Restoration of 128/4430

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DPP
Posts: 1759
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2011 12:03 pm
Location: Cornwall

Re: Restoration of 128/4430

Post by DPP »

Its been a while since I updated this and although the car has been used the last couple of years it hasn't really had any other work other than regular servicing, so following a fresh MOT with no advisories I decided to get around to a few small jobs.

First was to upgrade the lighting with a full LED kit which makes an amazing difference not only being able to see ahead of me but also visibility to other cars and being able to clearly read the gauges. I was glad to see that with the front splash guards removed for the first time in 8 years that everything was still looking good. Still whilst it was removed I took the chance to apply another coat of Dynax UC.
Behind the front splash guard
Behind the front splash guard
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New LEDs vs halogens
New LEDs vs halogens
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Now that this was complete it was time to sort out the A/C which has been slowly getting worse over the last couple of years. The system had its refrigerant recovered then I fitted a new dryer from Pat at FenAir and then the system was vacuumed for 45 minutes before being refilled with 850g of R134a. The system is now working great again before this I could only get to around 10 degrees at the vents and now it is below 2 degrees.
Gas being refilled
Gas being refilled
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A full charge of 850g weighed in
A full charge of 850g weighed in
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Less than 2 degrees at vent not bad for a York compressor
Less than 2 degrees at vent not bad for a York compressor
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Dave Pearce
Oily Rag Classics
Jensen FF 119/133
Jensen FF 119/182
Jensen Interceptor III 128/4430
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Grant
Posts: 5173
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 1:11 pm
Location: surrey

Re: Restoration of 128/4430

Post by Grant »

Cool Stuff DaveMan, the headlights looks brilliant!Image..I still love those old York pumpsImage, I know they're not as good as Sandens but they are period and look rightImage(Sorry Pat :oops: )
Did you put some oil in that system too Dave?Image I'm sure Pat sent me some oil that I had to add when I charged my old system and got it going... Sadly it's escaped now 4 years later.. It needs a little ImageDave from Oily RagImage treatment to suss where it's leaking fromImage
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DPP
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Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2011 12:03 pm
Location: Cornwall

Re: Restoration of 128/4430

Post by DPP »

Grant
I may be wrong but I recall you telling me you fitted just the compressor without the full kit from Pat@Fenair if this is the case and you are still using the old R12 pipes with R134a gas then this will most likely be your problem.
The molecules of the R134a are so small they will escape through the pipes walls at a fair rate and this would explain why you think you have a leak.

Pat is a wise man and you should always follow his advice when it comes to your a/c.
Luckily with his sound advice and some local training I am now able to do my own a/c and don't have to rely on the local specialists who despite having all the equipment and being paid by the hour just want to squirt some gas in and send you on your way.
The last straw for me was when they regassed my Landcruiser and put in far to much gas that it kept cutting out the compressor.
Dave Pearce
Oily Rag Classics
Jensen FF 119/133
Jensen FF 119/182
Jensen Interceptor III 128/4430
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Grant
Posts: 5173
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2010 1:11 pm
Location: surrey

Re: Restoration of 128/4430

Post by Grant »

Yes, I totally agree Dave..Pat is the manImage, I took all of his advice & he sent me new pipes and dryer etc, but he wasn't happy with me doing what I was doing(York pump) really but went along with it all for meImage, I also changed that little valve adjacent to the evaporator as per his instruction, but yes, have a weep somewhere, but my question to you was..Did you put some oil in your system too Dave? I seem to remember Pat telling me to put some oil into the compressor too, I remember him sent me some, but I think it was only necessary on a system running a York pump as apposed to a Sanden pump systemImage.
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DPP
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Location: Cornwall

Re: Restoration of 128/4430

Post by DPP »

Grant I only added the same amount of oil that was removed when the system was de gassed, which was a very small amount.

Pat usually pre oils the compressor for you and then gives you a small bottle usually less than 1/2 full of oil, this is used to oil the o rings and the remainder needs to be poured down the pipe with red cap leaving the compressor towards the condenser (front radiator).

If you think you have a leak its most often the flange fittings on the evaporator and expansion valves at the bulkhead as the rest of the system uses modern o ring fittings which seal much better. if you still have some gas pressure a quick check would be to squirt some soapy water on these fittings and look for bubbles. Small leaks though may need a gas sniffer or some dye in the system.
Dave Pearce
Oily Rag Classics
Jensen FF 119/133
Jensen FF 119/182
Jensen Interceptor III 128/4430
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