aircon problems

[taynewguy]

Ok I am new to the forums and millimeters away from purchasing my first skyline (93 r33 gtst), BUT there's one problem the aircon does not work.

Has anyone experienced any aircon problems and or had to replace any parts? Are the parts readily available to start with?

Need to know worst case scenario of how much it will cost to repair so I can account for it in the purchase price.

All feedback will be appreciated.

Cheers,

Tay

[sewid]

Well I have a 93 R33 as well but haven't had any problems with the aircon. Except i had to get it regassed the other day for the princely sum on $99 inc labour.

Unless the car is an absolute bargain don't buy it with obvious problems, just move on to the next Skyline. There's a million around.

Parts for the aircon will be available easily and any aircon place will be able to work on it. The only issue is if you need to replace major parts like the compressor or get the entire system repiped.

Worst case you're looking at up to two grand including diagnosing the problem.

In other words, it could cost you more than the difference between this car and another bargain R33.

[taynewguy]

Hmm..2K?? that's sounds pretty steep.

This car ain't quite a bargain but I think I am willing to take a punt (and just hope it's a quick fix). I will have to take a significant chunk out of the offer though.

Cheers.

[Demon Dave]

when you say not working, what do you mean? If the fans are going but you're only getting warm air it could be the coolent needs replacing, or there could be a leak in the system. If you're not even getting the fans going, the problem could be electrical.

Also be aware that sometimes Japanese owners will strip out the aircon system to save weight and avoid losing power! I've seen this done to a couple of cars.

[sewid]

Just tell the guy to fix it before he sells it to you.

[king_kw13]

i second sewid's idea

if they dont want to, just walk away.... theres an even better skyline around the corner... better not to take the risk mate - good luck

[taynewguy]

Ok against all advice it would seem I have bought the car and am very very pleased to become a Skyline owner for the first time (yeehaa!!!).

I managed to negotiate a few hundred off the already haggled price so I am not too displeased. Perhaps I should let a pro have a look at it before I get too excited. Aircon is all there it just blows hot air....hmm anyway I will let you know.

Thanks for the help.

[Parag0n]

Have you re-gassed the aircon?

[taynewguy]

This is the first thing I will try.

Apparently nothing will work if the gas gets to a certain (low) level. Hope this theory is true. As long as everything works and its just got a leak (be it major or minor) I will be happy to get it fixed.

Coz damn its hot in Perth.

[king_kw13]

Congrats dude. welcome to the skyline gang

hope everything gets sorted soon and it doesnt cost a lot

[Sumo]

afaik a/c's have a pressure switch, when the pressure gets to low, the switch breaks the circuit so that the clutch cannot engage.

[Sumo]

one way i assume to test is to see when you have the car at idle to have one bloke under the bonnet and have one bloke turning the a/c on and off. You should be able to hear the load from the a/c vary the rpm of the idle.

[zRoYz]

afaik a/c's have a pressure switch, when the pressure gets to low, the switch breaks the circuit so that the clutch cannot engage.

sorry they don't have a low pressure switch at all reason you think clutch isn't engaged is because no gas = no load from compressor.

they only have a high pressure switch to cut out compressor, you need this because most car a/c regas places overcharge.

your a/c runs but only hot air comes out means only 2 things low gas or compressor not pumping, now there are to many reasons to list causes but most common is compressor seal leaks due to wear & only fix is reco compressor (car compressor is belt driven so mech esal is side loaded so any bearing wear or over tighten belt causes seal to wear faster causing gas to leak because it's the sealing medium).

car a/c systems hold very little refrigerant charge with most holding under 1kg which to put in dollars in cost if you have lic (like me) to buy it is about $20 per kg R134a.

[taynewguy]

Ok it's cool (literally). I got it regassed and it works fine. It has been filled with dye so the next time I bring it in they can find the leak for me (hopefully nothing major).