puttputt

My 1979 280zx was making a loud clanging noise and my mechanic says I need to replace the air conditioning compressor and clutch. I read some threads here and people recommend not upgrading to a newer system, but is that also true if you have to replace the whole thing? Still better to find an original and go with R12? If I can find a working compressor and clutch (and they seem hard to find), any idea how many cans of R12 I will need to get to charge the system?

rogerz

depends to some extent where you live. How much cooling do you need? the R134A refrigerant does not have quite the same cooling capacity as the R12. the R12 is frightfully expensive thanks to the Employment Prevention Agency. since you are doing the compressor anyway you might as well go with the 134A. Or take it to a shop and get a quote on both schemes.

jeffp

Stay with the R12 system if you can. I have completed a couple of the 134A upgrades to 12 systems, the last on was a 90 jeep Cherokee. The system got cold for sure, I was able to get it to 30 degrees F cold but the problem was that the thermistor in the evaporator was rated for 45 degrees and would make the compressor switch in and out frequently. problem there. the other was a starion, worked good ,got it to 39 degreees, then the compressor went out, and it was a rebuilt unit setup for 134,
I have taken my system taken down three times and recharged with no problems, you can get the R12 stuff on ebay, and the stuff that you don't need a licence for to recharge the unit. That is the easiest way to fix the problem. Regarding the clutch, that part usually comes with the compressor, so I don't really understand what your mech was insinuating, is he going to charge you for a compressor and a clutch as well?

puttputt

I'm following up my original post for future ZX owners who search the forum looking for info about the air conditioning unit. I took the car to Ztech in Orlando. At first, he ordered a refurbished AC from a supplier, but he rejected it when it came in. He said it was not in good shape and wouldn't last long. So after researching, he found a company in California (sorry, I don't know the name of the company) who made a bracket assembly that would allow a new compressor/condenser to fit in the car. It uses R134a of course. I'm very happy with the outcome. I have an ice-cold AC that is reliable now.

jeffp

Glad it worked out for you.