tterz

1980 Corvette L48 with new A/C belt.

The compressor clutch seems to engage and disengage quiet a bit while it is very warm outside. The inside air feels cool like the compressor is indeed working, but it engages and disengages quiet a bit. Also, the belt is tight and does not jiggle like it is loose at all.

1. Does that mean that the freon level is low?

Also, rattle noise when the A/C compressor is engaged.

2. Does this attribute to low freon possibly or defective compressor?

I am not sure if there is R134 or R12 freon in this system.

3. If I need to add more freon, can I add R134 to an R12 system if it only needs a small amount?

Thanks for the help.
TTERZ

bruisedknuckles

Hi there,

Rookie here, but just went through the same thing so hopefully I can part with some advice

1. Had a similar issue, charged it up with freon, to about 33 PSI and the engaging/disengaging stopped. You can stop by an autozone or local car store and pick up a freon charge with a pressure gauge to measure the low side pressure.

2. Not sure, mine rattles like hell when the AC is on max and sounds like it is on its last legs Also noticed the belt looked fine with the proper tension so long as the AC was off. Once I turn on the AC to max, that belt and compressor starts to rattle, not sure what the issue is but hopefully will get some tips from this thread

3. Not sure if you can.

Mashman

No, you can not add r134 to an r12 system.

If your system has been converted to r134, then the low side connector will be different, it will be a quick release type connector. If the system is r12, both low and high side will have the same type of connector.

Ganey

You are probably low on freon.

bruisedknuckles
The belt needs to be rather tight w/ R4 compressor.

It's common for a rebuilt R4 that someone put too much freon in to be noisy.