C2 A/C Woes

[Bruce Boatner]

The former owner of my 1964 coupe with factory a/c had quite a bit of work done on the air conditioning system just before I bought the car including replacement of the compressor as well the sunction throttle valve (if I am using the correct term). The A/C worked "okay" at first, but the cooling power has slowly diminshed leading me to believe a freon leak may be present somewhere. Adding to this suspicion is the presence of bubbles in the sight glass of the dryer (also replaced).

Does anyone know of any common problematic areas for freon leaks in factory a/c cars where I could start looking? The current freon is dyed green which should make leaks easy to spot if one knows where to look. I could not detect any leaks in the obvious/easy places.

Finally, if anyone knows of a shop in the Houston, Texas area who is good with vintage Corvette factory a/c units I would greatly appreciate contact information. I want to keep the system as authentic as possible and avoid someone who can "fix" things only by butchering the system.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

I believe the dye can only be seen with special light and glasses that the AC shops have. At least that's the case with the dye in my 134a, freon R12 may be different.

But I will guess you have at least one leak at the STV valve. Because it is the hardest to get to. :-) I had all my components professionally rebuilt and reassembled them myself and the only leaks I had were at the STV valve. Those o rings are a #&^$(&. Do not overtighten either.
Once you get a light on it you'll see the problem areas.

Good luck.

Randy

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

Condensors also common leak point. mike

[William C.]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

Any good A/C shop )and some hobby garages) will have a "sniffer" that raects to freon and will pinpoint a leak. Very helpful item.

[Michael S.]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

O rings. Check anyplace you have a junction.

Mike

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

Make sure all o rings are covered in the correct a/c oil before you tighten them down.

Chasman

[terry plata]

Re: C2 A/C Woes

If your system is still using R12, look for oily spots at all fittings, compressor front seal area, evaporator core etc. System oil travels with the R12 refrigerant and can make a leak look like an oil leak. Ditto on Bill's suggestion about the electronic sniffers that some shops have. These can find very small leaks but the system needs to be running to find leaks. Another suggestion...check the schrader valves (the gage and refill hook up valves) for leaks. If the system was recently worked on a valve may have some crud stuck in it and leak. Happened to me on a '57 Eldo.....Terry Plata