| Author | Message | ||
     Alan Skofic Experienced User Username: 120l Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2018 |
Hi Did the Shadow Spirit cars have rotary or piston type A/C compressors? I've been told the piston types fitted to Mercedes cars in the 60s can introduce some roughness when operating? | ||
| Steve Emmott Prolific User Username: steve_e Post Number: 211 Registered: 11-2018 |
Alan they were 6 pistons..... Harrison by name used by Jaguar too | ||
| Alan Skofic Experienced User Username: 120l Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2018 |
Steve Thanks for the information. I've had a Jaguar and there was no issue with the compressor. So the piston compressors are fine. Regards Alan | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Grand Master Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 406 Registered: 5-2016 |
I recently purchased an aftermarket A/C compressor from Introcar Ltd. It's a Prestige Parts product designed to fit where the original unit went but it's considerably cheaper than a replacement original. It's a piston type also but instead of 6 pistons I think it has 10 and it's supposed to be quieter and better. I haven't gotten around to installing it yet so I can't report on how effective it is. I will be changing the receiver/drier and other bits at the time of the new installation and re-gassing with R134a refrigerant rather than the original R12 so the cooling properties may not be quite as effective but where I live air-con is a luxury rather than a necessity. | ||
| Steve Emmott Prolific User Username: steve_e Post Number: 265 Registered: 11-2018 |
Larry you are correct 10 pistons instead of 6 and teflon coated to make them quieter. An expensive upgrade but well worth it especially if problems with the old Harrison. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V8xuna9ius | ||
| michael vass Grand Master Username: mikebentleyturbo2 Post Number: 553 Registered: 7-2015 |
Hi Larry Make sure you clean the filter in the tx control valve! Mine was blocked and nearly destroyed my compressor with a vacuum on low side and over 200psi on the high! Mike | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Grand Master Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 415 Registered: 5-2016 |
Thanks for the advice Michael, I know absolutely nothing about A/C so I'll be having the conversion done at an A/C service shop. The bundle I purchased from Introcar Ltd includes a new compressor, a drier, expansion valve, oil and O-rings. I bought additional o-rings as I intend to have them all changed. I also bought 2 adaptors to convert from R12 to R134a. My plan is to have the system purged, then all of the above new components fitted and the system then filled with PAG oil and R134a. I'm not sure what or where a "tx control valve" is and would be grateful if you would elaborate. | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Grand Master Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 416 Registered: 5-2016 |
I've found it thanks Michael, the tx control valve and expansion valve are one and the same, just different terminology. I'm learning. | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3232 Registered: 4-2003 |
Larry, Probably teaching you to "suck eggs" but here goes.... Make sure all the original R12 hoses are replaced with R134a-compatible hoses; if these are not available complete with appropriate swaged threaded fittings, you will have to source these from a hydraulic hose specialist and have them swage the flexible R134a compatible hose onto the fittings to connect to the compressor, dryer, expansion valve and charge fittings. From hard-won experience, please do not assume the old R12 hoses will give the longevity/reliability you expect from the changeover to R134a. "Murphy's Laws" apply.......... . | ||
| Robert J. Sprauer Grand Master Username: wraithman Post Number: 319 Registered: 11-2017 |
Most leakage from to the R134a conversion will be at seals, hence new ones are advised. I never had a problem using existing R12 hose with a R134 conversion. The 134a molecule is smaller so any hose that has suffered should be replaced regardless but again the seals are usually the culprit. | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Grand Master Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 417 Registered: 5-2016 |
Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. I'm going to risk having only the compressor, receiver drier, expansion valve and every seal replaced but I'm hoping and praying that the original hoses will be OK. I'll get the shop to put some dye in the system so I can monitor for any leaks. The cost of replacement hoses from the usual suppliers is crazy money so I'm reluctant to change them unless I have to so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that Murphy overlooks me this time. If there's a problem I'll search for a manufacturer of aftermarket hoses with suitable swage fittings. The bonnet spring tends to rub slightly against one of the hoses during opening and closing but there's no obvious wear to the hose. Hopefully I can find a way to stop the spring rubbing. | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3235 Registered: 4-2003 |
Larry, A local domestic/industrial air conditioning installer should be able to point you in the right direction to pick up some flexible hose covers to stop chafing. Aother possibility would be an industrial hose and hydraulic fittings supplier. Due to the hot engine environment, make sure the temperature rating for the covers is 150deg centigrade or higher. | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Grand Master Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 423 Registered: 5-2016 |
OK thanks David,I will bear that in mind, maybe a suitable coolant hose over the refrigerant hose would do the trick. |
