Topic: A/C Charging
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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I have just put a new engine in my 76 Corvette and had to drain the A/C, as I am about to re-install it what do I do about charging th A/C, I know how to do it (well sort of), but the following concerns me, the engine may of may not start as it is new, I will be checking for leaks etc, I therefore am considering not connecting the A/C until I am sure the engine runs OK, then once I connect the A/C it will obviously be empty (or can a charge or part charge it without the engine running ?) my concern is I will damage 'things' if there is no A/C fluid in the system.
Advice would be very much appreciated. 
Gary
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Lifetime MemberAs 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.
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
Scott
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.
Are you going to use the old style R12 Freon or the new environmentally friendly stuff?
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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.
corvette440hp
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.
Gary
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.
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. corvette440hp 2008-02-08 10:02:13
corvette440hp
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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