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1980 A/C advice

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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 01:04 PM
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From: Price Utah
Default 1980 A/C advice

I have a 1980 model in really nice shape except for the a/c. I live in Utah so this would be a real asset for most of the year.
1. Compressor won't kick in unless pressure switch is jumped and then has a bad rattling type sound.
2. No air from a/c vents unless vacuum is applied to the black and tan
hose on the console switch. I did this with a brake bleeder hand pump and
the door would open to allow vent air but would not stay in that position
with the normal a/c switch vacuum.
Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated. I am also considering aftermarket air such as vintage or hot rod air if anyone has experience with these systems
Many thanks
J Bowles
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 01:25 PM
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...Roger...
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Your low on freon(134) on your first question.
On the second its probably the vacuum valve in the console that fell apart.You can put it back together with a bolt or rivet.I still have a handful of the original push in retainers.Here is the valve.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...6&dept_id=1193
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 01:33 PM
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Default console switch

I replaced the console switch with a (new?) one from an ebay vendor
and all the other doors seem to function as required. Could still be in the switch though I cant detect any leaks from that area.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by jbowles49
I replaced the console switch with a (new?) one from an ebay vendor
and all the other doors seem to function as required. Could still be in the switch though I cant detect any leaks from that area.
Sounds like you have no vacuum coming in to the switch from the engine.The all black hose on port #1 on the vac.switch is the vac. coming in.Pull the 5 port connector off with the engine running and see if you have vac. coming in on port #1
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:19 PM
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jbowles49
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From: Price Utah
Default vacuum to switch

Thanks for all the suggestions
Yes there is vacuum coming in to the switch; about 15 on the gauge.
The door on the drivers side on the heat a/c box works on switch command. If I remember right it sends air to the defroster and the kick pad
door works as well. It just doesn't seem to want to make the a/c vents work with the available vacuum at the switch. As I went through the trouble shooting process I could make it work by using a hand vacuum pump ( the type sold for bleeding brakes)
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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...Roger...
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From: Dayton, Ohio
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Originally Posted by jbowles49
Thanks for all the suggestions
Yes there is vacuum coming in to the switch; about 15 on the gauge.
The door on the drivers side on the heat a/c box works on switch command. If I remember right it sends air to the defroster and the kick pad
door works as well. It just doesn't seem to want to make the a/c vents work with the available vacuum at the switch. As I went through the trouble shooting process I could make it work by using a hand vacuum pump ( the type sold for bleeding brakes)
Hmmm that makes me think you are losing vacuum.Pull the 5 port off and take a flexible tube or hose and bridge or connect port #1 and #4(thats all black hose and the tan hose) and see if that works.If so your losing vac. in the vac. switch or it not adjusted right and some of the vac. is going to another hose.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:37 PM
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From: Price Utah
Default good idea

Thanks for the suggestion, time for a trip to the parts house.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:45 PM
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From: Dayton, Ohio
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Originally Posted by jbowles49
Thanks for the suggestion, time for a trip to the parts house.
If your looking for something to connect the 2 together you can use the plastic tube inside a windex bottle but put it back so the wife doesnt get mad.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 06:57 PM
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From: Price Utah
Default vacuum problem solved

Thanks for the hints on checking vacuum. I found a broken hose that was repaired with too big a hose slipped over it. Replaced with proper size patch and presto air to the vents. Now to get the r12 charge checked.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 08:36 PM
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Just been lurking on this thread & wanted to thank DWncchs on the great advice. Also thanks jbowles49 for posting. Now I might actually get around to fixing the same problem. The vent problem has been that way for a long time. But, As I say "Never do something right now, when you can keep putting it off". Thanks again.
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