I'm getting ready to remove the air conditioning system on my 96 Miata. Since the government insisted that it be filled with R134a instead of the evil (but much better) R12, I assume that I can safely dump this stuff directly into the environment.
How do I go about discharging the system?
Take it to an A/C shop. They'll happily suck it dry for you.
Can I have the A/C relay and the condensor? 
Keith wrote: Take it to an A/C shop. They'll happily suck it dry for you. Can I have the A/C relay and the condensor?
1) I did that last time, but right now the car is in lots of pieces and it would be easier to just loosen something up and let the pressure out.
2) No.
In spite of the fact that I really appreciate all the knowledge that you share around here, I'm actually going to try to retrofit at least a portion of the Miata system in place of the barely-adequate-when-new A/C on my 911.
Which, you know, should all just easily drop into place...
I can not imagine the EPA saying it is okay to release anything into the air, but..
Isn't there a schrader valve on the low pressure and high pressure side hose? I bet some eye protection and maybe the tip of a screwdriver would make this as easy as letting air out of a tire.
Keith wrote: Take it to an A/C shop. They'll happily suck it dry for you. Can I have the A/C relay and the condensor?
Would the AC from an '88 323 GTX work for your needs, or does it need to come from an NB Miata? PM me, I'm pretty sure I have all the AC parts from rebuilding the GTX last summer.
-Carlota
There's a particular relay used on the NA Miata (possibly the NB) that I need. I doubt it would fit a 911, and I expect Mazda used something different for a GTX. I know we must have a box of them around FM Salvage somewhere, but nobody can find it! I'm gonna go dig through the shelves again.
Carlota, I found some GTX window regulators the other day. Need 'em?
Keith: which relay is this? My A/C is on the way out of the car, if you still need parts.
No, it is not OK to release R134a directly into the atmosphere.
While it has no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) it still has fluorocarbons (FCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), so it is a flourinated greenhouse gas. It does not have significant ozone depletion potential, but it does have significant global warming potential. FCs and HFCs are included in the Kyoto Protocol.
Since 1992 the uncontrolled release of refrigerants has been illegal.
Take it to the AC shop.
How much does the ac system weight and does removing provide any gains?
You'll need to log in to post.
