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Topic: A/C Charging

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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A/C Charging (2/12)
 2/6/08 4:55pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

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71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
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As long as your compressor is not plugged in it will not enguage. So the belt just freewheels on the compressor pulley. This will cause no damage if the system isn't charged.



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A/C Charging (3/12)
 2/6/08 6:11pm
JagVette
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Gilbert, AZ - USA

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1976 Stingray Coupe


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Of course why didn't I think of that ClapConfused, ok so what do I do about charging it, I thought it had to be running to charge the system, (sorry I do not know much about A/C systems.)Wits%20End
A/C Charging (4/12)
 2/6/08 7:33pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
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North Charleston, SC - USA

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1975 L48 AT AC T-top


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You are correct. The system will need to be closed, airtight, and the compressor will need to be in working order. Of course, you will need to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump prior to adding freon. This will remove any moisture in the system and check for leaks. If it won't hold a vacuum, something isn't sealed properly.

Scott
A/C Charging (5/12)
 2/6/08 10:01pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

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71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
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I guess I don't understand why you would want to charge it before its up and runnin. The only way you can get freon into a system without running it is if the temp. & pressure is higher in the ref. container than the system your charging. That's why charging stations have a heater device. Usually I get enough ref. into the system until its safe to kick the compressor in. Then I let the suction side pull in the rest with the engine running. Scott is correct, you do want to evacuate the system before charging, epically if its been open for sometime.

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A/C Charging (6/12)
 2/7/08 1:19pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
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Are you going to use the old style R12 Freon or the new environmentally friendly stuff?

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A/C Charging (7/12)
 2/7/08 2:58pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
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Be careful to not overcharge your system. DO NOT try to charge to a full sightglass if you are using 134A refrigerant.

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A/C Charging (8/12)
 2/8/08 10:46am
JagVette
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Gilbert, AZ - USA

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It previously had 134A so that is what I will put back, the compressor is only one summer old so it should be OK and it has only been off the car for roughly 8 months.
 
I wanted to charge it first to try and prevent damage, but from what i am reading it is not possible, as I said I am a novice when it comes to A/C, perhaps I would be better taking it to and A/C specialist and just getting them to evacuate the system and charge it, would it be expensive do you know ?, as I live in AZ there is no end of companies that can do it.
 
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Gary
 
A/C Charging (9/12)
 2/8/08 11:29am
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

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71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


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I don't know about AZ, but here in MI I get 72$ to evac, charge & check system, plus ref. (30$ lb). I believe your system holds around 3 lbs., I'd have to look at the chart. If you don't have a vac pump I would recommend paying a pro to have it done. You can drive it up here & I'll hook ya up.Wink

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A/C Charging (10/12)
 2/8/08 1:01pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
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my7T1,When you speak of $30.00 per pound of refrigerant........I hope that you're refering to R12. The original charge was 3 pounds. JagVette, yes, you need to dehydrate/evacuate the system prior to charging. If you don't have the pump and gauges........I would recommend that you take it to someone who can handle the AC. corvette440hp2008-02-08 10:02:13

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A/C Charging (11/12)
 2/8/08 2:07pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

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71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
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Nope. I'm talkin 134A. That is the going rate for the a/c shops up here. Now that may sound high compared to the automotive drug stores, but your paying for the profesional service plus, I have mucho $ invested in equip. just to comply with the laws. If the system oriiganly held 3 lbs. of R12 you use the formula 3lbs x .125 - .9 to get r134 charge, or 2.575. Terry M

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A/C Charging (12/12)
 2/9/08 9:12pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
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Wow that's a stiff rate for R134A I  used to buy 30lbs. for less than $100.00. It's very true about the investments for the recovery machine, the CFC license, business license etc. I do know that you have many expenses in business, and without profit there isn't a business. You also have to worry about call backs. I also know that refrigerants are very highly marked up for profits.........as parts are at least doubled in price....and then some.  corvette440hp2008-02-09 18:13:20

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