Aftermarket AC system install questions. Help!

[Arnie]

I bought this system from member Tim several years ago and am finally getting around to installing it. I've have several questions about what I've got and where it goes.

Here is a pic of the dryer and compressor. I'm trying to figure out where the hoses for the "A" and "B" connections would go. Do they attach to the compressor or to the condensor?



There are two connection points on the condensor unit. What do they attach to? The "B" connection had a little plastic cover on it, so i'm not sure if it connects to anything.



This is a pic of the interior switch. What is this single plug"?" ? The other plug attaches to another molex plug. So i know where that goes.



Any idea what this mystery bracket is for?



A pic of the engine block through the grille. I'm assuming this is where i bolt of the pulley bracket? Anyone know if this has to be tapped? If not, anyone know what size bolt it uses?




Here's the complete setup:



Tim said that there are no hardlines and that its basically just two hoses to connect this system up. Much simpler than the OEM system.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[25Horseplay]

Tim is still a member here. Maybe if you PM him he could help. There is also an A/C install in the article section that may help too.

[Arnie]

Thanks Brian, will take a look again at those articles and see if they apply. I PM'd Tim, maybe he'll get back to me.

[Tim]

Wow, it's been a while since I last saw this setup! You are correct; it's just those two rubber hoses. The high pressure side is all handled where the TXV is. I'm not completely sure how the lines are routed, perhaps one of our more knowledgeable members (FB71?) can chime in here.

Regrettably the lines were chopped up by the guy who gave me this A/C system (out of an '88L) and it was done while I was removing parts elsewhere on the car, so I can't tell you much about the routing. However this setup blew ice cold air beforehand.


The shiny mounting bracket does go on the engine block in the place shown in your pic.

The mystery bracket goes to the compressor and the engine. I can't remember exactly where it bolts up, but I want to say one end goes to one of 3 holes on the block just above the compressor mount.

I want to say that the lone connector is a 12v power line. There was probably another, smaller harness inside the donor car that tapped the power supply and had the connector that goes with your mystery one. Since the A/C switch is the one used in all Festivas, a check of a wiring diagram should tell you what that connector's purpose is.

Also, this system is designed specifically for R134a, and you will need to cut some metal out of the firewall where the TXV is so that everything fits. I believe the guy before me cut the metal between the holes for the high and low pressure lines.

Hope this points you in the right direction.


-Tim

[Tim]

Just thinking about the hoses....

The hose from the TXV should go to the receiver/drier. The condenser line goes to the compressor. From the compressor, the final line goes to evaporator core. However I'm not sure which line goes to which port on the compressor.

[Arnie]

Thanks for the input Tim. I'm pretty AC ignorant. What is a TXV? Can you do me a favor and put some names/terms to my A, B, C diagrams? And if A connects to C, etc.? Thanks so much.

[Festiva_tunner]

TXV = B in first picture, condeser drier is B in 2nd pic, in the 1st pic E is a test port, 2nd pic B is in and A is out, hose B should conect to A on the second picture, with A in #1 conecting to I want to say C and then I belive D would connect to B on pic 2 - I think this is the way it is connected I could have the compressor (C/D) in the wrong order

Anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong being as my A/C is sitting on the workbench currently

[Arnie]

TXV = B in first picture, condeser drier is B in 2nd pic, in the 1st pic E is a test port, 2nd pic B is in and A is out, hose B should conect to A on the second picture, with A in #1 conecting to I want to say C and then I belive D would connect to B on pic 2 - I think this is the way it is connected I could have the compressor (C/D) in the wrong order

Anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong being as my A/C is sitting on the workbench currently

Thanks so much for the help. I've relabled the pics. Let me know if they are correct.

[Arnie]

Can I assume that I have to measure/size the lines fairly accurately as they aren't so pliable that extra hose can't be stuffed somewhere?

[Festiva_tunner]

yeah that looks correct and you should measure your lines a inch or so extra should be all you need

[Tim]

Maybe use a length of old garden hose as a mockup to get the lengths right.

Festiva tunner pretty much nailed the layout of the hoses.


-Tim

[Arnie]

Cool, thanks again guys. The garden hose idea is a good one. Also has a similar pliability of an AC hose. Better than string!

I spoke with my local NAPA today and they say they have an AC guy there who can fabricate all the hoses for me as well as supply all the fittings. They said just to bring all the parts in and they can figure out any of the missing fittings and whatnot. Maybe then can help double check the electrical as well. But big thanks to Tim for labeling most of the wires. There are few that are unlabled so I just want to make sure I'm not missing something before i fire it up.

Okay, so now I need to get a little tap and die set and tap those engine block holes.

[Tim]

Also; while you're at it you should replace the receiver/drier (that canister thing on the condenser) since it's been exposed to moisture in the air. They're inexpensive and an important part of making the A/C system work properly.

-Tim

[Arnie]

Oh really? Thanks for the tip Tim. I'll ask the NAPA guy about it.

[Festiva_tunner]

Arnie - I wasnt happy leaving you the way we did so I pieced my system back together to take pictures for you - now remember mine is a factory system

line comes out of condenser and into the drier

line comes out of compressor to connect to condenser on the right hand side, line out of drier goes to evaporator

Top line (larger) goes to the compressor, bottom line (smaller) goes to the drier

Top line (back of picture) goes to condenser, Bottom line goes to evaporator

Line routing