I have an '87 RS, and i don't have the book for the car. I don't know if it is supposed to have A/C, i know if it does, it needs to be recharged. How do i find out?

 

look for the compressor on the front of the engine.

 

Or you can look for the silver canister on the passenger fender. Here's and old pic of my 2.8. See the silver canister in the back? Look for that.

 

What does the compressor look like? Is it in the pic that the canister is in?

 

AC in red, compressor in blue

 

Ya that compressor on my car squeaks any reason why it might be doing it, squeaks more in drive? No clue

 

Having just rebuilt my AC system last year (so it works).
It costs alot.
I got MAJOR deal on the old R-12.
I replaced the silver thing, the compressor & an in line filter.
About $350-500.
Let's not forget the UPGRADING TO CAR COOLING SYSTEM to FUNCTION PROPERLY & not let car overheat while using the AC, too.
All the stuff is rather easy to replace by yourself, as long as the system is discharged.

I did 90% my own labor.
I couldn't recharge, went to a guy for that.

You are probably facing complete replacement of stuff I just mentioned.

 

3.1RS, my compressor sqeeked too and when i brought it to a guy he said there wasn't enough PAG oil in the compressor, but remember i had mine changed over to R134A. that is the way to go. its cheaper the R12 to charge and its more cold and cost effiecient.

 

I thought R12 is colder than R134? Anyway, the silver can is called the accumulator; keeps the system free from moisture, and "should" be replaced whenever you change/recharge the a/c system.

 

i've been told by several technicians i work with that the 134a is much colder due to the density and oil it uses throughout the lines and compressor, but i've never had r12 to compare it to. i just switched over to it when i bought the car.

 

i've been told by several technicians i work with that the 134a is much colder due to the density and oil it uses throughout the lines and compressor,

I WOULD SAY THAT IS CORRECT
IF
you are saying that about a modern system.
Compared to the older systems using originally R-12.

 

that's what we are talking about. they don't make r12 ac for cars anymore. i wouldn't consider my 91 rs modern but if you change he lines, oil, and retrofit the ac to 134a it runs colder. the same goes with any unit.

 

First
They still continue to produce R-12.
Go to Delaware visit DuPont to find out.
Autos have been converted to the option, the 134 stuff.
It's not as effective in a converted AC unit (that was designed for R12).
IF the vehicle was AC designed for the 134 stuff then the system works better (meaning late model vehicles starting I guess in 1993-or so)
Converting a R12 AC system to 134 is a compromise that "works" ok.
Converting costs alot also.
Don't be "mislead" by the "simpleness of it".
It is still expensive in the end.
It's almost cheaper to buy a newer car than get some AC systems fixed.

 

Ok, so my car has A/C, but it never gets cold, i'm assuming i need to recharge the freon...about how much would that cost? Considering the problems i've had with this car, i should probably just sell it, but i can't part with it, so...what else could cause the A/C to not get cold?

 

My car came to me, AC hooked up, compressor working but no cold air (I jumped a switch to test compressor & it was ok).
I charge up my Freon (R-12)
I pay my price.
I'M KING OF THE WORLD BRING ON A TRAFFIC JAM I'M IN THE FREEZER AND THE JELLO JIGGLES IT'S SO COLD!
Three days later on compresor seizes.
I replace nearly everything.
Cost me over $350 & THAT WAS MAJOR PRICE CUTTING DEALS & MY OWN LABOR!
You guess your prices.
Compressor
R-12-full charge
Acumlator (silver thing)
Orfice tube filter (thing in hose, yep it filters)
O rings

 

Just noticed this message on the tech board; seems people agree about the effectiveness of r134a as opposed to R12... https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=148134