1990 ZR-1 Air Conditioning

[James C.]

Is there a visual way to determine if the air conditioning system on a 1990 ZR-1 has been converted from the old R 12 freon system to the newer stuff (I believe 134a). I know a little about cars, but have never worked on the air conditioning system. I have found the fittings but I cannot find the compressor. It is very crowded under the hood. Can any garage fix this or is it better addressed at my GM dealer. Any help is appreciated...

Thanks! Jim

[Dick W.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Air Conditioning

If it was converted properly, it would have the larger charging ports that R-134a uses.

There are AC service stations that have the equipment to test the referigerant to see what it is. Check in your area. Wouldn't expect the Mom and Pop's garages to have this equipment

[Terry M.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Air Conditioning

Is there a visual way to determine if the air conditioning system on a 1990 ZR-1 has been converted from the old R 12 freon system to the newer stuff (I believe 134a). I know a little about cars, but have never worked on the air conditioning system. I have found the fittings but I cannot find the compressor. It is very crowded under the hood. Can any garage fix this or is it better addressed at my GM dealer. Any help is appreciated...

Thanks! Jim

Jim,

If you can post a picture of the fittings, we can tell if they are the 134 fittings at a glance.

[John H.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Air Conditioning

Go to a parts store and look at a package that has conversion fittings and see if they match the ones you have on your lines. The gauge sets and refill cans for 134 fit only the newer fittings. There is an obvious difference.

[James C.]

Re: 1990 ZR-1 Air Conditioning

Thanks for the reply. I took the car to the Chevy dealer and it had been converted, however due to my negligence and lack of maintenance, there was no freon in the system. I never drive this car, since it is storage most of the time. Anyway, they evacuated and charged the system, but now they say I have an electrical problem, because the compressor won't engage.

Well, guess where the compressor is? Under the intake manifold. Same as the starter I replaced a year or two ago.This means that the intake has to be removed (again)to reach the compressor and check the wiring so I am told. Probably going to be a large bill to fix this.

I am writing this to remind others the importance of maintaining all the wonderful old cars less the "grim reaper of auto repair" sweeps in and removes your wallet. Jim