Hi guys
I'm heading off to potentially hot places in my 3rd Gen next year, so next job is to reinstall the AC system.
When I got the car, the system was de-pressurised and the condenser was falling apart, so I just took everything out, carefully covered the ports to the expansion valve / evaporator and put the parts in storage.
In preparation I have:
-new dryer
-new condenser
-all new clamps etc to hold everything together
-all new O rings for the system
I am going to use my original pump as the remanufactured units seem to be of very variable quality and I don't want to shell out for a new one. I know the new Denso units are not very expensive, but I guess they are made in China (like the new condenser
) and not as good quality as the original. I also hate to throw good parts away and I have no reason to think there's anything wrong with the compressor.
I'm going to re-seal the compressor myself as it's 22 years old and has been sitting without refrigerant in it for who-knows how long. It will also let me visually check the internals for major wear or damage. There's a great video
here to show how to do it. I have a genuine Toyota seal kit and a genuine Toyota shaft seal ($59!
).
That only leaves the evaporator and expansion valve. I plan to remove these to give them a look over and clean any dust, fluff or mold off.
For the evaporator I cannot imagine that it would be defective providing there is no visual damage to the unit.
What about the evaporator valve though; do they wear out? I'm happy to replace it if they routinely go, but if they are simple, last-forever mechanical valves then I will leave it be. Will still change the O rings though
Any advice welcome, this is the first time I've done anything with an AC system.
Thanks
EO
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1993 Hilux 2L diesel manual - in storage.
1996 Hilux Surf 3RZ-FE manual - overland vehicle (and rolling restoration).
1989 Landcruiser BJ60 - undergoing full restoration and engine transplant.
Over 250,000 kilometres around Eurasia in Toyota trucks:
http://eurasiaoverland.com/