77 Vette AC Compressor replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
77 Vette AC Compressor replacement
Hi guys,
My AC compressor needs to be replaced on my 77 vette. I am thinking about ordering a new one and installing it myself. Regarding recharging the system with freon, is this something I can do myself i.e., can I use the new type of freon that is available on the shelf work and if so, do I need to vacuum out the lines prior to adding freon? And if so, how do I vacuum out the lines? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
My AC compressor needs to be replaced on my 77 vette. I am thinking about ordering a new one and installing it myself. Regarding recharging the system with freon, is this something I can do myself i.e., can I use the new type of freon that is available on the shelf work and if so, do I need to vacuum out the lines prior to adding freon? And if so, how do I vacuum out the lines? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
You will need a standard assortment of hand tools, a vacuum pump, some R134, PAG oil, a set of gauges, the compressor, a receiver/dryer, a new orifice tube and a full afternoon to fool with it. Help from someone who is familiar with the upgrade highly recommended. It is not impossible, just a PITA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
77's were a transition year for AC. They began by replacing the A6 compressor with the R4 model. Few 77's were produced with the A6. Later they changed from the VIR (valve in receiver) model to the cycling system using an orifice tube design. They both used R12 refrigerant.
Your first step is to find out what you have. Then come back for further advice.
POST PICTURES IF YOU NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY.
Your first step is to find out what you have. Then come back for further advice.
POST PICTURES IF YOU NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY.
Last edited by Rotonda; Aug 11, 2010 at 04:12 PM. Reason: Addition
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
77's were a transition year for AC. They began by replacing the A6 compressor with the R4 model. Few 77's were produced with the A6. Later they changed from the VIR (valve in receiver) model to the cycling system using an orifice tube design. They both used R12 refrigerant.
Your first step is to find out what you have. Then come back for further advice.
POST PICTURES IF YOU NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY.
Your first step is to find out what you have. Then come back for further advice.
POST PICTURES IF YOU NEED HELP TO IDENTIFY.
As stated above, you must vacuum the lines out-it is NOT optional. You can convert to R134, but I would stay R12. You will want to change the accumulator dryer and the orfice tube when you change compressors.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
I believe '76 was the transition year. Early '76 has the large long A6 while late '76 has the smaller short R4 compressor. All '77s have the R4 compressor.
As stated above, you must vacuum the lines out-it is NOT optional. You can convert to R134, but I would stay R12. You will want to change the accumulator dryer and the orfice tube when you change compressors.
As stated above, you must vacuum the lines out-it is NOT optional. You can convert to R134, but I would stay R12. You will want to change the accumulator dryer and the orfice tube when you change compressors.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
A license is required to LEGALLY buy R12 freon.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
A license is required to LEGALLY buy R12 freon.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 357
Likes: 3
From: Madisonville Kentucky
A license is required to LEGALLY buy R12 freon.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
You can take an online exam for like $20 which is all I did several years ago.
BUT, I've purchased quantities of R12 five times since and was only asked for my license ONE time, so sellers can be pretty lax.
I think sellers are getting around it by simply offering 'R12' without mention of 'freon' in their ads.
Check your local craigslist or ebay.
I prefer to stay with the R12.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
It'a an 'open book' test. I printed out the book, about 50 pages and looked it over for a few days before taking the test. Then had it handy for the test. I THINK the test was in the same sequence as the book.
http://www.epatest.com/609/
http://www.epatest.com/609/
