Replacement a/c condenser

[Ryantzer]

The original a/c condenser in my 90 Q45 is mostly clogged and needs to be replaced. In searching for replacements there are different applications for 90-93 and 94-96 models, which corresponds to the switch from R12 to R134. Being that I am going to convert mine from R12, I would prefer to use the condenser designed to be more efficient for R134 - does anyone have enough familiarity with these to know if the mounting points and connections are the same for the later model condenser?

[No1Dad]

The fittings might not be the same. Most of the lines have different part numbers after the conversion but my usual sources don't have any diagrams available. The R134 condenser also appears to have a larger core.

[No1Dad]

the 1992 Service bulletin doesn't show much in terms of fitment/mounting changes. A quick skim through the document says that retrofitted systems had a low pressure hose replaced and a different AC dryer installed as part of the kit. It may be simpler to stay with the original style R12 condenser. I can provide the part #s for the kit and probably the whole bulletin if you are interested.

[Ryantzer]

Is that service bulletin describing an R134 retrofit kit for the earlier models?

[No1Dad]

Is that service bulletin describing an R134 retrofit kit for the earlier models?

Yes, this one specifically gives a complete breakdown and step by step. A lot of the bulletins available were about AC issues and there are 2 maybe 3 specifically about retrofitting/conversion from R12 to R134a

[Ryantzer]

I can provide the part #s for the kit and probably the whole bulletin if you are interested.

I would appreciate any and all info you might be able to provide.

[No1Dad]

Ok, lets figure out how to get these to you, I sent a PM

[Q451990]

No1Dad, what TSB do you have? I have ITB96-015, but on page 4 it says that this procedure is for all R-12 based models except the Q45, and that those instructions are included with the retrofit kit. I'd love to see those instructions.

ITB92-013 is also a good read. After reading it, I think I'd be more likely to stick with R-12 than do the full conversion properly. Maybe we've learned that a lot of those steps aren't necessary, but at least in 1996 Nissan was really stressing how much the parts weren't cross compatible between R-12 and R-134a systems.

[No1Dad]

No1Dad, what TSB do you have? I have ITB96-015, but on page 4 it says that this procedure is for all R-12 based models except the Q45, and that those instructions are included with the retrofit kit. I'd love to see those instructions.

Yep, thats the one. The title page specifically mentions 90-93 q45s but then excludes them on page 4. However it does give this part number for a complete kit:
Q45 90-93 27030- 60U10
Which of course doesn't come back with any results. This is a tricky one

I missed the note on page 4 but the document seems to contradict itself? I have not read it all the way through.

[Q451990]

I missed the note on page 4 but the document seems to contradict itself? I have not read it all the way through.

That's my impression after skimming through it. I wasn't even aware that manufacturers had officially sanctioned R12 to 134a conversions. One of the lines in there cracked me up about not releasing 134a into the atmosphere because it's costly. That makes me hopeful that 1234yf prices will come down as it's use becomes more common.

[VStar650CL]

I have ITB96-015, but on page 4 it says that this procedure is for all R-12 based models except the Q45, and that those instructions are included with the retrofit kit. I'd love to see those instructions.

I looked, but there's nothing in ASIST. So whatever the instructions were, they were paper and not PDF and chances are you'll have to find a kit. InfinitiPartsDeal shows the kit being a good number but discontinued. Amayama maybe?

Yep, thats the one. The title page specifically mentions 90-93 q45s but then excludes them on page 4.

I missed the note on page 4 but the document seems to contradict itself? I have not read it all the way through.

I'd suspect the difference is just some small modification or change in order of assembly, something along those lines. If the required parts were different it would almost certainly be a different kit p/n, and very likely a separate bulletin.

[Ryantzer]

InfinitiPartsDeal shows the kit being a good number but discontinued. Amayama maybe?

I couldn't find anyone including Amayama that was showing it as available, but for $2200 I'm not surprised.

[Q451990]

It looks like the factory R12 or R134 condensers are available from Amayama for about $350 shipped. I don't see them anywhere else with a quick glance on RockAuto and eBay. If the rest of the system is functional and still running on R-12, I think I'd be tempted to keep it on it. You can buy it on eBay for about $30 a can if you keep an eye out for it.

[Ryantzer]

Keeping it R12 was my original plan - I know from experience that an R134 conversion typically results in slightly less cold a/c, and the summertime temps here in Phoenix make you want every degree of cold air the system can provide. I spent nearly $100 on eBay cans of R12, which had to be evacuated when we later determined the original condenser was almost completely clogged. At this point I'm going to have to replace the compressor which has now seized up, so I've picked up a 4 Seasons kit that incudes the compressor, expansion valve, and dryer, all supposedly R134 ready. The condenser is the last piece of the puzzle, and if I can source one that's a more efficient design than the OEM R12 condenser I will be content knowing that I've done everything I can to make it perform as well as the original R12 system.

[Q451990]

Sounds like a good plan if you're replacing all of that other stuff. I'd probably replace the evaporator at the same time if you're going to go deep enough in there to replace the expansion valve. The Four Seasons one is $68 on Rock Auto.