Question re a/c charging for 83 944na

[echo63]

I understand from reading this forum that the a/c charge port is accessible from underneath. Well, I finally got down under the car yesterday and I couldn't get the hose fitting (R12) onto the schrader valve on the compressor. It looked like the alternator was getting in the way. Has anyone else had the same problem? Do I need to loosen the compressor? If so, wouldn't it screw up the belt tension? What can I do? Thanks in advance for your help.

[justin]

Yup,been there before,ok you need a 90 degree ac fitting and you need to loosin the compressor,swing it over and put the fitting on the port,and attach the hose,now put the belt back on and tension it the best you can so that you don't screw up the ac hose or the fitting,as long as you can start the engine and let it idle,and the compressor turns you are ok,the belt might squeak a bit,when you engage the clutch(turn on the a/c) but as long as it's turning you will be ok. Now recharge,This is what I wish somebody told me 2 years ago,so maybe it will be a little less painful for you.
Good luck

[Scott R]

You can skip the fitting, just do like the above post stated swing the compressor out of the way, attach the line tension it just enough so that the belt does not slip and charge it up.

[echo63]

Thanks for your replies. When you loosen the compressor, I take it that you are loosening it from the bracket, right? Any idea how many bolts I'm looking to loosen to swing out the compressor?

Also, I saw this adaptor.

http://www.acsource.com/product.asp?0=206&1=238&3=21

Do you think this 45 degree angle would allow me to attach the connection to the compressor without having to loosen the compressor? I know it costs $$, but I'm a bit nervous about tinkering with the belt tension. Any thoughts/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Scott R]

Just remove the bolt that holds the tensioner arm to the compressor. swing the tension arm aside a bit then swing the compressor towards the oil pan.

No sense in adjusting an already adjusted tensioner. I usually use a large screwdriver through the tensioner eye and the bolt hole on the compressor. This leave it just loose enough to get the charging line on, and just enough to let the belt move.

[echo63]

I came across a 90 degree fitting like the one shown here.

http://www.acsource.com/product.asp?0=206&1=238&3=16

Do you think this could be the answer to the restricted space issue without having to loosen the compressor? I don't even know whether or not this adaptor will accommodate an R12 fitting, but just a random shot in the dark. Thanks again.

[Scott R]

You could use it, but I think you will still need to loosen the compressor to install it. And since its a screw on fitting youo don't want to leave it installed as it will eventually start to leak.

[echo63]

Thanks Scott, and wish me luck.

[97XRAY]

Could you write up your experience with the re-charge and post it here for us?