Topic: How Difficult is it to Add Air Conditioning?

[Jeffy]

I still haven't finished mine yet.  I screwed up my shoulder so I'm waiting.  I've got all the hardware for the compressor now though.  Unlike the kits I'm using a OEM compressor so there is no additional bracket to deal with.  I also had to get yet another serp. belt.  My Jeeps run 4 different lengths over the years.  I have issues with the condenser though.  The line fittings are too close the the radiator.  To get the evaporator install, I actually had to trim the bracket it's on so it's not putting unnecessary pressure on the ducts.  I think that was the hardest part though.  Part of the delays for me is that I'm using the stock compressor and have to deal with OBA at the same time.  So I've got to source hard to find hardware which wasn't that hard but took an extra week.

[DanMarino]

This is the fan box / evaporator / duct box from Jeep Air.




Unit after installation under the dash.



Holes drilled through the passenger side fire wall for the AC lines.



New compressor in place and on bottom right, the new drier that is painted black.



The new serpentine belt will require the addition of a idler pulley below and to the right of the alternator.

[Jeffy]

One of the problems I found which make it harder to mount the evaporator was that the metal L bracket was being pressed down because of the duct controls.  This causes the whole thing to want to rotate up which makes pushing the motor back in there harder.  I ended up trimming the bracket so it wasn't an L in the middle and it helped a lot.  Otherwise the L bracket is forced to flatten out.

If I didn't have OBA, installing the AC kit would have been a breeze since I wouldn't have to source other parts.  Not to mention, I have to buy a hose crimper since my kit is more DIY because I bought it without the compressor.

[DanMarino]

Yup, getting the evaporator unit under the dash was more difficult than it should have been.  I'm not quite sure where to hook up the electrical connections, but I guess I'll figure that out.

With the holiday this weekend, I should be able to get everything installed and ready.  After that I'll have to work out a time to drop it off at a local shop to get evacuated and charged with 134a.

I'll take more photos as the installation progresses.

[DanMarino]

Last night I verified that the water pump I picked up from Advance Auto Parts was correct for the Jeep and is reverse flow.  I also spent a little time looking at the AC lines and figuring out where they go.  If I'm bored tonight, I might try to run a couple of them.

Looks like this weekend I'll be able to complete the rest of the work.

[Jeffy]

Yup, getting the evaporator unit under the dash was more difficult than it should have been.  I'm not quite sure where to hook up the electrical connections, but I guess I'll figure that out.

With the holiday this weekend, I should be able to get everything installed and ready.  After that I'll have to work out a time to drop it off at a local shop to get evacuated and charged with 134a.

I'll take more photos as the installation progresses.

For the electrical, you can run the power off a fuse tap.  I think you'll need to make an extension cable that will go from the plug at the switch, through the firewall and to the pressure switch.  It's been a while since I looked but I think that's how it goes.

When routing your lines make sure everything is lined up to where you want it.  Once the system is charged your SOL if you need to change any angles.

[sharpxmen]

keep in mind that you need power from a +12v RUN position on the keyswitch, not a CRANK/RUN +12v or a permanent +12v.

[SDWE61988]

I really want to do this as my next project.  I was hoping to do it this year, but the engine rebuild set me back. 

[DanMarino]

keep in mind that you need power from a +12v RUN position on the keyswitch, not a CRANK/RUN +12v or a permanent +12v.

Any ideas for finding such a power source?

[sharpxmen]

Any ideas for finding such a power source?

what do your instructions say? does the kit come with a relay that goes to 12v permanent and has a switched 12v command wire? (you might need to add this yourself if not).

I can look tonight in the YJ FSM to see which fuse to use (i'm a poet ), what year is yours? (i have the '94 and '95 copies, nothing earlier and i think they changed the harness in 92 or 93, it's mainly the same

[Jeffy]

I really want to do this as my next project.  I was hoping to do it this year, but the engine rebuild set me back. 

Keep in mind that even thought it's a kit, there is a lot of tinkering involved.

Any ideas for finding such a power source?

All you need to do is find a Key'ed +12V.  It's not a big deal.  The source must stay on when the key is ON and turn off when the key is OFF.  If you wire it to a permanently ON it will just mean that you will need to turn off the AC when you take the key out.  It's not a big deal.  I'd use the Radio or 12v Cigarette Lighter circuit.

[DanMarino]

For some reason my cigarette lighter is not working now that I have relocated it under the evaporator unit.  I need to figure that out to see if it can be an easy point to run the air conditioning.

I'll resume work on the air conditioning system tonight.  I'll replace the water pump and radiator as my first step.  Then move on to the condensor unit and ac hoses.

[neale_rs]

Any ideas for finding such a power source?

I'm pretty sure the heater fuse contact can be used.

[Jeffy]

For some reason my cigarette lighter is not working now that I have relocated it under the evaporator unit.  I need to figure that out to see if it can be an easy point to run the air conditioning.

I'll resume work on the air conditioning system tonight.  I'll replace the water pump and radiator as my first step.  Then move on to the condensor unit and ac hoses.

Did you lengthen the wiring for the power?  The stock wiring won't reach and there is no patch cord included.

[DanMarino]

Yup I lengthened the cig lighter wires last weekend.  Guess I fouled it up.

Here's the updated installation from yesterday.

Worked in the garage for 15 hours yesterday.

Radiator out.



Grinding down a metal lip so the condenser will mount in front of the radiator.



Condenser with AC lines attached.



Condenser installed and 2 AC lines hooked up.



New water pump installed.  Note the new idler pulley on the left.



Everything put back together after thermostat installed, new radiator, and new hoses.



The job would have been a lot quicker if I did not do a new radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses.  But it is well worth it.  All that equipment was original and 18 years old.  Now I should have years of trouble free/leak free cooling.

For the air conditioner system I still need to run the two AC hoses that go from the evaporator to the compressor and the dryer.  Then I need to do a ground wire, wire to the dryer, and a wire to the compressor.  

I should be ready to take it to a shop to pull a vacuum and charge the system next week.

13