80 AC help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
80 AC help
I have an 80 that is having AC problems. When I turn the AC on I can hear the compressor kick on but get no cold air. I'm hoping it just needs recharged.
Luckily for me I "know a guy" who has access to R-12 and refridgeration mineral oil. I just had the old R-12 oil evacuated and sometime this week we'll be trying to put in new R-12. I believe my friend has all the needed tools. My question is, how much R-12 is needed? I read on the compressor that it needs 6oz of oil but it doesn't say how much R-12 is needed. Any help out there?
Luckily for me I "know a guy" who has access to R-12 and refridgeration mineral oil. I just had the old R-12 oil evacuated and sometime this week we'll be trying to put in new R-12. I believe my friend has all the needed tools. My question is, how much R-12 is needed? I read on the compressor that it needs 6oz of oil but it doesn't say how much R-12 is needed. Any help out there?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Just for fun, while you have the system empty, replace the orfice tube and if you're good with a little more cash, then replace the accumulator. Those 2 things will improve the efficency of your A/C a noticeable amount. You get the added benfit of being able to look at the orfice and see if it's trashed. If it is, you get to replace the compressor too because it's dying.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
If you look close on the compressor, you should see 3.75 lbs of refrigerent, BUT, I did find ONE notation in my 79 shop manual that said 3 lbs.
Regardless, in 2 recently evacuated systems I just did for myself, I put 3 14 OZ. cans in my black79 and 3 12 OZ. cans in my Pace Car.
Both came out with the same specs, 28/190 pressure @ 80 degrees outside temp which is well within specs.
Both blow very cold, too.
Figure I can always add another can if needed. Will probably hook up the gauges and recheck both in another week or so.
Regardless, in 2 recently evacuated systems I just did for myself, I put 3 14 OZ. cans in my black79 and 3 12 OZ. cans in my Pace Car.
Both came out with the same specs, 28/190 pressure @ 80 degrees outside temp which is well within specs.
Both blow very cold, too.
Figure I can always add another can if needed. Will probably hook up the gauges and recheck both in another week or so.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
Just for fun, while you have the system empty, replace the orfice tube and if you're good with a little more cash, then replace the accumulator. Those 2 things will improve the efficency of your A/C a noticeable amount. You get the added benfit of being able to look at the orfice and see if it's trashed. If it is, you get to replace the compressor too because it's dying.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25430
Is this something I can do myself? I have limited knowledge but would feel comfortable doing some things.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
I would imagine this is the accumulator you were referring to?
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25431
Can I do this myself or would it be better to have a professional do it?
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25431
Can I do this myself or would it be better to have a professional do it?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
If you look close on the compressor, you should see 3.75 lbs of refrigerent, BUT, I did find ONE notation in my 79 shop manual that said 3 lbs.
Regardless, in 2 recently evacuated systems I just did for myself, I put 3 14 OZ. cans in my black79 and 3 12 OZ. cans in my Pace Car.
Both came out with the same specs, 28/190 pressure @ 80 degrees outside temp which is well within specs.
Both blow very cold, too.
Figure I can always add another can if needed. Will probably hook up the gauges and recheck both in another week or so.
Regardless, in 2 recently evacuated systems I just did for myself, I put 3 14 OZ. cans in my black79 and 3 12 OZ. cans in my Pace Car.
Both came out with the same specs, 28/190 pressure @ 80 degrees outside temp which is well within specs.
Both blow very cold, too.
Figure I can always add another can if needed. Will probably hook up the gauges and recheck both in another week or so.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for the tip. Where can I find those parts? This isn't it is it?
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25430
Is this something I can do myself? I have limited knowledge but would feel comfortable doing some things.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25430
Is this something I can do myself? I have limited knowledge but would feel comfortable doing some things.
I would imagine this is the accumulator you were referring to?
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25431
Can I do this myself or would it be better to have a professional do it?
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25431
Can I do this myself or would it be better to have a professional do it?
My reasoning for the accumulator is the dessicant that's in it gets loaded with moisture and even pulling a good vacuum on the system won't really get it it all out. It almost seems like it gets plugged up. And replacing the orfice tube gets any trash it has stuck to it out of the system.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
I need to look into the entire system on my 80. Nothing is working from the controls, AC, Vent, nor Heater.. I am looking at getting an assembly manual this week so that should help. I hope at least.. From my other issues I am sure something isnt plugged in correctly or a fuse is out some where..
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Garland Texas
Does anyone know what material is in the drier? If it is like material I have used before in my work it can be 'regenerated' by heat and or vacuum. This drives out the moisture and make the 'dessicant' good as new. I have done this on many occasions. However, the temperature can be rather high in order to drive out the moisture in a reasonable time. Otherwise, it can take days to dry out at 300+ degrees F. I routinely dry out circuits where I work at 130+ Centigrade for 4 hours under a VERY good vacuum. Not a vacuum that an AC vacuum pump provides. When the parts are removed from the oven/vacuum they start to absorb moisture immediately so it's imperitive to get them sealed up ASAP.
