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a/c recharge
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:22 pm
by verlioka
Hey guys,
Just got me a new toy, L400. Brought it from Vancouver to Toronto, melting my arse all 4500 km, since A/C issues. It seems kicking in, however doesn't lower temperature, just slightly cooler than ambient. All fuses are OK and fans are running. My question is where the lower pressure intake located, in order to measure freon pressure and recharge it, if anyone can post a picture it would be appreciated. I was reading posts, and took appart half of the dash looking for the valve, since got so much info in here that it is under the carpet on the passenger side. Before I take another screw out, please advise where that valve is located. Also, do I need to vacuum system before recharging, or it's compatible with the Red Tek available through CanTire?
Thanks
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:56 pm
by Diver
Nowhere near the dash or carpet on the L400. The High and Low pressure charging points are located under the hood in the area near the battery. You can see them easily if you just trace the pipes from the air-con pump. They have light blue/greeny caps with 'L' and 'H' (if original).
The system takes 1.25 kg of R134a gas (assuming you have the dual front/rear system). Best to take it to an air-con specialist to have it vacuumed and refilled with the correct amount.
To confirm if the compressor is kicking in, you can just about see the centre nut if you peek down which should obviously be spinning when the clutch engages and still when not.
a/c recharge
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:23 pm
by lettereleven
Here is a Photo of the Low side port. It's in te engine compartment, kind of deep. Best to remove the intercooler (at least I found it easier)
Photo is from above- In the photo, front of van is on right, batteries at top and engine block at bottom.
Hope it helps

- ImageUploadedByTapatalk1343884884.823988.jpg (88.28 KiB) Viewed 6595 times
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:15 am
by verlioka
Thank, that helps, going to look her under the hood

Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:31 am
by Mr. Flibble
Also be aware that the compressor can fail in the Delica but keep turning. So, while you might have adequate pressure and the compressor turns over it won't be actually pumping any coolant.
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:45 pm
by raffix
what is the nominal temp for blowing AC at 20degrees?
like how cold is it suppose to be?
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:21 pm
by mac_stang
Mr. Flibble wrote:Also be aware that the compressor can fail in the Delica but keep turning. So, while you might have adequate pressure and the compressor turns over it won't be actually pumping any coolant.
Exactly what has happened with our l400, it has full pressure, but doesn't pump...been trying to find the $/time to replace the compressor for a year now
Brad
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:57 pm
by verlioka
Couldn't wait to get it done by mechanic, and decided to try it myself. Went to Can.Tire and bought a kit with R12 refrigerant, red through the manual and did exactly what it says. The whole can went in and right pressure reflected on the gauge. It's nice and cool inside now. Hopefully there are no leaks in the system. Thank you everyone
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:11 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
verlioka wrote:Couldn't wait to get it done by mechanic, and decided to try it myself. Went to Can.Tire and bought a kit with R12 refrigerant, red through the manual and did exactly what it says. The whole can went in and right pressure reflected on the gauge. It's nice and cool inside now. Hopefully there are no leaks in the system. Thank you everyone
Would you not mean R134a refrigerant? I thought R12 was outlawed for eating too much of the ozone layer.
Falco.
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:17 pm
by legionnair
He means the red trek R 12a its compatible with both 134 and 12. I believe it is just purified propane and a synthetic oil most likely ester based.
Dustin
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:21 pm
by verlioka
I'm not a specialist at this, but it says on the can Red Tek 12a here is the link to the store and that's exactly what I got
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:23 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
Thanks guys! I'm a little more wiser.
What are you driving, Verloika (Starwagon or Space Gear)? Did you have to change the fittings? Or does this product work with the old fittings? Can I use this stuff to top up my system that still has R12 in it without buggering something?
Falco.
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 4:32 am
by legionnair
I have used it in mine the kit comes with the fitting to fill it for the low side, if your system has been empty for awhile then you would want get it vacuumed first to remove any moisture then just cram in this stuff.I used just over two cans. Has been working very well so far.
Dustin
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 4:57 am
by verlioka
Same with mine, I didn't change anything, kit came with the fitting, the system had some pressure, I just added one can. The pressure fluctuates between 32 and 39 PSI while compressor runs at full.
Re: a/c recharge
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:00 am
by verlioka
I forgot to mentioned, mine is Sapcegear 1997, unfortunately I'm not driving it can't get the insurance
