two85s

Hey elgigante thanks that sounds interesting.....and I like it. What types/ years of cars has this worked for you? Aaron

Thanks Gloyale good to hear from you! I will do what you said. Yes high NOx....everything else passed. Do the EGRs commonly need replacing or can they be cleaned effectively. What about forcing/altering the EGR to be always open? Is a exhaust leak possibly the high NOx reason? Thanks for the help, Aaron

Thanks ruparts I appreciate the feedback. The mechanic who put in the CAT and the exhaust (very nice tube work IMO) 2 years ago seemed confident that the CAT was good and there were no exhaust leaks (however later I realized he said so without running the car--his shop was "too swamped"). The mechanic told me it would be very difficult to narrow down the problem and would likely be + or - 3hrs diagnostic work for starters (ie $280) plus he was so busy that he didn't know when could "get" to it. So, I thanked him and drove the wagon home, where it now sits with expired tags. The owner of the smog test shop hinted that the smog report readings could mean an exhaust leak or ??? .......he couldn't say. I am wondering if the smog report readings would likely be caused by an exhaust leak? Thanks for chiming in ruparts and take care, Aaron

Looks like a fun project. Good luck and keep posting how it comes together, Aaron

Thanks for the input coxy! The carburator had a bit of work done to it a few years back when it looked like a gasket was sliding out of position. I will look back at receipts to see if what was done to the carb is detailed. I have recently replaced the air filter, PCV filter, PCV valve, and the fuel filter. I was going to replace the EGR valve but the part from Rock Auto had no tube on it to attach the hose like my EGR has so I kept the one I had. Aside from getting it good and hot on the freeway, I didn't do much else prior to attempting to smog it because 2 years ago it passed with no problems....the numbers on the smog report photo I attached hopefully are meaningful to members on USMB. Thanks again for the help, Aaron

Hey USMB, I read through many of the smog related posts and want to post my situation up for your consideration. My wagon is a very stock 85 dual range non turbo and has redone complete exhaust with new CAT in 2012 when it passed California smog. This time (2014) it passed visual and functional yet still resulted in Gross Polluter status. I will try loading photos with one of the smog report. Thanks for any help (keeping my wagon on the roads). Aaron

Hey aba4430, yes I thought I had the definitive FSM chapters 1-6 set until I started this a/c r12 to r134a swap project. I looked and asked and found out this supplement covers a/c and a bonus electrical section. Also, there is a 'Book 7', which has other info, not sure what about. I bought the second FSM book sec. 4-6, and both supplemental books from a seller on ebay and it should be here today. I can direct you to another source I found where you could get a hard copy of the a/c supplement for yourself, but you should PM for that as I think the supply is very limited. THIS IS FOR A 1985, remember. Others on USMB know much more than me and may help too. Either way let me know if/ how I can help. I would be glad to help, Aaron

Hey, thanks all. I found a source for the AC section. Cheers, Aaron

Hi all, anyone know where to find online or have a copy of the A/C section of the 1985 FSM. I have a 1985 FSM 1800 Sedan and Wagon with sections 1-6, but no A/C section. I am doing this swap and having questions that the AC section would help a lot. Let me know... sure appreciate it. Aaron

Hey, thanks very much for your response and information. Very much appreciated. Aaron

Hi all, presslab said, " The TXV will have a different superheat setting for r134a, so if you're going to run that you might want to change it. How did you modify the HVAC controls? " I wanted to ask where could the right TXV valve be purchased? I am doing this to my 85 GL wagon. I was told to use "Ester" oil for the compressor. Also I would like to know about modifying the HVAC controls too. Thanks very much, Aaron

Hi, I am still plugging away at getting the AC from my 85 parts wagon into my 85 driving wagon. The connector on the compressor doesn't match up with the open plugs on the harness near the alternator. Can someone tell me if one of these connectors is for the compressor. Thanks, Aaron

Anyone, thoughts about wires, site glass, and air (schrader) valve on the receiver/dryer? The new receiver/ dryer has only plumbing. How/if to flush compressor and type oil? Thanks Aaron

Thanks Gloyale. OK cool, I'll swap the entire cluster. Any thoughts about wires, site glass, and air (schrader) valve on receiver/dryer or how to flush compressor and type oil? Any AC wizards out there. This is the first time for me and I want to do it right. Thanks very much, Aaron

Hi everyone, I am taking the AC system from my 85 gl automatic parts wagon and putting it into my 85 gl D/R wagon. I bought a vacuum pump and AC manifold set up from Harbor Freight to switch it over from R12 to R134A. I have researched about the process so hopefully I can do it correctly the first time. From Rock Auto I got the AC O-ring kit and a new receiver dryer. From Wal Mart the R12 to R134A valve kit and the R134A. After I get the parts removed I will flush the lines, the evaporator, the condenser, the compressor? Then I will replace O-rings, put it together and vacuum pump and manifold test it before charging with R134A. 1) Can/ should the compressor be flushed/ drained? The oil in it is for R12 correct, so that needs to be replaced too, with what oil? 2) The old receiver/ drier has the in/out plumbing fittings, wires, an air valve, and a site glass( pic). The new receiver/ drier has only the in/out plumbing fittings. What are the wires, valve, glass for? Are they necessary? 3) My parts wagon has a "AC ON/ AC MAX" switch (pic) my running wagon has a "Vent" switch in that spot. How should I best wire AC to turn on? Ideally, I would like two or three speeds (powers) for the AC, i.e. low, medium, and high, and putting toggle switches would be fine with me if it would be easier or better. I have had the Dual/Range Wagon since about 1995 and never had AC. Thanks for your help or advice. Aaron

Very interesting Thanks! let's see a photo when you can? That's a healthy daily commute . Have a good one! Aaron

Soobenthusiast, the GMC truck has a gas tank also and you could switch from gas to LPG with the flip of a switch. My dad still owns the truck but he only runs propane, passes smog every two years no problems. Aaron

Keep up the good work and keep updating. What kind of MPG's does it get? Regular (87 octane) is back over $4 now in California and it seems no one is raising any hell about it. Looking good though-your ambitious. Aaron

Howpow, I'm pretty sure they are talking about something to protect the seal during the installation. A large socket or piece of material cut to the correct diameter that can be used to evenly apply pressure upon the seal while it's going in. I didn't use one the first time and had to redo the job. The second time IIRC, I used a large socket as a seal protector carefully tapping it in and had no problems since. Aaron

Looking so good! I'd like to see how and where you put the LPG tank in. I have seen it done in a GMC 1976 pick up, but never have I in a Subaru. That will run very clean. Will it affect the horse power up or down, I wonder? Your car is really coming together nicely. Thanks for updating, Aaron

Wow, looks great and you really seem to know what you're doing. How long have you been planning this build? Please keep posting pictures. It's inspirational. Kind regards, Aaron

Thanks GR86BRAT, Aaron

The first link above doesn't work for me, and the "suberdave" page is password protected. Any one find the same issues. Aaron

Great ideas, I think it will help a lot of people using those haynes type books. I've have what I think is the full set (sections 1-6) for year 1985-(wagons and sedans specifically) the only difficulty may be the very, very long with many folds wiring diagrams at the back of of the second book. Also I have the 1985 1800 parts catalog. I would let you do the same if you all wanted. I don't have one of those scanners. Does it destroy the manuals to do the scanning you are talking about? Thanks Aaron near San Diego