Alabama thread!

I just fixed the r134a in the miata.

In my case, the high and low sides had the same pressure, so it was the expansion valve or the compressor. Ended up being the compressor, unfortunately, but I did all the work myself.

It sounds about right but you really have to vacuum it first. Ideally you have a full set of manifold gauges. I have a vacuum pump but I'm no longer in bama, obviously.

 

AC work at a shop IS butt rape. I'd go without AC before paying. I ended up replacing my compressor, expansion valve, evaporator core, and receiver/drier. Total cost including a good set of gauges and a pump was about $400. The expansion valve alone at a shop would have been at least that, and now I have $170 worth of equipment for the next time.

They perpetuate the myth that AC is some magic voodoo so that they can bend you over for getting it fixed.

To refill, you must vacuum it first, otherwise A) you don't know if you still have leaks and B) you don't get moisture out of the lines.

 

Look into whether there is a kit. The only things you really need to replace for sure are the compressor, expansion valve, and the fittings. It is possible to update it. Replacing those parts isn't particularly hard either, but I wouldn't do it unless I had the right tools.

The other way to go is to just get some manifold gauges and recharge with freeze-12 again. You really, really need a set of gauges from someplace to see what is going on in the system, it tells you everything.

 

I absolutely despise hearing anything along the lines of "happy wife, happy life." If your relationship isn't equal, that's on you bud, not all of us roll that way.

 

Who needs AC....90% of my wheeling, I have the windows down. I've decided that when my AC starts acting up, as long as the compressor is good, its being converted to an OBA set up.

Yeah, my fiance wants to do curtains for the living rooms. I've had to remind her that even if you DIY, its several hundred dollars. I was lucky enough to have the house come with wood blinds so I see no need for curtains. Not to mention curtains for 11 ft ceilings is ridiculously stupid (like 150 bucks a window and 6 windows).

 

I completely agree. A relationship takes teamwork. however, I am positive that I spend more (of my money) than my fiance does. Luckily her income will be twice what mine is so we will always be alright with each others hobbies.

Reminds me of when we all watched that YJ bust a driveshaft yoke. The first thing his wife said was "Am I going to have to pay for this too?"

 

Yeah, pressurized systems just kinda freak me out for some reason. I know the physics and mechanics, and I know it's not voodoo, just, dunno. Always been hesitant. One of my buddies has a manifold and gauge set, and I think another guy has a vacuum pump that you hook up to an air compressor to run. I've got a compressor with the CFM to run it, so this is shaping up pretty well.

 

I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of rain

 

Must... build... full size....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbGXBUif-PE

 

o i just use that expression for fun. i also use the expression "if dad's mad its real bad" i know all about the teamwork that it takes to be married, after all i did kind of go about the marriage thing one of the most difficult ways you could (both of us lived on our own and mainly alone for 10 years or more before we married plus 5 months after we got married we had a kid to just make it more interesting) but dont worry my marriage is full of happiness and team effort.

mainly it was just a failed attempt at humor and relating to what keith was touching on about the spending. heck if i want to come completely clean about it i could just mention how much i have spent since we went into "money save mode" on detail supplies alone. we are good with our money and are just trying to turn each other into penny pinching hermits to stockpile money for the new house purchase. sometimes we both splurge, it happens???

 

if you do, i know what your first mod can be........... stitches!!!

 

Here it is.

 

First things, make sure the compressor is engaging. If not, check the clutch coil system to be sure it is not electrical. Yes, a set of R-12 gauges will be what you need to verify correct state of charge, and to verify the compressor is pumping.

As to the bold text, plenty of systems can hold in a light 28inch vacuum. It is when you ramp the pressures up to the 250psi or up mark that the real leaks show up.

If doing a R134a conversion it is recommended that you replace the receiver/drier and orifice/expansion valve. No need to replace the condensor or the evap core. They will work fine. There is a very minor difference in performance when changing over. By slight I mean usually no more than a 4 or 5 percent pressure difference, so you would only REALLY notice a difference on really hot and humid days.

I disagree. This is a VERY difficult business to make a profit in.

Was in a bad place when I first wrote the above. Sorry. I do get defensive when it comes to my job.

 

seen a few tacos in the irondale and vestavia area...saw a ~3" lifted mgm one with an allpro bumper and trail grapps on black wheels at publix the other day. any of you guys on here?

 

There are a lot of Tacoma trucks in that area for sure. Haven't seen many on the board tho. Welcome to the Alabama thread!

 

Oxford area - steak options are - Outback, Logan's, Lonestar, Longhorn, Applebees, Golden Corral (buffet). Wings n burgers options- Struts, Jeffersons and all your regualr fast food places. Olive Garden, Fuji's and Yume is the japanese restuarants. Pizza - mellow mushroom or Pizza Hut.. hope this helps

 

^^^Wood floors are rape, but like your situation; they are rape because of the material cost, not the labor.

I've seen that guy before, but he is not a member here. Justin (TacoFMS) isn't far from there. He drives an 11 MGM DCSB. Stock front bumper though.

We do have a member in Vestavia who drives an 02 I think, access cab long bed, white, and well armored.

I've been seen in the area many times, too. UP

 

Awesome, I will look into those sometime in the next few days and see what works. Thanks again!

 

Im gonna disagree with you on several levels of that, but since it seems you are a bit on edge from your comment that came after this I will avoid any further discussion about it as to not cause any more hurt feelings.

 

^^^ Fixed.