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'94 Impreza a/c questions....


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Hi Folks,

I am buying a '94 Impreza, and it is in pretty good shape except

for being a bit rusty, and the a/c does not cool.

 

It appears to be R12 and not converted, and when I checked

the fuse it is OK, the fans start when the a/c is switched on

and it appears to have some R12 in it because when I quickly

pushed on the little valve in the fill fitting I got a good squirt

which seemed to have some pressure behind it - but the

compressor does not start, though it spins freely by hand.

 

I also pulled all 4 a/c relays and switched them around with

no change evident.

 

Questions:

1 - Is there any reason NOT to convert it to R134a ?

 

2 - Assuming it is low on gas and that's why it won't run,

when/if I convert it, is there anything special I must do ?

 

3 - Is there another common cause for these symptoms ?

 

4 - Where are the high and low pressure switches located ?

 

5 - Is there an online source of repair info for these cars ?

(Maybe like Honda's online manuals ?)

 

Any education would be greatly appreciated !

 

mark

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Hi,

 

I'm not familiar with that car so my response should be considered as a generalism.

 

If the compressor does not spin, it may simply be disconnected, electrically. If it is connected, get a wiring diagram and check the path. There may be some simple things that affect the status of the compressor.

 

As for conversion to R134a, one typically has, at a minumum, to replace the high/low pressure switch and the receiver/dryer. If you think you're going to keep the car a while and there is no leak in the system, you may as well stick with R12. R12 prices have dropped recently.

 

There is a product called Freeze12 that is supposed to be a drop-in R12 replacement. To use that you'll have to convert your line fittings but that's not difficult. Check their website for details.

 

Regards,

Adnan

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It's probably low on refrigerent. I'd just convert it. Replace the receiver/dryer, flush the system, put pag oil in, and charge the system with 134a to 3/4 of the R12 capacity.

 

I've got a thread detailing my conversion process if you search.

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