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Topic: Help! A/C Work Required.

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems

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Help! A/C Work Required. (1/4)
3/19/07 12:25pm

sundevil74
Former Member
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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Vette(s):
MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14

Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426

Hey folks! While spring still hasn't arrived yet, it'll soon be hotter'n uknowwhat here. phew

I need to do some A/C work and can't find much in the manuals to describe what I need. Could use some recommendations / tips.

When I bought the car, the seller said the A/C compressor needed a new clutch, which he provided. Thumbs%20Up

Nice guy. I need to install the A/C clutch and always try to do the work myself first, although I'm not adverse to a professional looking at it or even doing the work. (Remember, I'm fresh off the "ventilated" radiator debauchle, so I'm a bit gunshy!!)

Not much help in the books and I can't even find a clutch listed in the catalogs -- just reconditioned compressors. That leads me to believe that most folks don't often replace the clutch.

While I am replacing the clutch, what else should I do or look for? Recharge the system? Replace with the "new" refrigerant? I have no idea what it has in it, although I assume it is the original stuff (maybe not a good assumption). The parts I can see all LOOK serviceable.

Let the advice begin . . .

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Help! A/C Work Required. (2/4)
3/19/07 6:18pm

ranger3

Lifetime Member
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North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

Most people replace the compressor and clutch because if the clutch is shot the compressor ain't for behind. First you need to make sure all of the AC components are present and accounted for. Check to ensure all of the fitting are tight. Look for signs of leaks at the hose fittings. If the system has been open for any length of time I would replace the receiver/dryer. Now if it is still a R12 system, I would convert to R-134a while I was in there. Once all of the components are back in place you need to evacuate the system with a vacuum pump amd manifold gage set. This will remove any moisture in the system and verify that you have no leaks. Kyster sent me a procedure for this and it was straight forward and worked perfectly. If I can locate it i will be glad to email it to you. The best advice that I can give you is to do it right the first time. Spend the money for good components and convert to R134a if it has not been done yet. You will be much happier with the results.
Scott

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Help! A/C Work Required. (3/4)
3/19/07 7:29pm

2 cruzn

Lifetime Member
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Poquoson, VA - USA

Vette(s):
73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.

Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023

[QUOTE=sundevil74]

When I bought the car, the seller said the A/C compressor needed a new clutch, which he provided. Thumbs%20Up

[/QUOTE]

well if all it needed was a clutch... why didn't he just replace it Wink

.... i would check it out good... can you turn the compressor at all?

My guess is the compressor is shot... The hardest thing to get to is the receiver/dryer. And that will be a must... to replace the unit or just replace the dessicant in it.

Also the top hose on the condensor if it has to come off... probably have to take the hood off for that. I did with my '73

There is a lot in the archives on this subject...

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"

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Help! A/C Work Required. (4/4)
3/27/07 8:44am

1969 L46
Former Member
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Jefferson City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L46 4 Speed Roadster

Joined: 3/9/2007
Posts: 150

In the long run, you are better off replacing the compressor with a reman unit unless you are trying to remain in concours condition. YOu can replace the clutch but if the bearings in the compressor seize then you are right back where you started. I see you are from Leavenworth, are you going to the Super Chevy Show in August at KCIR?

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