My AC went out

[jimmillion]

@BRZnut

ask and u shall receive.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22459

[mrha]

Originally Posted by Subie

If it's damaged it's very likely it's due to road debris (unless the OP gives details to indicate otherwise).

The dent on the condenser is right behind the crash bar. There's no scratches or punctures to my front bumper and no rocks or debris visible. In order for a rock to hit at that angle it would have had to bounce off the undertray before striking the lower condenser. However there doesn't seem to be any marks indicating anything bounced up.

Whatever did hit it sure left a mark though. When it's bright out I'll take pics with my Canon.

[jeebus]

That sounds pretty wild. Also, sucky. Good luck.

[mrha]

I just spoke with a representative from Subaru and she told me she would look into it for me and get back to me by Friday. She was very professional and helpful.

Honestly I hope this goes well since I come from a family of people who think I'm a fool for not buying a Toyota or Honda.

[cnk]

Your other option, if Subaru can't do anything and as long as there is no more refrigerant in the system, is to just replace the condenser on your own and then take it in to be refilled. That would save you some labor charges. If there is still refrigerant in the system, then you're going to have to take it in as it's illegal to vent that stuff to atmosphere.

[BRZnut]

Originally Posted by jimmillion

@BRZnut

ask and u shall receive.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22459

Thanks!

[cheapez]

You could have replaced the condenser yourself for less than $300, and then recharge the system with R134a refrigerant. The system usually take about 18 oz of R134a refrigerant. Use the cheap gauge that goes with the R134a can when you buy them at your local hardware stores. Measure the low side to 33-38 psi (Out side temperature when you do this is 85-105 F degree). If it's hot outside 35-38 psi. If it's warm outside 29-33 psi.
Suck the air, and moisture out of your system before you charge it with new R134a refrigerant. If you don't want to do this, it's fine, but the air coming out of the vents is less cold (Can be 2-3 F hotter).

Be sure to install a guard net at the front grill of your car to protect the condenser from flying small rocks.

[jimmillion]

@cheapez are there devices that you can use to suck the air out before charging or do you still have to take it to a shop?

[njccmd2002]

Originally Posted by cnk

Your other option, if Subaru can't do anything and as long as there is no more refrigerant in the system, is to just replace the condenser on your own and then take it in to be refilled. That would save you some labor charges. If there is still refrigerant in the system, then you're going to have to take it in as it's illegal to vent that stuff to atmosphere.

would it be illegal to have a leak on the system?

I knew someone that the bolts came loose on the ac compressor and his whole unit leaked!!!!



hmmm, how do a lot of people do swaps in their backyards? Hmm, oh i get it, they have some of those weird unexplainable leaks....

[cnk]

Originally Posted by njccmd2002

would it be illegal to have a leak on the system?

I knew someone that the bolts came loose on the ac compressor and his whole unit leaked!!!!



hmmm, how do a lot of people do swaps in their backyards? Hmm, oh i get it, they have some of those weird unexplainable leaks....

Obviously if it's a defect or from damage that's outside your control. But to knowingly release it to atmosphere is something else. Bring it in, have a tech evac the system, bring it home and replace the condenser, and then go back and have them fill the system.

By no means am I a poster boy for tree huggers, but at least have the common sense and decency to prevent a known hazardous chemical from being released into the atmosphere when you can. If anything, I wouldn't want to risk inhaling any of it or having my family inhale it.

[Lonewolf]

Originally Posted by mrha

Last Monday I had to pay $500 to put my dog to sleep and now this. Mondays aren't my day.

Please don't say it was your Corgi!

I'm sorry to hear that...

[cheapez]

Originally Posted by jimmillion

@cheapez are there devices that you can use to suck the air out before charging or do you still have to take it to a shop?

The shop uses a pump to suck air out of the system before they charge it with new R134a. The pump will not just suck air out of the system, it create low vacuum in the system (-5 to -15 psi I think).

There maybe another way, less expensive way to suck air out of the system. Harbor Freight might sell these tools. Be sure to use coupons when you buy anything at Harbor Freight.

I replaced my condenser last year, and then charged the system without sucked the air out. It worked great for the whole summer.

If you are going to charge the system, charge at the low pressure side (There is a valve on it). Your engine must be running, and your AC is on when you are charging the system.

[cheapez]

R134a is much more friendlier to the environment than the old Freon they used in air conditioning. The old Freon makes cold better, but they don't sell that stuff anymore. The governments have banned it.

You can buy R134a at any local hardware store. They will sell it to any adult person without the need of a license. Which mean, you can use it.

It is not good if you keep venting your refrigerant to the atmosphere, but hey your condenser is leaked.

[mrha]

Originally Posted by Lonewolf

Please don't say it was your Corgi!

I'm sorry to hear that...

It was my female Betsy that passed. My family is still pretty tore up about it. She's the one on the right.