I ask this so that old parts may be reused and not have to be replaced by parts that are not quite right.
I'm in the middle of a frame off and I really would prefer not to use a non-standard part.
I ask this so that old parts may be reused and not have to be replaced by parts that are not quite right.
I'm in the middle of a frame off and I really would prefer not to use a non-standard part.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Does anyone know what material is in the drier? If it is like material I have used before in my work it can be 'regenerated' by heat and or vacuum. This drives out the moisture and make the 'dessicant' good as new. I have done this on many occasions. However, the temperature can be rather high in order to drive out the moisture in a reasonable time. Otherwise, it can take days to dry out at 300+ degrees F. I routinely dry out circuits where I work at 130+ Centigrade for 4 hours under a VERY good vacuum. Not a vacuum that an AC vacuum pump provides. When the parts are removed from the oven/vacuum they start to absorb moisture immediately so it's imperitive to get them sealed up ASAP.
I ask this so that old parts may be reused and not have to be replaced by parts that are not quite right.
I'm in the middle of a frame off and I really would prefer not to use a non-standard part.
I ask this so that old parts may be reused and not have to be replaced by parts that are not quite right.
I'm in the middle of a frame off and I really would prefer not to use a non-standard part.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Smokin:
This is all good advice: I would like to just tag a few more things on for you.
Check the back side of the hood for oil; check the front of the compressor. If you see oil the odds are not in favor of a re-charge. (Your front seal on the compressor is leaking).
Also, it is a good idea to replace the O-rings at all fittings while you have the system apart. It’s a pain to do but it might save you some headache down the road.
Willcox
This is all good advice: I would like to just tag a few more things on for you.
Check the back side of the hood for oil; check the front of the compressor. If you see oil the odds are not in favor of a re-charge. (Your front seal on the compressor is leaking).
Also, it is a good idea to replace the O-rings at all fittings while you have the system apart. It’s a pain to do but it might save you some headache down the road.
Willcox
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Just for fun, while you have the system empty, replace the orfice tube and if you're good with a little more cash, then replace the accumulator. Those 2 things will improve the efficency of your A/C a noticeable amount. You get the added benfit of being able to look at the orfice and see if it's trashed. If it is, you get to replace the compressor too because it's dying.
I pulled my orfice tube and it was filled with crap.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
Smokin:
This is all good advice: I would like to just tag a few more things on for you.
Check the back side of the hood for oil; check the front of the compressor. If you see oil the odds are not in favor of a re-charge. (Your front seal on the compressor is leaking).
Also, it is a good idea to replace the O-rings at all fittings while you have the system apart. It’s a pain to do but it might save you some headache down the road.
Willcox
This is all good advice: I would like to just tag a few more things on for you.
Check the back side of the hood for oil; check the front of the compressor. If you see oil the odds are not in favor of a re-charge. (Your front seal on the compressor is leaking).
Also, it is a good idea to replace the O-rings at all fittings while you have the system apart. It’s a pain to do but it might save you some headache down the road.
Willcox
Thanks for the heads-up. I might as well add that to my next order. I've already had 4 in the past week.
I wish I would have known about replacing O-rings when I ordered the orfice tube and accumulator. How much of a pain is this going to be?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
I think the guy who is going to help me recharge my AC has the R12 oil as well as the refridgerant. Thank you for your offer, if it turns out that he doesn't have it I will definitely contact you.
If I purchase the O-rings do I need to apply a small amount of the oil to them as well?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
Thanks for all the info and help that everyone has given. O-rings have now been ordered as well. I know I'll be back asking for help when all the parts get here.
I just got my 80 less than 2 weeks ago and am very limited in knowledge but am willing to try what I can. Thanks again!
I just got my 80 less than 2 weeks ago and am very limited in knowledge but am willing to try what I can. Thanks again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You're going in the correct direction- ask questions about how/why things work, listen to what guys tell you, then evaluate what you want to do. Occasionaly you get answers that are kind of far fetched, so ask more questions.
The oil in an A/C system not only lubricates the compressor, but it helps seal things up as well. Installing an O-ring dry (ANY O-ring) it will just wad itself up and probably get a cut and leak. And just like any other rubber product, they do dry out and deteriorate over time.
The oil in an A/C system not only lubricates the compressor, but it helps seal things up as well. Installing an O-ring dry (ANY O-ring) it will just wad itself up and probably get a cut and leak. And just like any other rubber product, they do dry out and deteriorate over time.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Huxley Iowa
I had the all AC O-rings replaced, new accumulator and new orfice tube installed yesterday. The car will be getting charged with good old R-12 this weekend. Hopefully it works! Thanks for all the tips on items I should replace.
