RXRAGTOP

Finally got my 1988 RX7 GXL today; bought it sight unseen; my son-in-law traveled out of town to pick it up and deliver. The picture you see is the car.

Going over a few things I immediately noticed the air pump belt is missing. I am running a Racing Beat header and down pipe (cats are gone). Is this OK? I am in Florida so no emissions testing.

I also noticed the clutch is spongy; what are the potential problems here. The clutch (I'm told) is recent, clutch fluid level ok, no leaks that I see, shifts OK, not too sloppy. I think accelertion is compromised a bit but then I am used to driving a Corvette every day and what I feel may be normal.

The AC has been upgraded to R134A (?) freon. I think it needs a shot of freon. The glass site is bubbly, I see where to add the freon. Do you think there is any procedure difference when adding 134A over the old R12 freon?

Great to have a RX again, may have to change my name from RXRAGTOP to RXCOUPE but that is probably taken.

Kai

That's perfectly fine. You only need it if you have a catalytic converter.After you charge it with the proper amount of HFC134a you will see higher operating pressures. The charging procedure is the same, except you use PAG oil.

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

Nice car hope your happy with it.
Spongy clutch? i dunno i have to push mine all the way to the floor to disengage all the way, well maybe it doesn't need that much but i play it safe.

RXRAGTOP

How will I see higher operating pressures? No gauge to check unless one comes with the can of refrigerant. And what is PAG oil and how is it added? Is it in the freon already?

Kai

Pressure is checked with a manifold gauge set... you should have one when playing with refridgerants. That, and a charging machine is nice too. PAG oil is the compresser lubricant used in HFC134a systems as a replacement to the older mineral oil in CFC12 systems. It's not in the refridgerant and must be added seperately in the proper quantity.

Note: HFC134a is not Freon. Freon is the trade name for CFC12 (R12.)

RXRAGTOP

I was going to go to PEP BOYS and pick up a can of refrigerant. Saw a buddy do same recently didn't look to hard. Don't know the procedure to add PAG oil to the compressor though.

Pep Boys wants $150 for AC service; can't say they are my first choice but they are open on Sunday!

sectachrome

avoid Pep Boys at all costs.

Icemark

RXRAGTOP you will want to fix your siganture first. It is causing all your problems. Signatures are limited to only 6 lines, your's is currently 14 and way over the limit. This will **** off the rotary gods, and make the car run poorly no matter what you do.

as far as the H134, H134 traditionally has less cooling ability than the older r12, but if you are seeing bubbles you have either pissed off the rotary gods, or you are low on H134, or you have a leak in the A/C system (or a combination of the above).

If the car retains a cat converter, (which it should not with the RB system) then you will need the air pump to function to prevent burning out any cats. With no cat, an air pump will not be required on a S4 (86-88) except to lower emissions and after burn (popping in the exhaust on lift throttle).