M923 air conditioning a/c install project

[Over]

Mounting condensor

OK, I finally after a few evenings and beers after work walking around the truck figured out where I wanted the condensor. First off I though maybe the roof with the supplied Hmmwv truck brackets, nope it would interfere with a future MG ring mount. How about using the slant top Hmmwv brackets, nope too wide to go on my passenger side tool box. I talked to a fellow SS member and he was mounting it in the forward part of the bed that way. Wouldn't work for me because that's were the 240 gal fuel tank and pump will go. OK so the tool box gets the nod but not till I strip all the gear off it but 2 tiny legs, now it fits on top! I was going to make 5 1/2" legs to bring it up to level with what are now the rear legs, good air flow etc. I just didnt like the look plus maybe the under fins could get damaged by someone trying to fit their beer can under there. So the angle in the pics is where it's at. Looks good but that angle had me scratching my head for a way to crank down on some mounting bolt. Maybe bolt a hinge to the tool box then to the frame of the condensor. Maybe but what I think will work is some steel shims under the edge and on top, run the bolts thru them at 4 points on the flange and it should tighten down straight and tight. On the list for tomorrow. Some axe handle wedges sanded down will work in a pinch. I could machine some down but the wedges will work till I get up the will to do that! Anyhow here's how it's sets tonight.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

I have a vacuum pump, and gages, you’re welcome to use. I’m about 70 miles east of you. My neighbor is an A.C. Contractor, and I’m sure he would jump in and help. He’ a jeep guy, but keeps breaking things on his buggy. I think he needs to go big, like ( A.M. General big.)

AZ Mitch, Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it when I get to that point.
Thanks!!

 

[Over]

What red dot kit and compressor is that if you don't mind me asking. New to these particular trucks and need to have one installed in mine once it gets here. I don't have the time to do it my self and was going to let my mobile mechanic install it. Is there anything I need to advise him of before jumping in head first, will he be able to run to thermoking or where ever they are sold and get what's needed. The truck will be busy so I am trying to keep its down time to a minimum for the installation. And I apologize if I am sounding dumb. This will be the first 923 I've owned. Looking fwd to learning as much as I can about it. Every one generally speaks pretty highly of them for off road haul trucks from the other companies I know who use them. Thanks. Lol and bear with me. Just joined and am still trying to figure all this posting, replying stuff out. Lol. Not the biggest computer guru out there for sure. Lol. Thanks again.

The Red Dot kit I used was "RD-2-4233-0" for the HMMWV old style with V belt but I see some "RD-2-4530-0" around which are for the M915 A/0 A/1 truck. The big deal is making sure it's V pulley if that's what you need. I suppose when this thread is done (Finally fully installed and running) your mechanic could get a good idea of what he needs to do.

 

[Over]

AZ Mitch, Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it when I get to that point.
Thanks!!

Harbor Fright- AC R134A Manifold Gauge set $54.99 on sale. http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-ma...2514b&utm_source=1021&cid=mEmail_s1021_c2514b
Air Vacuum Pump with R134A and R12 Connectors $17.99.http://www.harborfreight.com/air-vacuum-pump-with-r134a-and-r12-connectors-96677.html

 

[PureMayhem]

Is there any way the a/c box could go on the backside of the cab and extend into the cab through the back window so the vents are the only thing inside? Over the spare and between the davit and the cab?

 

[Over]

Is there any way the a/c box could go on the backside of the cab and extend into the cab through the back window so the vents are the only thing inside? Over the spare and between the davit and the cab?

You need to have the air intake (white filter) in the cab to recirculate the air. Other than that wherever it fits.
Note: I guess the air intake filter could be outside but you'd be sucking in outside hot air, kind of counter productive and you'd have to crack your windows. Go to page 202 and you'll see the install on the cab floor of a M915.

View attachment TB 9-2320-273-13&P-2.pdf

 

[Over]

Finished mounting the condensor!

Well after 50 ways of thinking about how to accommodate the angle of the mounting it's done. What I did was go to Lowe's and picked up some steel spacers 1/4"ID x 3/8" OD and 1" long. Some 2" 1/4" grade 8 bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts for the front (3 sets) and the same for the rear (2 sets) but 1 1/2" long. Turns out 1 1/2 would have worked all the way around. I took the spacers and put a 15 degree angle on both ends and cut them in half (3/10" on one end). The long angled end goes on the bottom and the short (3/10") goes under the bolt head. Check out the pics, basically the angle section is against the condensor mounts and the flat is against the bolt head and tool box. This makes the bolt tighten in a straight down fashion even though the condensor is angled. I can guarantee you this is going nowhere! The tool box will fall off first!

