The AC in my car suffered a leak in the 90s and never got fixed. I'd like to get it fixed and working again. I'd like to do as much of it myself as I can but I don't know where to go to educate myself on the system. Is there a book you guys recommend or a website? I'd like to convert it over to R134, I know R12 works better but eventually it's going to have to be converted anyway when the freon supplies run out or become too cost prohibitive to use. Where would you guys start at?

 

For the handy but inexperienced you can manage all you need to do but evacuate & charge. That is something best left to professionals or those with experience. Charging can be very dangerous when done wrong.

The shop manual has everything you need to know. You can pressurize the system with nitrogen to find the leak. If the system has been closed (all lines intact) you might get away without replacing the dryer but I would replace it anyway. If you can find and repair the leak (first place to look is the condenser) you can take it to a shop with a charging machine, suck it down and charge it up. You won't likely find R12 and you don't want to install R12 in a revived system for the first time as you are apt to lose it. R134 works fine. Ignore those who say it does not work as well. The difference is negligible, I run R134 in a 62 Pontiac, same system as a C2 and a 68 Chrysler, both ice cold.

Dan

 

Start with the Chevrolet Service Manual for your car. 1964 to 1966 are very similar. 1967 is a bit different due to POA vs STV. Here is a link to the 64-66 from our CF C2 Forum archives. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Gd...9NXKKzxwT/view.

We also have a 'STICKEY" at start of our C2 forum on FAQ. In this Stickey is a section on air conditioning. You can use it to answer many questions not found in the Chevrolet Service Manual.

We can answer any questions you have after you do some homework to familiarize yourself with the ac system.

R134a has also been replaced with a new refrigerant for factory ac systems. The cost of R134a will continue to rise. R12 that is still around will probably stay pretty constant. However, many folks convert to R134a.

Your leak is probably a compressor seal, but o-rings and hose leaks are also possible. So is a corrosion leak in the condenser or evaporator. To find the leak(s) suggest buying a HVAC gage set, Electronic Refrigerant Leak Detector, a couple of cans of R134a as a leak check gas. Try and buy some medium quality stuff and not the cheapest. I can recommend choices if you get stuck

The weak link in the C2 factory air system is the front seal of the A6 compressor. Most (or all) will leak after some time. The best rebuilder of these compressors (Dom) is not actively doing this work anymore due to age and health. But there are workarounds and other options available.

Larry

 

I think the leak location was at the front of the clutch. I know this because it sprayed freon up onto the underside of the hood and bubbled the paint on the hood. Thank you for the reply, Ill start with the service manual and begin the journey there.

 

I put new seals in my A6 in 2020. I think it was called a double lip seal and it came with a tool to install it. It worked great for three years until I did an LS conversion with different style compressor. If my memory serves, the rebuild was pretty straight forward and I only needed some snap ring plyers and that seal install tool.

 

I am glad to hear this. I only know two guys that tried this (double lip seal) over the years, and both failed to get the new seal to hold. You are either VERY VERY GOOD or lucky.

Larry

 

There is a special front seal cover to prevent the oil from spraying on the underside of the hood. A few of us have one. Leif has pics of one on his car..........see archives pictures. I helped the guy who made these back many years ago, and he gave me a few of the prototypes. They now belong to my friends back in Louisiana. But you may find a place that still sells them. Volunteer Vette and Ecklers used to sell them.

Larry

 

Google auto AC compressor shield and you will see a few vendors selling the shield for the A-6. I have a Sanden on my 66 and 68 and found the shield through Hot Rod Air. It has been many years since I purchased them. The shields work well in keeping oil off your hood in the event of a seal going bad. Jerry