Topic: Impossible to fill A/C
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18402
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
A year or two ago, I had some A/C work done at a local shop that included replacing the A/C lines.
Last summer, it wasn't cooling, so I went to add some coolant from a can.
I could not get the hose connected to the fill port because it is right up against the support bracket and bolt for the compressor.
Did the shop put the wrong hose on? Or is something else screwy here?
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
That's pretty f-ed up right there....
Is there another fitting in the system? Normally, the low pressure(suction) fitting is right on the accumulator/dryer(big, round, aluminuminum can).
IS the fitting there at the compressor screwed in, or welded? If it is screwed in, they should be able to take the hose off, and install a 90* fitting there.
The real question is....How the heck did they ever get refrigerant in it to start with?
There's got to be another suction line fitting on there somewhere...there's just gotta be.
Is there another fitting in the system? Normally, the low pressure(suction) fitting is right on the accumulator/dryer(big, round, aluminuminum can).
IS the fitting there at the compressor screwed in, or welded? If it is screwed in, they should be able to take the hose off, and install a 90* fitting there.
The real question is....How the heck did they ever get refrigerant in it to start with?
There's got to be another suction line fitting on there somewhere...there's just gotta be.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
The port sticks out a lot farther than the original GM one, so that is probably your problem. I would tighten the bottom bolts of the compressor mount as tight as you safely can, then remove the interfering bolt long enough to recharge. If necessary, you could even wedge a piece of wood to maintain enough tension on the belt for a few minutes.
Larry
Larry
Former Member
Send PM
Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Thats not where the factory put that fitting!!!
Dan
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I would swap over to a 90 degree fitting, bolt everything back together, purge the system and recharge it.
Unless.......you do have another fitting further back, but why would they go to the trouble of putting another fitting in there was another...
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18402
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
I ordered this guy yesterday:
I just hope there is enough clearance once that is in to put that bolt back.
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
Former Member
Send PM
Lusby, MD - USA
Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56
Vette(s): 1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS
That fitting is an add on thats why it not working. they use it to put 134a in a r12 system. How did they fill it?? Alot of ac shops have ac cart they take the right amount of refrigerant in a cylinder heat it up. Your system already has a vacuum in it from pumping out all the air.So with your engine off they can open any port high or low side and all the refrigerant goes right in. Hope this helps SEE YA CHARLIE
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)