'72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Have a lightly touched, high mileage '72 350/auto with a/c that I've had for about 2 years. The a/c compressor turns and seems to cycle but doesn't blow cold air. I'm reasonably mechanical but know nothing about a/c systems. Any advice on how to diagnose the problem would be welcomed. Or...should I take it to a good mechanic and let them have at it? I'm near D&M Corvette in Downers Grove, IL.
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Dan:
I would be inclined to take the car to D&M for an evaluation and repair quote. If they have done Corvette AC systems before (and I'm sure they have) this will probably be the quickest way to find out the status and condition of your system. They can evaluate, pull vacuum, leak check, etc. and if all looks good recharge with refrigerant and performance test. But be aware that you might be spending $200 -$400 dollars for this service.
The Chevrolet Service Manual has an excellent section on HVAC operation, troubleshooting, and repair. If you do not have a copy for yourself, get one, and then read it. Then you can determine if you want to be the one to service your AC system in the future....and it will require periodic servicing to keep it operational.
If you decide that it is something you can/want to do, you will need to invest in a good vacuum pump, gauge set, seal/bearing tools, and possibly an electronic leak detector. Plus you need to secure a supply of R-12 (which is not all that difficult to do, but is a bit $$$)
I took the challenge about 15 years ago when I purchased my car. I am glad I did. I like to do things myself, and not always rely on someone else. And I learned a lot about air conditioning and my car in the process.
My thoughts. Larry -
Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Thanks, good advice.
I do have a service manual and I'll take a look at it to see if I want to tackle the problem. Are you aware of a/c tool kits that have all of the tools you mention or should I go with the suggested tools in the service manual?
DanComment
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Dan:
See my reply to Jim Trekell in the recent post on A/C REBUILD VENDOR IN FLORIDA. The CTD tools I purchased are very similar to the Kent-Moore tools specified in the Chevrolet Service Manual. I got the basic set for starters.
NEW Kent-Moore tools are quite expensive, especially for the limited use we give them. Used K-M air conditioning tools are difficult to find.
Mastercool also has very good, commercial-grade AC tools at decent prices. Check them out too. Same post as above.
LarryComment
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Start by taking a crow bar and open your wallet wide apart.
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Dan,
Check your email for a message.
Bob RicchioComment
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Daniel I for sure do not know exactly what your problem is, however my one experience with my 1970 Corvette back in 1988 was another experience not to let others work on my car.
I was away from home on business for a few weeks and the air conditioning was not working on our daily driver 1970 Corvette. The local Chevy dealership was a sponsor of our local Corvette club so I told my wife to take it there to have it fixed. They told her the evaporator needed replaced. Big job. They could not loosen the biggest connection nut on the evaporator. They even drilled a hole in the nut, but not all the way through into the pipe connection in an attempt to loosen the bolt. They gave up and see took the car home.
I came home and studied my service manual and from reading it I removed the line connection that came from the condensor to the inlet connection for the expansion valve. My service manual had a good picture of the the expansion valve showing the inlet screen. It also stated that the screen could be clogged.
I released the R12 ( cans of R12 were very reasonable in 1988) and disconnected the line to the inlet. Using a small "easy out" was able to remove the very small screen that was compacted with desiccant that came from the dryer.
Cleaned the best I could, probably not the most technical way,the pathway for the R12 from inlet connection (where the dryer outlet connects) of the condensor to the expansion valve.
Back then you could go to a parts store and buy a new screen, today will probably have to just clean the one you have.
Installed the new screen and new dryer.
Took the car to a service station that did air conditioning work and they vacuumed down the system,checked the oil in the compressor, added oil, and R12.
I still have my 70 and the air works. I still see the drilled hole in that big nut on the evaporator connection and it makes me smile because they stopped working on it.
If this is your problem it is an easy fix and not a fortune if you do it yourself.Comment
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Bob Recchio,
Checked my e-mail address and didn't see a message from you. I may have an old address registered with NCRS, but if you could resend to osprey317@yahoo.com I'd very much appreciate the advice.
Thanks,
DanComment
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Re: '72 a/c repair-where do I start?
Dan,
Check it now..
BobComment
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