A/C Issues Help, Help, Help

[m715]

Next thing.. 6th picture... the lines pictured.... the first line from top to bottom in the picture...
1rst line: hard line that I can't be sure is factory or dealer installed system
2nd line: factory system hose from compressor to top fitting on Evaporator core. You won't be using this line for your setup.
3rd line: dealer system from top of Evaporator core to compressor. If I read the pictures correctly, you have this line installed in another picture.
4th line: factory system hose from Compressor to Condensor. Not for your system.

[boostmaster]

I've gotten a few more pics and updates. First of all the line from the compressor to the condenser has been fixed!! See pic!



Secondly, While I have ordered a new receiver/dryer, I am using the old one to try and make a new line. Here's better pics...

This pic shows the two ends that need to be connected. Obviously not in that position. But if You look close you will notice the threaded end from the receiver/dryer and the threaded end from the lower part of the condenser are NOT the same! Apparently the lower part is smaller and metric. I went to a place that makes hoses and they did not have the proper fitting for the lower part of the condenser. I was so close..... Anyway, here's a few additional pics...









And finally, my assistant...

[bravekozak]

fixed where?

Where did you go to get the new ends crimped on?
I have to watch every move you make, because I will be following you in about two weeks. I need a longer line with a different routing since I have power steering. The A/C hose intereferes with the power steering bracket.

[boostmaster]

I went to a place in Corbin, KY called the Hose House. They pulled off the old end and fitted a new one for $4.00.

I would have had a hose made for the receiver/dryer to the condenser but the fittings were different and they did not have them nor could they order them. They suggested I shop online to fint the proper fittings.


Generally, I enjoy a good project but this one is wearing on me because it's for the "boss" and she drives this car daily.

I've sunk more money into it than I had initially anticipated hence the name "Expenstiva"...

Nevertheless, I am getting closer to my goal of retrofitting A/C into this car and I will not rest until I get it done.

As always, much thanks to the "experts" out there. I'm still needing some more help and wondering if there is any other car that can be a donor for this car. Ideally, something that is popular that I can actually go into a store and buy off the shelf...


Keep the ideas and suggestions coming. They are all appreciated...:p

[boostmaster]

Still working on trying to find a proper fitting for my receiver/dryer to condenser connection.

Can anyone confirm if there are any alternative condensers I can use? I really need to get this project finished but the local parts stores are useless.

I'm relying completely on you Festiva owners for good info.

Can anyone give me some ideas or suggestions?

[boostmaster]

After fighting with this stock oem style condenser and with no other suggestions for other donor cars that might offer a unit I can use, I guess I am going to have to buy a brand new condenser and hope that the fittings are different so I can get a hose made.

Here's what I've found so far:
Rock auto- $97.89 w/o any discount. $15.58 s&h
eautopartsdirect $128.00 (but it says for 2004- 2007 model cars??) free s&h
go-part- $83.95 (but it says for 91-93 model cars?) s&h $20

I've also checked the local stores (oreilly's, autozone, napa, advance) and they either cannot order or want in the neighborhood of $160+!!


Anyone have alternative suggestions where I might find this item even cheaper?

[boostmaster]

Nobody??


Are you guys sick of this thread already?

Come on, I just need to get the final touches and we'll be frosty in the A/C

[m715]

Isn't there a fitting at the bottom of the Condensor on the Passenger side I saw in your picture? I havent seen one like that before, but if it has one, can you not find a two fittings to make a line to run up to the Dryer?
I haven't been on for a few days, and figured you had found something by now. If you do go with the Rock Auto Condensor, just make sure it is for your system, and I will look for a 10% discount code for you tommorow.

Michael

[boostmaster]

Actually, there is a fitting at the bottom of the condenser. However, it is NOT the same size as the fitting off of the receiver/dryer.

When I went to the hose house to have the new line made, they were able to match up the fitting off the receiver/dryer and were preparing to make my new hose when they discovered that the fitting at the bottom of the condenser is NOT the same and is, in fact, smaller than the the other fitting.

They checked their inventory and said it would be a small metric fitting but that they did not have it and did not know of anyone who might have it.

I was thinking of buying a new condenser from Rock Auto and calling it a day but my fear is that the fitting on the new condenser will be exactly the same as the one on the old one. I don't want to just keep spending money if it's not going to work.

I was thinking that maybe I could find an alternative such as a condenser off an aspire, or a honda or something small and comparable but I'm not sure how different sizes would effect the system as a whole...

Ideas?

[drof 89]

Did you try www.coldhose.com ? They have a metric fitting list with photos.

[boostmaster]

No I did not. I'll go check them out right now. Thanks.

[boostmaster]

Looks like they might be able to help.

Can anyone tell me what the correct measurements are for these ends?
1. The "out" from the receiver/dryer
2. the "in" to the bottom of the condenser.


I do not have any tools to accurately measure them.

TIA

[boostmaster]

Here's what I've found so far... (I need to know details on the bottom fitting that says "3/4 M/OR" )- Hose place told me it was metric



This is the diagram of the Condenser sold by rock auto for $97.89 Part number 74336

They could not give me any details on the condenser they sell. They told me to call Spectra Premium directly at 888-910-8888. I called and they claimed to have no knowledge of this condenser or this part number...

Why is this so damned difficult????

I'm really frustrated right now because I'm so close to getting this completed and cannot seem to get over this hurdle.

Can anyone please give me some suggetsions?

[boostmaster]

Well, I've exhausted all my local resources and no one seems able to help.

I guess I'll need to scour as many junkyards I can find until I find what I need.

If anyone has any leads, please let me know...

[boostmaster]

Update!!!

Well, after a while of searching, I found another festy with A/C. The yard pulled it for me (I would have rather done it myself but oh well)

Here's what I got:

Evaporator and compressor (Looks to be aftermarket style)


Condenser fan


Engine bay wiring harness


Condenser and receiver/dryer




Now for the problems... Since I have a dealer system and this is a aftermarket system, I am having to work with a mishmash of parts. What I would like to do is to utilize all of the dealer stuff I have already installed and add in the condenser and receiver/dryer I have just purchased.

So the issue here is that my dealer system's receiver/dryer has this: (note the plug- Not sure what its for) High pressure switch?????


My aftermarket system has this:



and this:




My current "dealer" harness has a connector for the "plug" on the dealer recevier/dryer.

My new "aftermarket" harness has a plug for the high pressure switch on the hard line: This one...



The new "aftermarket" wiring harness also has the following:

Not sure where any of these go.


This connects to the fan.


One of these connects to the high pressure switch but I'm not sure about the others.



Can anyone help me figure this out??? This has got to be the most PITA project I've ever done! I'll be working on this all day as I'd like to have the A/C ready to go for next week for my wife to drive in the hot weather...

ANY and all assistance is appreciated.