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*Before you take on this install yourself, we recommend that you have substantial mechanical knowledge and experience with HVAC components. For 1982-86 owners, before you start, we recommend that you pull out your HVAC box from the car and retrofit to the 87-93 style evaporator.*
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*Also have all of your supplies ready for installation, this includes refrigerant and PAG oil. You will need the PAG oil to lubricate O-rings and to fill the system to 7 ounces.*
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INSTALL PROCEDURE
- To start, we will start by showing how the (2) compressors mount to the engine block.
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- To prep the compressor for installation, verify that the compressor has oil. If not, add the recommended amount (our compressor is pre-charged with 3 ounces of PAG oil, this means that during the install we will need to add an additional 4 ounces to the system which we will cover as we progress through the install).
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- Tap the (2) locating dowels into the compressor.
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- Before installing the manifold onto the compressor, slide the upper bolt through the compressor and use a small zip tie to hold in place. This will prevent the bolt from falling out whenever you go to install it (go ahead and install all 3 bolts).
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- If you are installing our AC kit designed for generic and KRC applications, install (2) of the provided shims over the dowels and (1) over the rearward bolt on the compressor.
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- Make sure that the O rings are lightly lubricated with PAG oil.
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- Flush the manifold with compressed air and verify that the mating surface is free of foreign material.
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- Install the manifold onto the compressor.
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- Reinstall the bolt that was securing the plastic cover and hand tighten.
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- Rotate a quarter turn past hand tight.
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- Depending on the A/C kit that you purchased, a few steps will slightly differ. If you have a Power By The Hour or Speed Drive set up, you will need to go ahead and clock the tube on the manifold that will face up once the compressor is bolted to the engine block. To do this, insert the appropriate deep socket into the tube. Attach an extension and clock the tube towards the direction of the frame rail.
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- Position the compressor on the engine block and loosely thread the bolts. Run them all down first before you fully tighten.
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- Next, we will start by installing the condenser and brackets. First, lay the condenser on a workbench with the tubes facing toward you. Remove the caps and fill condenser with 1 ounce of PAG oil and apply a light amount to the O rings.
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- Go ahead and install the lower brackets. These are side specific and make sure there is a speed nut in the correct location.
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- Position the condenser into the car and the tubes will be facing toward the engine and on the passenger side.
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- Place the upper brackets on the condenser in the correct orientation and slide the brackets under the core support. Install and fully tighten the hardware.
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- Pre-fit the liquid line in position and check the clearance between the tube and the header. Depending on your set up, this will need to be clocked to move away from the header as much as possible. You can wrap section with heat reflective tape or tubing. Be aware that this can still burn through or melt, but most modern cars have a very tight tolerance for A/C and exhaust components.
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- Fill the liquid line with 1 ounce of PAG oil and lubricate the O rings. Reposition the liquid line in the car and insert the tube into the lower port on the evaporator coming out of the firewall.
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- Do the same for the other line. It will connect to the lower tube on the condenser. Clock this tube to move it away from the header.
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- Before installing the accumulator assembly, make note of the existing stud for the factory accumulator bracket. This will not be reused and can either be shortened if you so choose (we installed a rubber vacuum cap that prevents metal to metal contact and unwanted rattling).
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- Go ahead and fill accumulator assembly with 1 ounce of PAG oil and lubricate the O rings where applicable.
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- Position the assembly into the car and thread the fitting attached to the accumulator onto the evaporator.
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- Insert the other end into the manifold that is facing up and push in until it clicks.
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- Tighten the firewall fitting with an adjustable wrench and clock this assembly as needed.
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- Go ahead and prep the short discharge hose for installation by filling it with 1 ounce of PAG oil and lubricating the O rings.
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- Install the end without the service port into the manifold fitting. Rotate the hose and insert the other end into the condenser. Clock and rotate as needed.
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- Remove the cap from the accumulator to expose the Schrader valve. Lubricate the O ring and install the pressure switch by hand tightening then rotating it a quarter turn with a wrench.
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- The (2) provided pigtails will need to be wired into your factory A/C controls.
At this point, you can scan over all of your connections and perform any finally clocking to your components.
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- Whichever A/C kit that you purchase, install the belts when ready to do so. If you have a Power By The Hour set up, install the belt per their instructions.
- For generic and KRC applications, the stretch belt is easier to install and is done by wrapping the belt around the compressor pulley or harmonic balancer. Use the appropriately sized socket and brake over bar to rotate the crankshaft. As you rotate, push the stretch belt over either pulley with your hand or pry tool. Rotate the crank until the belt is fully seated onto both pulleys.
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THAT’S IT! PURCHASE A/C CONVERSION KIT FROM LMR TODAY!