York A/C and refrigerant charge

[Zup]

Hi all---

I have an original 50,000 mile 73 240Z that has the dealer installed A/C package. It is all functional, but lost it's charge of R-12 over 36 years.:surprised

Took it to an A/C shop, they pulled a vaccuum, and it held steady for an hour--so no apparent leaks.

Charged it with R-12 till the low side was 30 lbs. and the high side was 130 lbs. It was dispensed from a 30 lb. cylinder so no figure was available for how much refrigerant was used.

It works and chills the evaporator to 24+F. :classic:

Cold air at the vents though, as expected, the volume of air flow doesn't compare to modern units----I am pretty satisfied all in all.

Cost was $103.00 tax included.

Does anyone know the operating pressures recommended for these units?

We don't want it overcharged or undercharged and the information isn't available to me via the search function.

The only hassle left is that the compressor is pretty loud as it runs.

Doesn't sound like a bearing---just loud. Also, the drive belt vibrates quite a bit on it's return from the crank pully to the compressor pulley segment.

The belt tension seems about right. It is a combination V/cogged belt. (if you know what I mean)

Should I install a V belt type?

The idler pulley wheel seems to work correctly.

This is the longest leg of the belt path and that may be why it vibrates so much.

Does anyone know if this is normal? Am I expecting too much, or are these A/C units kinda rough operating.

Thanks for any insight from you other vintage A/C owners!

Jim D.

"Zup"

Edited June 5, 2009 by Zup
mis-spelled my own name!

[sblake01]

Haven't worked with a York for a while. Your pressures sound like they're in the ballpark. I usually go for about 34-36 psi on the low side with R12 (or equivalent) which would yield slightly higher high side than you show. Generally that ends up being about 1.9-2.1 lbs. I weigh the can before and after the charge. If you're getting 24 deg. at the evap, that's okay as long as the compressor is cycling to prevent ice from forming. In my experience, those compressors are louder and do run rougher tnan a rotary type compressor.

[srbigbutt]

Congrats on getting your A/C fixed. Can't wait to get mine re-charged. I've come across some R12 refrigerent and have a buddy who is an A/C technician that is going to take a look at my Z. Right now it blows a little cold if its not hot outside. How many bottles of R12 does it take to recharge?

[sblake01]

He charged his with a 30 lb. cylinder. When you say 'bottles' do you mean cans? Depending on the size it would take two to three cans depending on whether they're 12oz. or 16 oz. Roughly the weight I mentioned in post #2.

[260zCaliCar]

I had the same dealer installed A/C package with the York compressor. It was also really loud, and vibrated quite a bit. I spent 30 years with all different AC shops trying to get it to work well. Every part over the course of time was replaced at least twice... Never worked adequately. This year, I finally pulled out the whole thing and decided that having something that didn't work was more frustrating than having nothing at all.

I hope you're going to have a better experience with this system then I did...

I've been closely watching the recent threads about the vintage-air solution and may give that a try. It gets really hot here in Los Angeles... AC would be nice.

[srbigbutt]

They are 12 oz cans. I also have an Oil Charge can. I hope I can get mine working soon. If you didn't already know, it gets a little hot here in TX!!

[Zup]

Thanks Steven---I am so glad you still post here.

You are the man when it comes to these A/C questions and I was hoping you would read and comment.Here's a :kiss:----I mean

Thanks also to you guys for your comments about your A/C experiences.

I am leaning to the HRA unit if I change, but the car is so original I wanted to give this a go first.

I will repost if there are any other issues or resolutions to this topic.

Bottom line now is that it does work and yeilds cold air---yipee!

Many thanks again!!

Jim D.

"Zup"

[richard1]

but I hope you have not wasted your money. My rotary A/C system has been completely rebuilt two years ago by a MB A/C certified tech working for himself. It cost me $1500.00 including everything and it runs as cold as my Taurus daily driver.

I hope for piece of mind, you replaced all hoses, fittings, valves, dryer and other bits. I run Freeze 12.

I know the York is the piston unit but how complicated maintenance is or rebuilt cost....I don't know.

The rotary compresssor type is very quiet.

[psdenno]

If you haven't already, you may want to check that the crank pulley is torqued down properly. Years ago, before I converted from the York to the newer system, my crank pulley just fell off as I was driving. Imagine my surprise 60 miles from home at 7:00 AM.

Dennis

[MikeW]

I don't think anyone has ever claimed that the ventilation system was very good to begin with. A lot of people have upgraded the blower motor to a Honda motor that bolts right up and vastly improves air flow from the vents. If you're getting 24 degrees at the evaporator then more air flow might be required if the compressor is not cycling as Stephen mentioned. He's the expert.