Lachstock and Four Turbo Charged Cylinders ['04 NB SE]

[ManiacLachy]

Only 38*!? I wouldn't even look at the MX-5 in 38*, working AC or not!

Yeah, I'm not 100% sure this will fix it properly :S It's what the AC place I took it to said needed replacing, so I've had professional advice, even if they weren't willing to do the work. But I'm not brimming with confidence. At the very least it's more practical experience for me, and 2 pieces of the puzzle updated. I guess the only other things would be the dryer and the evaporator, but I'm an AC newb.

[bruce]

Yes, 38 degrees and I don't even want to go outside.

[bootz]

Fun fact, after a few hours parking, my inside thermometer registered 67 degrees, that's about 153 degrees F.

This is Perth West Australia

[KevGoat]

Anything over 28° I don't even look at MXSE!! Why I'm thinking it's time to move on...


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[ManiacLachy]

I gave up on the original plan of replacing the AC components myself. With needing it evacuated by professionals, then me to remove parts and install, then have it professionally flushed, pressure tested and re-gassed - it was just too much for me to juggle. I booked the car into Autoworks who I've had do other work in the past, and dropped the car off this morning.

They suggested we should replace the dryer/receiver and the T/X valve while we're in there, as these components can't be flushed. They're relatively cheap compared to the condenser and compressor, not to mention the labour, so I ordered them up from MX-5 Mania as well.

I'm not sure if it'll all be finished today, but I'm hopeful to have a working AC again soon.

[ManiacLachy]

Well, I guess I'm making do with the T/X valve that's already in there. The one from Mania has a hose adapter size on one end that doesn't match what's in the car, and every AC shop has the same thing listed. Surely a part exists out there that would fit, but getting one in a timely manner doesn't look doable.

Autoworks even called up Mazda, who informed him that the SE didn't come with factory AC - clearly incorrect information.

So, we're just going to keep running the old part and hope it doesn't kamikaze the system. Won't be ready today though.

[bruce]

Old cars and old parts. The old one should be ok

[ManiacLachy]

I picked the car up yesterday and I have cold air! I drove it home yesterday afternoon and to work today, windows and roof up with the AC blasting, I can't remember the last time I drove the car sealed up. It's not as cold as my Subaru Liberty AC, but the MX-5 isn't exactly a well-insulated vehicle. I think this should do the trick perfectly for all but the hottest days.

The idle is a little wonky though, especially on cold start and hot restart. Not an issue with the AC off, so might need to do some tweaking to the AC settings.

I'm going to drive the SE as much as possible over the next couple of weeks, use it whenever I can and stress test the AC. If there's any issues, I want to find them sooner than later.

[PaulF]

Good result! Comfort is an underrated feature in sports cars, I think.

[greenMachine]

Excellent news Lachy, just what we wanted to hear, at least I did for sure.

[ManiacLachy]

It's good to have some element of comfort back, it's not one I ever intended to do away with. I've got a number of other things on my mental shortlist to improve the car in ways I'll appreciate, I'll try to get to them in the coming months and to reach for the car more regularly.

[ManiacLachy]

I've been driving with the AC a bit over the past few days, even put the hard top on to make me seal the car up. It's working quite well, but struggles when the temps push past 30* with the sun blasting. Still, more than enough cools to get my by and makes the car much more bearable. I'm happy.

I had planned to continue to use it as my main car for another week or 2, but with the cyclone bearing down on Brisbane I've decided to swap it for the more water tight and wet weather suited Subaru wagon. I'll pull the Mazda back out soon though.

Went to the pre-meet before the All Japanese car meet that happens twice a year near me, hung out with the other MX-5ers. I don't go to the main show, but I like to meet up with the like minded.