Trying to get a plan together to rehab my '82 rx7's AC, but having trouble sourcing some parts. Have never done any AC work before, so learning as I go.
I have all the original components, but plan to replace the compressor, drier, condenser (broken) and expansion valve, and maybe the hoses.
I have a stash of R12, so not planning to convert to R134a.
First problem is the compressor:
I am not sure if it was factory or dealer installed - I suspect factory. It is a Sankyo part, but the tag with the part number is damaged/partially illegible.
Rockauto only offers "dealer installed" style compressors and the hose ports don't match my parts. Very similar other than the ports. The Rockauto compressor has two ports and would allow generic hoses to be made up, whereas my comp has a unique block that bolts on with 2 hoses crimped on. I have not been able to find any new or reman compressors with my ports, just used ebay parts. I'm thinking my best plan is go with the dealer installed style and find a shop to make up new hoses. I could also possibly use a second gen rx7 compressor, but have not really dug into that yet.
Second problem: My condenser is broken and looks to be no longer available (maybe one site had it at a crazy price and out of stock). Any good sources of where to find a substitute that would work? I assume one of similar size will be good enough if the hoses attach points are workable.
This project isn't urgent, but I do have the dash partially out, so I would like to go ahead and pressure test the evaporator and swap out the expansion valve now before I re-assemble the dash.
Caperix
New Reader
2/5/22 7:23 a.m.
Even with a supply of r12 I would go r134a at this point. Most of the remanufactured compressors are not very good, I put one on my wife's e30 along with a parallel flow condenser & the cooling at idle sucks.
I would look into brackets to mount a newer compressor, sandens can be found cheap, and just go ahead & convert to r134a. Than look for a condenser with an integrated dryer to clean up the engine compartment.
Rule of thumb, if your compressor belt is adjusted with a moving idler pulley, it is port installed. If the car has power steering or a belt adjusted by rotating the compressor, it is factory installed.
Since Sankyo = Sanden, there's a chance a newer model compressor might bolt onto the existing bracket. Seems like that would be worth looking at.
Maybe a dumb question, but are there no hoses available for the dealer-installed style compressor? So you're looking at custom hoses no matter what?
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
That would indicate this one is factory installed. no idler pulley, screwjack bracket to tension the belt.
In reply to obsolete :
I think you're right, there are other Sanden models that will the fit the bracket I have. Not sure how much I need to worry about pumping capacity or whatever other performance paramaters these have.
As far as the lines. I have the original lines, and they are not obviously damaged in any way, but if I was to re-use them, I was thinking a shop could cut the old crimped flanges off and install new lines to the OEM fitting. So, not really custom lines in that case - just rebuilt. The OEM lines would have the advantage of pointing the hoses in the right directions with tight, compact bends, whereas custom lines would need elbow fittings that might be sort of bulky and intefere with other components nearby - I'm sure that's solvable, just more hassle.
sevenracer said:
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
That would indicate this one is factory installed. no idler pulley, screwjack bracket to tension the belt.
Nippondenso, then, same as my '81. It has the same form factor as the dealer items, but different manufacturer. (IIRC from my '80)
I wonder if you can adapt Miata parts for this
It seems like the brake booster and a few other parts can be swapped without much difficulty
Are there any good websites / youtubes on changing over from R12 to R134a using junkyard parts ?
and do you size them for inside volume ? and can you overdo it ? say taking parts from a Van and putting it in a compact car ?
Thanks
I converted my '80 and my '81 by evacuating the R12, adding the appropriate amount of oil (forget if PAG or the other one), installing the adaptor fittings, and charging with 85% of the R12 charge. Works great.
On my Porsche and Raider (both R12 cars originally), I just replaced the compressor and dryer and charged with R134. Didn't even bother with o-rings or anything else. 2-3 years later both of them still blow the coldest air of any of my cars (including three that are less than 10 years old).
