| Author |
Message |
BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 359
Location: So Cal
|
 Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 2:20 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
 |
|
First- a huge thanks to all who have posted here!
I'm about to tackle flushing A/C system. I have a new receiver, and aftermarket expansion valve, and hope to reuse the hoses w/ new Orings. Not sure which exp. valve I should trust.
Looking for alternative solvents.
I can source acetone for condenser and evaporator, and 90 or 99% isopropyl alcohol to flush hoses. I can also get MEK.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
_________________
=BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 359
Location: So Cal
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
^^^I appreciate your reply.
A/C worked before harness meltdown.
Harness is now repaired (I think.) *
System holds vacuum.
R134 Schraeder valves do not leak.
Subaru compressor appears in good working order.
Old receiver was full of icky goo. I assume other components as well. So, a flush (at least) is needed.
I am exploring alternatives because certain solvents including denatured alcohol are not available here.
I'm not up to a full restoration but expect this might yield results without breaking the bank. I'd spring for a new condenser if available.
* See my other Samba posts if interested.
_________________
=BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 11:43 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| djkeev wrote: |
Terry K ...... TK ...... advocated truck brake line cleaner.
Available in bulk and cheap (or it used to be) |
| BCE56 wrote: |
I am exploring alternatives because certain solvents including denatured alcohol are not available here. |
Try NAPA
https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=Air%20brake%20antifreeze&referer=v2
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 11:44 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| djkeev wrote: |
Terry K ...... TK ...... advocated truck brake line cleaner.
Available in bulk and cheap (or it used to be) |
[quote="BCE56"
I am exploring alternatives because certain solvents including denatured alcohol are not available here.[/quote]
Try NAPA
https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=Air%20brake%20antifreeze&referer=v2
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2022 12:02 am Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
134a Schraeder valves do leak. i replace at least 3 per year
don't bother cleaning the receiver drier. just replace it.
hard parts (condenser/evap) are ok to clean, i wouldn't try to clean old hoses with any type of chemical. they are degraded anyway. if anything, blazing hot water and something to cut the oil...dish soap/super clean/simple green
personally, i'd replace the hoses
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 359
Location: So Cal
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2022 3:44 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
The story so far:
Van A/C was inop when I got it. (2011)
Replaced radiator fan resistor, Schrader valves, evacuated old refrigerant. Vac test OK so charged w/ R134. Success!
Worked fine, needed a can of refrigerant every couple of years.
Blower housing and roof ducts were in poor condition. Secured rear tube, and installed GW side brackets to housing. Attempted repair of cracks w/ limited success.
Began search for evap. cover.
About 2 years ago, blowers failed. Replaced 2X 20amp fuses. Fan function restored.
Tracked down a better evap. cover 2 months ago, also the rear duct, "recall" brackets and gaskets.
The housing is complete w/ blowers and drain tray but w/o evaporator or drain tubes. Got new speakers.
Housing will need some repairs. I will reuse the old evaporator and mix & match other items as necessary.
Visited this forum to prepare. Thanks everybody!
Checked relays etc. and made further harness upgrades as suggested.
(About this time, it was necessary to rebuild the rear transaxle and related items.)
Got a new receiver and exp. valve.
Found sludge.
Back to the Samba. Yikes!
Plan to flush evap. condenser, and hoses separately. (I will not flush the new receiver or exp. valve.) New seals will be installed.
Encountered some difficulty finding system flush apparently due to CA EPA regs.
Inquired here about alternative products.
Tried to order from FLAPS today. They will notify me if available.
Meanwhile, I have been working on my Frankenbug side project.
.
_________________
=BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2022 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| personally, i'd replace the hoses |
It was a new level of pita to install new barrier hoses AND crimp them.
Even with our new hydraulic crimper it was a challenge.
Far far easier said then done, but dang, it is REALLY worth it!!!!
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2022 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| BCE56 wrote: |
Encountered some difficulty finding system flush apparently due to CA EPA regs.
Inquired here about alternative products.
Tried to order from FLAPS today. They will notify me if available.
|
Did you try NAPA?
Or a truck parts supply?
Where in So Cal are you?
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2022 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| djkeev wrote: |
Here is what is inside.
The oil has formed a gelatinous mass, almost grease like. It is thick and gooey.
|
YUCK!
Who knows what evil things some one dumped into the system!
While I would normally say clean it and assemble, if the pump is worn and internally leaks, it is too big a gamble to try.
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16883
Location: sticksville, ct.
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2022 10:58 am Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| r39o wrote: |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| personally, i'd replace the hoses |
It was a new level of pita to install new barrier hoses AND crimp them.
Even with our new hydraulic crimper it was a challenge.
Far far easier said then done, but dang, it is REALLY worth it!!!! |
i agree, but for a set it and forget it deal it's the only way to go.
laying out the hoses for sure is a pain. i have been using reduced barrier in some installs just due to space/pain in the ass factor. it's way more user friendly than trying to bend a hose that has the flexibility of soupie
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4098
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2022 11:44 am Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| r39o wrote: |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| personally, i'd replace the hoses |
It was a new level of pita to install new barrier hoses AND crimp them.
