My AC died. Anything special I need to know?

Nissan 300ZX technical discussion forum: Maintenance, performance, installations, modifications, how-to's and troubleshooting.
Trimble Epic
Posts: 155
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:58 pm
Car: White/Ivory 93 300zx NA 2+2 (RIP)

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Hey...

when I bought my Z a few months ago, the PO pointed out that the AC makes noise... and it did. Whenever the AC pump was on, there was a grinding noise.. It sounded much like... well, I think it sounded kinda like a VCR VHS tape rewinding. (on top of the other engine noise).

Well, that noise has finally stopped, and no my AC is no longer blowing cold. I need to get this fixed asap, because 1) it's hot and I don't like it. 2) my wife will NOT ride in my car without the AC.

When I bought the car, I resolved to do all the work on it myself, but I really don't want to mess with the AC system... I'd rather take it to an AC place and have it fixed...

...So here is my question: Is there anything special about a Z32 that I would need to make sure the AC place knows how to deal with? For example, I've already discovered the wrong spark plugs in the car because the PO "got a tuneup" ... And I know the timing belt is our biggest achilles heel... So, with things like that, is there anything really special about the AC system that a shop would have to know in order to do it right?

OR, ... Can anyone recommend an AC shop? I guess this is more a question for my local club, but I usually take all the other vehicles to Meineke for AC work... Can I trust them with my Z? :gotme


Trimble Epic
Posts: 155
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:58 pm
Car: White/Ivory 93 300zx NA 2+2 (RIP)

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Oh... I should mention - I did ask before about an AC compressor for Z31 and if it would fit (the school auto shop wanted $20 for it.. hard to ignore). I know now that it won't, so I'm starting from scratch on this. I also need to fix the Mode motor in the dash because it only ever blows through the Vent ports and won't change. Sigh.

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nexus08
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 4:38 pm
Car: 1990 300ZX NA
Location: Holly Springs, NC

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I've got the mode motor issue too. Luckily it is not hard to get to compared to the other motors. You should be able to get to by ducking up under the dash on the drivers side.

Trimble Epic
Posts: 155
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:58 pm
Car: White/Ivory 93 300zx NA 2+2 (RIP)

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ok, noone has really helped with this...

Can anyone recommend someplace to work on AC? Can Meineke be trusted to work on a Z32?

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t.mcginley.jr
Posts: 1547
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:50 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+0
1966 Ford Mustang
Location: New Jersey, USA

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That grinding noise was probably the AC compressor clutch bearing going bad. Have you found a new compressor yet?

As for the AC system, it really isn't that different from any other car. I would take it to a dedicated AC shop instead of Meineke though, but thats my person preference. While they are fixing it, you should have them convert it to R-134a refrigerant since they can't legally recharge your r-12 system.

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t.mcginley.jr
Posts: 1547
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:50 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+0
1966 Ford Mustang
Location: New Jersey, USA

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Where are you located btw?

Trimble Epic
Posts: 155
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 5:58 pm
Car: White/Ivory 93 300zx NA 2+2 (RIP)

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Charlotte, NC...

I don't know anything about the new refrigerant thing... I should read up on that...

Yeah, I thought it might be the clutch... I've been Looking at eBay for a compressor/clutch deal... But I don't I don't want to buy until I can validate that that is where the problem is - and that a repair place will install using a part I brought with me instead of one they order themselves...

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t.mcginley.jr
Posts: 1547
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:50 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+0
1966 Ford Mustang
Location: New Jersey, USA

Post

Yeah all Z32's before 1992 used r-12 refrigerant which the EPA banned or something. Now all cars use r-134a, which the shop will probably tell you anyway.

Based on a quick google search, this place looks solid:

http://www.ttsautoserviceinc.com/Reviews.html

They got good reviews from a few people:

https://plus.google.com/106626636400979 ... S&hl=en-US


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