UPS just delivered the Kenway mount system. Man it has everything, bolts, belts etc. Next on the list, hopefully this weekend.

 

[Over]

Mounting Compressor

Well it's Saturday and I actually was able to take advantage of the nice weather (108 deg) not to hot and a little breezy. Only had the Kenway directions blow away once! Wasn't to bad once I figured what they were referring to when mentioning loosen this or that. Actually pretty easy and straightforward. Loosen the fan pulley, put the 2 belts aside so you can get to the power steering belts. They mention unbolting the tensioner, you can actually remove the whole thing. But then they want you to unbolt the PS pump from the motor, I simply pushed it up out of the way. There was still enough room to get the bolts in for the compressor mount. The top of the compressor mount hits the bottom of the PS pump. There a bump of a weld that it wouldn't hurt to grind off so you can get a little more loosening movement to get the new belts on. I only got one belt (supposed to be 2) in the kit. Will call them Monday on it. Kind of a pain getting the spacers behind the Steering box cover and the bolts thru. Found my fender skirt front mount had broken so I welded it up and reinstalled. Well it's in and with any luck tomorrow I'll tackle the electric and hoses and maybe even get it charged up! By the way HD has a little auto section they fired up in their stores that sell Freon for under $7 a can. Got me a couple of 12 can cases in case they figure out their selling to cheap. Oh...noticed the motor looks pretty bad in the pics. In the daylight it looks a lot better! Plus it's a great runner. Looking at picking up an A2 and can only hope it runs as good as this old A0.

 

[patracy]

Man I wish I could get ahold of one of those mounting kits. I've got access to a waterjet that could crank out a "weld up" kit real easy.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

Looking good!!!! I am slowly working on getting my system installed.

 

[R Racing]

When we charged up my M920 ( I have the same AC kit as you do) It took a lot more R134 than any of us expected. But it will freeze you out of the cab LOL

 

[Over]

How many cans you figure? I'll use my gauges to be sure of coarse.

 

[Jeepsinker]

You are looking at 2.5-3 pounds normally, but it will vary depending on location, elevation, temperature, and humidity at time of charge.

 

[R Racing]

Mine ended up needing 4 75 lbs. Not sure why because they guy charging it was freaking out. But it kept dropping out on low pressure til there was that much in the system? ??

 

[timntrucks]

man i need to do my install on my 923a2 this summer

 

[jesusgatos]

Man I wish I could get ahold of one of those mounting kits. I've got access to a waterjet that could crank out a "weld up" kit real easy.

Thought I read somewhere that there is a company making/selling those mounting kits. No?

 

[Over]

You are looking at 2.5-3 pounds normally, but it will vary depending on location, elevation, temperature, and humidity at time of charge.

The Red Dot instruction for the HMMWV said about 4lbs. Might be less if they counted using all the hose. I had just enough and had a few feet left of #12, 3 feet of #8 and just enough #6. I'll post pics of all the hoses on and clamped, dryer installed. All done but the electric! Can't wait, will have AC by the weekend! And today was the last 100 degree day before it goes higher. Even though it was 108 today where I was. Ran into a guy that was in the sandbox and he said when he was there, part of the year the temps where within 1 degree of Phoenix and everybody was bitchin how hot is was. He said him and his buddies where looked at funny cause they said it was like being at home!

 

[Over]

Thought I read somewhere that there is a company making/selling those mounting kits. No?

Earlier in the thread I mentioned I got mine from Kenway. Look and you'll find the model number and price. Can't remember off hand. I hear they have one for the M923A2 for $220 also. HE double hockey sticks the 2 belts included are worth $40!

 

[jesusgatos]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Forgive me if I'm misunderstanding your intentions Patracy, but it kinda looks like you're saying that you'd like to get your hands on one of those mounting kits... so you can rip it off and start making copycat kits? Is that right? Pretty much? Geez, sure doesn't seem very sporting. How in the world can you justify that? Wondering, would you rip-off that kit if the person who designed it was a Steel Soldiers member? What if the company was a paying advertiser? Of course you don't owe me an explanation and you're free to do as you like, can only hope I'm not alone in thinking that we'd all rather support the people who put in the work to develop these kits.

 

[jesusgatos]

Here's a link for anyone who might be interested in buying one of these mounting kits. Support American innovation and hard work, not blatant theft and cut-rate quality.