Hi all,

New import Hiace owner here. I've had a number of early 80's Hiace vans and campers, and loved'um all. After many months of looking around I have finally bought a 1991 2.8 Super Custom Limited 4WD. I also managed to get the dealer to fit a twin socket towbar to save me the trouble. Have only had it a week but will probably never drive my normal car again!

Anyway to my question. After a lot of reading of the archives I'm assuming my aircon is will be running on R12. I think the gas is probably low because the compressor cuts in and out and regular intervals. I had some good advice from a local aircon engineer in Bristol but he has asked me to source the receiver dryer myself before he starts any work on it. He has had problems getting parts for imports in the passed.

Is this part easy to get from my main Toyota dealer, or can anyone point me to UK supplier ?

Thanks in advance
Jason

- (#8944) Jason Bamford, 2 Mar 04 05:25

At the expense of being lambasted by Mr Drinkwater, I believe that many aircon engineers play the rules differently or even make them up as you go along.

First, R12 has been outlawed for a good couple of years ago now. Supposedly you are not allowed to refill systems with R12 or run the risk of being fined. Many outfits seem to be taking the line of "when it's gone it's gone" to use up existing stocks. I used up the last of my supplier's stock of R12 back in July on my Townace. So you may find someone still supplying it even now.

Second, by all accounts you need to replace the receiver/dryer and seals prior to replacing with 134a. I took my import MR2 that had been using R12 to same supplier last May. I had the option of recharging with R12 or with 134a which would be £10 less. "What about the seals etc." I asked. Apparently he has been adding an oil to the gas to get around this. In reply to my raised eyebrow he said that he had been doing this for about 3 years and had no complaints to date and would give a guarantee. I went for the cheaper option and no complaints from me so far.

So I think in your case I would prefer someone to do the lot for you in whatever way they decide is best (providing the price is right of course). That way they can't accuse you of not buying the right parts or trying to renege on any warranty because of customer provided parts.

There are plenty of Bristol based contributers on this site who must have gone through this. Maybe someone can suggest an aircon engineer for Jason?

- (#8944) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 2 Mar 04 06:01

Thanks for the advice. I rang another local mobile Aircon guy (Go-cool Services!), and he was helpful and understood all the issues with R12 etc. He's happy to source the dryer and will test and report on the system for just £20.

- (#8944) Jason Bamford, 2 Mar 04 09:48