tygersmoke

Thanks for the helpful reply, Paul!

I found the same part number, 81107-21150, on japan-parts.eu....it seems to be the one. None of the local wreckers around here have any parts to suit unfortunately, just the non-HID models.

I'm actually going down a slightly different path now. The bulbs in this model Tarago are D4S (mercury free) which run on a different voltage to D2S (which have a greater light output). I had mistakenly bought D2S bulbs thinking they were interchangeable; they're not. So, I have bought some OEM Denso ballasts/ECUs to suit the D2S bulbs and am awaiting their delivery from the USA. They will be a pain to fit as the entire front bumper/grill/support frame have to come off to access the headlight assembly.

Did you know that fakes are common even for this type of part? It's a minefield out there, thank goodness for Google! The fakes look the same on the outside.......the fakes are the ones with white braiding instead of the silver coloured/red stripe braiding. Inside's a different story, cheap and nasty.

Anyway, thanks again and I'll post an update when the job's done for the archives,

Phil

Hi guys,

I have a 2007 GSR50R Ultima that appears to have a faulty ballast on the LHS HID headlight projector. Before I spend hours removing the front bumper and headlight to remove the ballast (referred to in the Toyota service manual as 'headlight ECU'), could anyone point me to a resource where I could find the part number? ToyoDIY.com just lists the entire headlight which is not necessary; apart from the ballast it's fine.

I'd like to get the part in advance so that I only have to do the hard work once!

Thanks and regards,

Phil

Hi Mark,

I'd come to the same conclusion regarding the new compressor and it's oil, so I'll change over as many o-rings as I can get to and hope for the best with R134a!

Re the use of R12, it's my understanding that is illegal to buy and sell it without a license. It's also illegal to install it in a system that wasn't already fitted with it; additioanlly it's illegal to install it in an existing R12 sytem without a license. My friend is a commercial refrigeration mechanic and assured me he is licensed to use the product. Anyway, it's all moot because I'm going to take a punt on converting to R134a.

Thanks for your help with this; it's helped me come back around 360 degrees to converting to the new gas,

Phil

Hey Phil

There may be a problem using R12 in a new compressor. The oil in the compressor may not be compatible with the original oil in your system. This could cause the oil to turn into a sticky gel and very quickly destroy your compressor. After the compressor implodes there will be a rather major mess to clear out from the whole system. ie metal filings and the gooey blend of PAG oil and ESTER oil.

Please spend the small amount extra and get it converted.

BTW the R12 gas has been ILLEGAL for many years due to it's ability to displace ozone in the upper atmospere.(approx 7 times the volume at normal atmospheric pressure. There's always a good reason that stuff like this is outlawed.

Regards

Mark

You can generally tell if it is R12 or R134 by the Re-gas valves. The original R12 valves are similar to a normal car tire valve only a bit bigger. The R134 charge ports are a larger snap-on fitting with a plastic cap which screws into the internal thread in the valve housing.

Thanks 01 VEY,

Judging by that, this is an R12 vehicle.

The reason I ask is that I have a new compressor to fit to the car, and my mechanic only has R134a and is recommending a retrofit. I have had a nightmare of a time when I did that with my '92 Lexus, and don't want to repeat that. I have a friend who has a stock of the old R12, so I will proceed in that direction.

Thanks for your help,

Phil

Thanks Trent,

It sounds like there was no firm changeover date; using O1 Vey's advice re charge ports, this is an R12 vehicle.

Unfortunately, the car came with no documentation or manuals, and as I mention, the sticker that showed gas type has been rubbed clean of writing.

Thanks for the info.,

Phil

The changeover was around 1992/1993. My 02/93 Camry has R134a from factory. Look on the vehicle and in the owners manual for more info.

Hi,

I just bought a 1993 Tarago (03/93 build). The decal describing the A/C gas type has had the lettering rubbed away. Does anyone know when R134a type gas was introduced in these models? The previous owner had it from new and had no work done on the aircon, so I am assuming the original gas type is still in the system.

Thanks and regards,

Phil

I followed Stephen1's advice and found the Wunda factory/office at Taren Point in Sydney; friendly folks that charged $20 for a pair of Wunda 700mm, 8mm "W1" blades.

Regards,

Phil