Even with our new hydraulic crimper it was a challenge.
Far far easier said then done, but dang, it is REALLY worth it!!!! |
If anyone is thinking of replacing the hoses (good idea) I would highly recommend the Eaton/Areoquip line of EZ-Clip fittings and their barrier hose.
The EZ-Clip system is super simple to do the fittings, no hydraulic crimpers needed, just a pair of dedicated pilers and the fittings are reusable with all the different clips and o-rings easily available from venders.
The new style barrier hose is easier to work with than the heavy stiff stuff that came stock, much easier to bend, thinner, and lighter.
I redid all the hoses on my Syncro Westy back in 2015, recently changed where the fill ports were located, easy snip, snip, couple different fittings and done.
Use the Eaton/Areoquip catalog to select your fittings and then check around on prices. I've found ColdHose to have good prices on fittings (not a real big selection but good enough, good customer service) and also got a couple on fleabay. Hosewarehouse has great selection, bit more money. Be careful on part numbers.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 359
Location: So Cal
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
OK. It seems this has snowballed far beyond anything I anticipated.
I expected replacing exp valve, evap. housing and ducts would (will) be a major PITA.
Goo in the system was a nasty surprise...
Glad(?) I checked the Samba before diving in. Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread.
@ DuncanS- Thanks for plastic repair tips.
@ MsT- re: hoses & fittings: I checked Aeroquip and ColdHose and bookmarked those sites.
The nylon barrier hose and EZ clips look promising. ColdHose offers tools & supplies including flush, and lists prices.
Appreciate the heads-up.
@ r39o- Link was for coolant antifreeze, found this instead:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=air%20conditioning%20flush&referer=v2
@ Dave- re: snot: Yeah, I know.
Re: wiring upgrades: Will implement as suggested.
Re: housing and drip tray info: Your pics etc. will be a huge help.
@ skills- re: Schraeder valves: I keep an eye on valves, have replaced 3 in the last 12 years.
@ Everybody- re: replacing hoses: Ideally, I would too. My resources and facilities are limited. I'll do the best I can.
re: New condenser: On the way.
Thanks for your support!
_________________
=BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ledogboy 
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2005
Posts: 578
Location: Scappoose, OR / Oakland, CA
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
The hose replacement really isn’t all that bad. The worst part it taking down the overhead A/C cabinet, but you are going to have to do that to clean out the evaporator anyway.
_________________
1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
| djkeev wrote: |
Fixing A/C properly is not for the poor or those wishing to pinch pennies.
You’re in fir an easy $1,000.
It isn’t an insignificant undertaking but it is well worth the effort.
I smile every time the cold air washes over my body after being in the heat and humidity.
Good luck!
Dave |
Oh ya baby, you said it!
It is a special kind of luxury feel to have AC in the van.
I still roll down the AC (window) most of the time, until I realize, yeah I can have cold air!!!!
I do not tolerate the cold AC on my head well though, so although not quite like the factory overhead, my dash mounted does the trick for me with no headaches.
The AC is defiantly not for those on a budget. It all adds up fast, especially if you do the in dash setup. I still want to integrate my rear unit, but that I think I need to have done by a custom AC pro. My pro (miracle worker who lives an hour drive away) kept telling me about compressor oil woos if I did not do it right, so I left the rear disconnected.
In any case cold air in the van rules!
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 359
Location: So Cal
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2022 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild...... 1990 Air Conditioning |
|
|
^^^ "I smile every time the cold air washes over my body after being in the heat and humidity."
So did I, until my A/C failed last summer.
When it functioned, it was capable of reducing interior temp by about 1 degree per minute. So: 105* leaving work, 85* at home 21 minutes later. If not, I knew it was time for a recharge.
These Vans are like greenhouses. Parked in direct sunlight, ambient temp mid-high 80s, I commonly saw cabin temps in the mid-100s. (Saw 109 once or twice...)
I frequently camp in the Southwest; previous experience warned me about dark colored paint. Eventually found
mine in L90D white.
Side windows are dark tinted, rear med for nighttime visibility.
Insulated blackout curtains installed on side windows reduce heat radiating from dark window glass somewhat. But not enough.
So, I placed 1/4" felt insulation against the glass, silver Mylar facing out.
Driver and passenger glass have wind deflectors to allow some heat to escape.
PO installed his & hers pop up sunroofs up front. These are actually pretty nice. They afford about 5* reduced temps when open and are quiet and effective at freeway speeds.
I have a bag awning for camping with an extended fly for more shade.
-----------
Well, it seems to have cooled down some here. Enough to do some tinkering with the Frankenbug.
Later, maybe a cruise by the beach...
Cheers!
_________________
=BCE56=
'86 Syncro tintop
EJ22, OBD II early SC adapter plate conversion
Side project: '69 Frankenbug "It's alive!" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
