Who Knows About AC Systems

[HLxDrummer]

I need to recharge my girlfriend's AC. Got everything sorted out except the drier. It looks like it is built into the condenser and not replaceable.. but Advance Auto sells a desiccant bag. Subaru says you need to replace the entire condenser which is like $300.

Any ideas? Just skip it? The dealer opened the system and didn't find out until we towed it like 80 miles to my Dad's garage so I'm guessing the existing bag is junk..

PS It is a 2008 Legacy.

[The_Kid]

If you need to recharge it, its leaking! Refilling it is like pumping your tyres when you got a puncture.

[HLxDrummer]

It was disconnected at a dealer she had it at. So I want to replace the drier (can't figure this part out), vacuum the system, add R143a. There should be no leaks as it worked great before the system was opened.

[The_Kid]

IT should. How long has it been sittning empty?

[HLxDrummer]

What should? It was left open probably for a few days. It has been closed but empty for weeks.

[The_Kid]

Weeks shouldnt be any problem. But if a system is left empty for to long the gaskets dry up.

[HLxDrummer]

Just wanted to update this in case anyone needs the info later. On my girlfriend's car, there is a plastic plug under the accumulator tank that is attached to the condenser. If you pull this plug, you can get to the desiccant bag and replace it. The plug that came with the new desiccant bag did not fit, so I just used the stock one.

Condenser was easy to pull. Just remove the ram air duct, upper rad mounts, two bolts holding the condenser on and two AC lines attached to it.

I replaced the dessiccant bag for like $15, used a Harbor Freight vacuum pump (one that connects to air compressor), a Harbor Freight manifold set, and a can of Advance Auto brand R134a (calls for a little over one can but the pressures worked out perfect with one can). Cost about $100 including tools. Not bad, especially considering I can use the tools again.

I followed the procedure in the FSM, which IS DIFFERENT than what you see on generic instructions. Not sure if it makes a difference but I'd rather play it safe.

I did not add oil because I couldn't find the special Denso oil and figured it probably didn't lose much. Didn't want to mix oils because it says not to in the FSM. I am still a little concerned about this.

One more tip: Do this when it is pretty hot outside. If you do it when it is too cool, the water won't boil inside the system when you pull a vacuum. For example, my HF vacuum pump can only make like 28-29 mm/in of mercury (can't remember the units). For water to boil at this vacuum, it needs to be like 85-95* or something (it says in the FSM).

Good luck!

[HLxDrummer]

Just wanted to update this in case anyone needs the info later. On my girlfriend's car, there is a plastic plug under the accumulator tank that is attached to the condenser. If you pull this plug, you can get to the desiccant bag and replace it. The plug that came with the new desiccant bag did not fit, so I just used the stock one.

Condenser was easy to pull. Just remove the ram air duct, upper rad mounts, two bolts holding the condenser on and two AC lines attached to it.

I replaced the dessiccant bag for like $15, used a Harbor Freight vacuum pump (one that connects to air compressor), a Harbor Freight manifold set, and a can of Advance Auto brand R134a (calls for a little over one can but the pressures worked out perfect with one can). Cost about $100 including tools. Not bad, especially considering I can use the tools again.

I followed the procedure in the FSM, which IS DIFFERENT than what you see on generic instructions. Not sure if it makes a difference but I'd rather play it safe.

I did not add oil because I couldn't find the special Denso oil and figured it probably didn't lose much. Didn't want to mix oils because it says not to in the FSM. I am still a little concerned about this.

One more tip: Do this when it is pretty hot outside. If you do it when it is too cool, the water won't boil inside the system when you pull a vacuum. For example, my HF vacuum pump can only make like 28-29 mm/in of mercury (can't remember the units). For water to boil at this vacuum, it needs to be like 85-95* or something (it says in the FSM).

Good luck!