/C is very nice on a hot day.

Has your truck been converted to the new A/C stuff? I forgot what year that the change over occurred. I had an older vehicle converted once and it wasn't cheap deal.

I've had my system rebuilt almost every other year with this truck and its always been more than $1k by the time I get the truck back. The freon does a better job at A/C cooling than the new R-134 but the new stuff is more enviromentally friendly. I usually just change vehicles for the hot days that has a working A/C system.

 

Just checked the label under the hood...It says charged with R-134a..

 

Got to quit this Dodge project....I got a email from the firebird guys wondering when I will have the bird on the road............I have hundred of hours of work to be done on it yet..

 

Dave, Chanda Precision motorworks - Jason Huntley. Actually Hes lemon-aid Jay on here.

he's friend. thats where we did the drivetrain swap on my truck. hes got an AC machine. dave I have that hardline still in my garage. if you haven't bought a new one yet.

 

Dave, a couple of quick points on the AC. Your compressor wont kick in if there is no refridgerant in the system. Also there is an upgrade on the freon, not sure of the number, but it will be all you can get anyways. If the parts work, I have a complete working AC system off of my truck that I could set you up with

Kevin

ps, sorry I missed your call this morning

 

One of the nasty little idiosyncrasies of R143a is that the oil used in the system is intensely hygroscopic...it will suck moisture right out of the air. A system that has been open for any appreciable amount of time will then likely have some amount of water in it---and the compressor won't tolerate that for very long.

 

Well...I guess the only thing to do is fix the line and see if the compressor is shot.I got from NAPA the accumaltor.I guess that is one other thing that needs to be replaced after the broken line...

 

Thanks Luke....I just special ordered the line from Napa today.....Duhhhh..

 

dont' worry about the oil, when you evac the system with the heavy vacuume pump on it. all the oil, water air....everything comes out. you put new oil in. when you charge it.