A/C Upgrade Project starts tomorrow! - Page 7

rusnak · 04-14-2008, 09:00 AM

Mark,

I bought the Robinair 4 cfm vacuum pump that you posted about. I jumped in this weekend, and pulled a vacuum for about an hour and a half, then recharged the system. I am getting at least 42F vent temp, but we'll see this summer how good a job I did.

Do you store your vacuum pump dry, or do you refill with fresh oil before storing it? I have several sealed containers of fresh vacuum pump oil, but I don't want to get atmospheric moisture in it. I was going to keep some clean oil in the pump, then drain it before putting in new oil next time. Also, when do you know that you need to change your receiver dryer? Mine is about 3-4 years old now.

mthomas58 · 04-16-2008, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak

Mark,

I bought the Robinair 4 cfm vacuum pump that you posted about. I jumped in this weekend, and pulled a vacuum for about an hour and a half, then recharged the system. I am getting at least 42F vent temp, but we'll see this summer how good a job I did.

Do you store your vacuum pump dry, or do you refill with fresh oil before storing it? I have several sealed containers of fresh vacuum pump oil, but I don't want to get atmospheric moisture in it. I was going to keep some clean oil in the pump, then drain it before putting in new oil next time. Also, when do you know that you need to change your receiver dryer? Mine is about 3-4 years old now.

Your pump storage question is answered here: (store with oil)

http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=18950

rusnak · 04-16-2008, 09:18 AM

thanks Mark!

mthomas58 · 04-17-2008, 03:56 AM

Someone here recently referred to taking on an A/C project as a "Slippery Slope" How true!

During my project downtime waiting for more ideal charging temps, I decided to go ahead with Kuehl's Variable Fan Speed Controller. It arrived yesterday. I have not seen any install pics on Pelican so I may post a few as I do the install.

After adding a 5.1 sound processor, my passenger footwell is a god awful mess of wires that desperately needs to be cleaned up so this project will force some badly needed housekeeping

Mike Andrew · 04-21-2008, 03:40 AM

How in the world have you guys gotten the evaporator clips back on? I wrestled with that task for a while yesterday until I just gave up in frustration. There must be some simple means of doing this that I am just missing.

mthomas58 · 04-21-2008, 03:50 AM

Mine was easier sealing the box up outside the tight confines of smugglers box. I was able to use needle nose pliers. Others have success using a hooked tool to insert in the hole of the tab.

ljowdy · 04-21-2008, 03:53 AM

read this
A/C Box clips........

Mike Andrew · 04-21-2008, 03:55 AM

I have the box on the bench awaiting the wrap once I get the damn clips back on. So basically, just set one side and then stretch it over the other tab with needle nose or a hooked tool? I had been trying to slide them back on since that is how I got them off along with a rather large piece of skin.

tsuter · 04-21-2008, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Andrew

I have the box on the bench awaiting the wrap once I get the damn clips back on. So basically, just set one side and then stretch it over the other tab with needle nose or a hooked tool? I had been trying to slide them back on since that is how I got them off along with a rather large piece of skin.

Use an icepick with the tip thru the clip hole and pry. They snap on easy as can be. Same technique to remove.

Outside the smugglers box of course.....

mthomas58 · 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Andrew

I have the box on the bench awaiting the wrap once I get the damn clips back on. So basically, just set one side and then stretch it over the other tab with needle nose or a hooked tool? I had been trying to slide them back on since that is how I got them off along with a rather large piece of skin.

Actually, I used needle nose pliers with one end over the clip edge that I'm trying to "stretch on" with the other end on a screwdriver (for leverage)....kind of hard to describe but I'll try....

Needle nose pliers in right hand one end on clip the other on middle of screwdriver. Screwdriver in left hand with business end on the raised seam of the box wther the two halves meet (just used as a leverage bar for the other end of the pliers to hold on to). Swing the screwdriver towards the clip until you are a comfortable distance to sqeeze the clip on.

I couldn't get enough leverage using the hook tool.....the ice pick method sounds simpler than what I've tried to describe.

JFairman · 04-21-2008, 08:29 AM

I squeezed the plastic tabs together by hand or with pliers and tapped the little clips on sideways till they were centered on the tabs... out of the smugglers box before wrapping it with the thermal wrap.

Mike Andrew · 04-21-2008, 08:58 AM

Thanks, guys. I now have a few options to try with those damn things. I was at a point yesterday where I was going to dremel a notch in each side so that my snap ring pliers would clear and I could stretch them on.. Fortunately, I stopped and decided to query you guys, knowing how many of these upgrades are happening about now.

mthomas58 · 04-21-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Andrew

Thanks, guys. I now have a few options to try with those damn things. I was at a point yesterday where I was going to dremel a notch in each side so that my snap ring pliers would clear and I could stretch them on.. Fortunately, I stopped and decided to query you guys, knowing how many of these upgrades are happening about now.

One final option, if you just can't get the clips on, is to drill a 1/16" hole through the tabs (then follow up with a 1/8" bit - top tabs only)and seal up with a small screw. Kuehl's evap kit comes with the screws if you choose to go that route.

Mike Andrew · 04-21-2008, 12:17 PM

First order of business when I get home tonight is to get the things on or drill the tabs after a visit to ACE.

CrossT · 04-21-2008, 02:04 PM

Not too happy with the 5%/25%/100% stock fan control, so I'm about to pull trigger for the Griffiths variable fan control. Will be interesting to see your thoughts on that item. Picts would of course be greatly apprec. May be getting into my stock system this summer too. I see a little line of oil underside the decklid . . .

todd
89 targa

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

I swapped the blower fan once while the evaporator was in place. I did not discharge the A/C. To get the clips back on I ended up using bent needle nose vice grips. It can be done but it ain't fun. When I upgraded my system I used the screws in the kit from Griffiths.

mthomas58 · 04-21-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrossT

Not too happy with the 5%/25%/100% stock fan control, so I'm about to pull trigger for the Griffiths variable fan control. Will be interesting to see your thoughts on that item. Picts would of course be greatly apprec. May be getting into my stock system this summer too. I see a little line of oil underside the decklid . . .

todd
89 targa

Oh, there are sure to be some pics!

Mike Andrew · 04-22-2008, 03:38 AM

THANKS GUYS!!!!!
Evaporator box clips went on very easily with an ice pick. Then routed the last 2 hoses from the kit from the front cond & from the exp. valve to the Procooler and fastened everything down. That's it until the engine goes back in Saturday (priorities). Tonight, I will try to wrap and install the box.Then I will install the DD cond. From there it's off to my HVAC buddy's where we will connect the Procooler, evacuate & charge.
Without this group, I'd still be cursing those damn evaporator box clips and chasing them around the garage.

kuehl · kuehl's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mthomas58

Oh, there are sure to be some pics!

Mark,
We have looking at the pics you have taken on various posts and threads throughout your project. Very nice work.
Question: what camera are you using and if detail allows, what camera settings?

mthomas58 · 04-22-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Andrew

THANKS GUYS!!!!!
Evaporator box clips went on very easily with an ice pick. Then routed the last 2 hoses from the kit from the front cond & from the exp. valve to the Procooler and fastened everything down. That's it until the engine goes back in Saturday (priorities). Tonight, I will try to wrap and install the box.Then I will install the DD cond. From there it's off to my HVAC buddy's where we will connect the Procooler, evacuate & charge.
Without this group, I'd still be cursing those damn evaporator box clips and chasing them around the garage.

I'll be anxious to hear how your charging goes. Looks like you'll be getting to it before me. I'll be headed to Hilton Head next week for a little vacation and will probable charge when I return.