1972 POA valve removal - Ideas??

[Gary J.]

I have the task of removing a POA valve from a 1972 Corvette. Any Ideas? Does NOT look like fun. Just looking for some ideas from someone who has been there, done that. Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1972 POA valve removal - Ideas??

Need a good set of angle wrenches, plenty of a good penetrating oil, and a large dose of patience.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1972 POA valve removal - Ideas??

First, you're lucky you have a 70-72 with removable gills. That gives better work access.

Try what Dick suggested to unscrew the POA from the evaporator and low pressure line. Unfortunately, if more than a few years since installation, these fittings are often hopelessly frozen due to corrosion from condensation. I've seen heat used with some success but that's risky in the engine compartment.

I ended up cutting the low pressure line, then removing the evaporator and POA from the car as an assembly. After removal I still wasn't able to break loose the POA from the evaporator. That wasn't an issue since both components were replaced anyway.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1972 POA valve removal - Ideas??

I found that the most difficult fastener to remove and replace on my '69 was the one at the bottom of the POA. I removed the splash shields (triangular steel plates with rubber on the edge) and used a crow foot wrench that attaches to my socket handle with extension. Made the job much easier.
Jeff