Funnily enough I did see some R134A for sale in the electronics supply shop where I got the fuses - not in standard cans though, it was being sold as a circuit chilling spray for electronics ..big aerosol cans ..will have to check the fitting - probably not a screw thread ...idea came to mind that I could use a side 'can tapper' and fill it up with those ..just an idea at the moment

Thanks for all the guidance so far Nick, I'm sure lots of other readers will get their systems up based on your advice. Thanks again!

 

That's true, you'd just have to make sure there are no additives, and it's straight R-134a.

Have you checked eBay? I know here in the USA, we can even buy R-12 on eBay. It's expensive, but for some cars, it's necessary. Try looking on eBay.ca for "R134a refrigerant" and I'm sure you'll see regular 12oz cans for sale. Shipped right to your door.

Check it out.

-Nick

 

Thanks, that helps me too

 

I checked the electronic circuit chilling spray technical sheet and it is indeed 100% R134A. It comes in 2 sizes, 285g (10oz) and 400g (14oz) so I'd need 4 small cans or 3 large to fill the system.
The aerosol fitting is not a screw-on so I'm thinking I'd need to get a can tapper with a diameter that fits these cans if I do decide to go this way. The 10oz cans are about $11 each, so way cheaper than eBay cans if I count the shipping ...

Still just an idea but tomorrow I'll check the can diameters!

 

Yes, that's much more like the pricing here. Way to go, that's definitely a creative solution that sounds like it will work perfectly as long as you solve the the can tapping/sealing issue.

Go for it!

-Nick

 

Pretty much decided on going this route, (the electronic spray stuff) - ordered an adjustable side can tapper and a set of hoses/gauges from eBay, tapper was $20 incl shipping and the R134A gauges/hoses/fittings ran me $50 also incl shipping so I'm into it for about $70 so far ...the cans will run me about another $45 ...will report back when the tools arrive ...wish me luck!!

where there's a will there's a way!!

 

Absolutely! I'm excited to see this through to the end: Ice Cold A/C!

Keep us updated, there's lots to learn here.

-Nick

 

Well, the manifold gauge set arrived today and I also purchased the 40oz of (the electronic spray stuff) refrigerant I need ...just waiting for the side can tapper to arrive now - maybe another week or so as I had it sent first class mail ...will update as when the final piece of the puzzle gets here!

 

Much to my surprise the can tapper arrived today so this afternoon I hooked up my gauges, evacuated the system and connected the first can - all went well, I could see the refrigerant going in through the sight glass and when it stopped I hooked up the second can. About halfway through the second can the compressor clutch engaged and so I continued adding the third and fourth cans of refrigerant (10oz cans, ~40oz total).

By now she was blowing pretty cold in the cabin so I disconnected my gauges, cleaned up and took her out for a spin to test the temperature at the centre vent. The ambient temp today was around 23c (75f) and the temp at the vent registered around 9c (48f). I don't think I could make ice at 48f but it sure felt good and cold enough for me - in fact I had to close the driver's side vent as it was almost too cold for my fingers on the steering wheel.

So I guess I now have a working A/C system!

From the great advice in this thread I was able to get it up and running to spec for under $150 - and that included purchasing all the tools!.

Thanks again to all that replied, especially Nick for all the encouragement in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles- and yes I did use circuit chilling spray to fill up the system!

 

Lawrence,

This is a great thread, congrats on your success on recharging the system. Would you mind adding one more note and listing the specific equipment you purchased (brand name, model, etc.) for the rest of us for reference?

Would appreciate it. Thanks

 

Hey Rob,
The manifold set was a "generic" made in China set from eBay, this one:

R134 A C Manifold Gauge Set R 134 R134a AC New | eBay - came in a nice compact case, really a steal at the price imho

The can tapper is a Mastercool #85530 A/C Dual 3-In-1 Side Can Tap Valve also from eBay:

Mastercool 85530 A C Dual 3 in 1 Side Can Tap Valve | eBay

all the best,

 

Excellent work, I'm happy to hear everything worked out well. Good job with all the creative thinking; I would have never thought about the circuit chilling spray. What a clever way around the restrictions on refrigerant. And it was cheaper too! What's better than that?

Also, you now have the manifold set which is a valuable tool when repairing/diagnosing Air Conditioning problems. Without it, you are running blind. If you find the time, could you post back with your system pressures (high/low) and the outside air and delivery temperatures in the car with the A/C on Max?

Thanks for the kind words, Lawrence. There have been so many repairs I would have never even attempted on my cars--and even on my home, for that matter-- without the help and encouragement of forum members. The only thing I can do in return is pass on the modest amount of information I have to help others as well. I'm happy everything worked out well, and I hope you have a better understanding of A/C systems, and perhaps could help someone else down the road. That's what it's all about.

Thanks again, and Happy Motoring,
Nick

 

I hate to hijack a thread but this was all very helpful. I did the entire process and found my leak. There are 2 wires coming out the back of the compressor. My leak is where those go in. Obviously that isnt normal.it hisses and leaks badly. What could be the fix... please dont tell me compressor is shot.

 

Just called my repair guy and since it is the seal for the switch he said all the seals are probably in the same shape. He suggested installing a new one.1300 just for the compressor and 300 for the install.

Does that sound right for the compressor?

 

The install price sounds fair if it's including evacuation, recharging and installation of the compressor. The price of the compressor seems very excessive to me. You can find either the A6 or SD709 compressor any day for under $500.

Is that for a rebuilt or new compressor? Even if it's brand new, that's still steep. I have installed rebuilt compressors many times and have not had any issues with quality or longevity.

Nick

 

I did find the sd 109 at auto zone for 359. Do you have any reviews or negatives about them? Not much online.

I wanted to see if there were rebuild kits for the jag one.if so I may rebuild it and sell it.

 

Check out RockAuto.com, I buy many of my parts there. They have tons and tons of parts for almost every car you could think of. They also have excellent customer service if you ever have issues with receiving wrong or defective parts. If you have any questions about product selection or fitment, just call them up, and they'll let you know what's right for your car.

There may be rebuild kits, though usually for the hobbyist, it's not cost effective because the cost of the special tools to disassemble and properly reassemble the compressors outweighs the sale price. You may need to keep your old compressor to return it as a core, too.

Nick