Land Rover Repair: Student Seeks Economical Fix, toyota 4runners, question 2c

Question
John,

I know, I know...If you can't afford to fix it don't buy it...I just recently purchased a 1996 Disco 1 - 36k miles - it was a good deal and I just couldn't pass it up.

I have worked on Jeeps (94/95 Wranglers) and also Toyota 4Runners (97).  I'm not an expert but generally am able to figure out what's going on via the process of elimination.  

At any rate, there are 2 issues that I have questions about:  

1) I have found a leak in the rear A/C line (the hose runs along the frame and enters the vehicle just above the driver's side, rear tire well.  I believe that it goes to the rear evaporator/blower motor assembly as per the Workshop Manual, page 751, component location).  A replacement hose is approximately $200 - not too bad - but the dealership says that to replace the hose will require approx. 6-8 hours.  At  $90 per hours, that's $540 to $720.  

Question 1:  Is there a way that I can disable the rear A/C?  I.e., can I disconnect the hose from the main A/C unit in the front and put a stopper on the place where the hose was removed in order to prevent the loss of refrigerant?

2)  Cruise Control - who would have guessed?!

I have read other posts about checking the cruise control hoses and how these dry rot and need replaced.  However, I have inspected these and have not found any cracks.  

I have checked all fuses and they are no issues there.  The interior on/off switch illuminates as it should.  The diaphragm also appears to be working as it should as when I squeeze it, I am able to hear suction.  Again, as per the manual, page 336, I can see the location of the Vacuum Pump.  I am able to find it (after removing the jack) on the vehicle but am unable to get a good look at it and the connecting hoses because of the location.  

Question 2a:  What is the best was to remove it?  

Question 2b:  Do I need to approach the Vacuum Pump from the underside of the vehicle?  

Question 2c:  Would you please list, in order from the most to least likely culprit, what the possible reasons for the cruise control's failure to function properly are to ensure that I haven't missed anything?  

Question 3:  Would the Official LR Parts Manual give better pictures of the locations of parts than what the LR Official Workshop Manual provides?

Thank you in advance for your assistance and guidance.

Best regards,

Shawn  

Answer
Question 1:  Is there a way that I can disable the rear A/C?  I.e., can I disconnect the hose from the main A/C unit in the front and put a stopper on the place where the hose was removed in order to prevent the loss of refrigerant?

I have always found it just as time consuming to make up plugs etc as it would have been to actually replace the lines.


2)  Cruise Control - who would have guessed?!

I have read other posts about checking the cruise control hoses and how these dry rot and need replaced.  However, I have inspected these and have not found any cracks.  

I have checked all fuses and they are no issues there.  The interior on/off switch illuminates as it should.  The diaphragm also appears to be working as it should as when I squeeze it, I am able to hear suction.  Again, as per the manual, page 336, I can see the location of the Vacuum Pump.  I am able to find it (after removing the jack) on the vehicle but am unable to get a good look at it and the connecting hoses because of the location.  

Question 2a:  What is the best was to remove it?  

We "just do it." It's awkward; I'm not really sure what else to say other than read the workshop manual

Question 2b:  Do I need to approach the Vacuum Pump from the underside of the vehicle?  

Question 2c:  Would you please list, in order from the most to least likely culprit, what the possible reasons for the cruise control's failure to function properly are to ensure that I haven't missed anything?  

1 - vacuum lines
2 - brake release switch
3 - steering column spool contacts
4 - ecu

Question 3:  Would the Official LR Parts Manual give better pictures of the locations of parts than what the LR Official Workshop Manual provides?

In some cases the parts manual is useful but it does not always show locations the way you'd want.  Check it out, though, and see if it helps