C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C-3 A/C charge help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 08:32 PM
  #1  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default C-3 A/C charge help



A/c gage reading when attached after I press trigger. Acts like it is blocked. NO fluid going into unit/pump????




Is this where I hook up A.C canister to charge???IS thid the low side?




This the high temp switch?? I do not hookup to this??





This port on canister is on right side.very tight.





This canister port is more accessible, Is this the port I should be using??
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 08:59 PM
  #2  
Z06LMB's Avatar
Z06LMB
Melting Slicks
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 184
From: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Default

Reply
Old Jul 27, 2017 | 10:50 PM
  #3  
REELAV8R's Avatar
REELAV8R
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Default

You're on the right port. With the trigger pulled you should be seeing can pressure, 80 psi or more. With trigger released you should see system pressure. Between the red lines on the gauge.
If the pressure is only 50 with trigger pulled then the can is empty or not screwed on far enough and you are seeing system pressure unless the trigger is broke or something.

Last edited by REELAV8R; Jul 27, 2017 at 10:53 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 12:02 PM
  #4  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default

Originally Posted by REELAV8R
You're on the right port. With the trigger pulled you should be seeing can pressure, 80 psi or more. With trigger released you should see system pressure. Between the red lines on the gauge.
If the pressure is only 50 with trigger pulled then the can is empty or not screwed on far enough and you are seeing system pressure unless the trigger is broke or something.
I believe I may have found the problem, New equipment, old mechanic.
The car did not come with air, it is one of 3500 heat only production cars.
I think I had wires hooked up wrong and I am missing a Thermostatic control switch which would connect to the two wires I had connected to the low pressure switch. IF I touch them together the clutch engages.

thanks for the assistance....
DB
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 10:27 PM
  #5  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

Are you charging it with 134a or R-12?? What refrigerant was in the system? That vintage GM A/C system used mineral oil as a lubricant and that is not compatible with 134a (unless you add ester oil to it).

Apples and oranges....be careful. If that system has been converted to 134a/PAG oil already, no big deal.

Last edited by 7T1vette; Jul 28, 2017 at 10:28 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 10:42 PM
  #6  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
Are you charging it with 134a or R-12?? What refrigerant was in the system? That vintage GM A/C system used mineral oil as a lubricant and that is not compatible with 134a (unless you add ester oil to it).

Apples and oranges....be careful. If that system has been converted to 134a/PAG oil already, no big deal.
Answers..Yes 134a....Pag 150 oil.....system is new: pump, hoses, Accumulator, switches wire harness....has not been charged. I did flush it out prior to adding oil to all areas 8oz max. then sealed it up. Have not tried to charge it until now, illness forced a halt to project.

Thanks for the caution note...

DB

Last edited by Douglas Brown; Jul 28, 2017 at 10:44 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2017 | 10:50 PM
  #7  
Duane4238's Avatar
Duane4238
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Default

Now you need to put a vacuum pump on it to draw everything out of the system before you charge it with the 134A.
Duane
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 05:40 PM
  #8  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

Yep. All air and moisture have to be evacuated BEFORE charging with refrigerant.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 08:26 PM
  #9  
Wrecked82's Avatar
Wrecked82
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Douglas Brown


A/c gage reading when attached after I press trigger. Acts like it is blocked. NO fluid going into unit/pump????




Is this where I hook up A.C canister to charge???IS thid the low side?

This is the high pressure port.




This the high temp switch?? I do not hookup to this??





This port on canister is on right side.very tight.

This is the low pressure port and what you connect to when charging the system.



This canister port is more accessible, Is this the port I should be using??

See my posts under the relevant pictures.

Last edited by Wrecked82; Jul 29, 2017 at 08:27 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2017 | 08:32 PM
  #10  
'75's Avatar
'75
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Default

Just a heads up, I have ran into 2 different vettes that had that 90 deg adapter fitting on the low side port, but the installer had not removed the original schrader valve, caused interesting readings on the gauge.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:14 AM
  #11  
mikep3's Avatar
mikep3
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
Default

I could never get the 90 degree elbow to work. Had to take out the compressor adusting bolt, install the filling hose and reinstall the compressor bolt.
After years of non functioning system I installed new seals, new hoses, accumulor, cross flow condencer and a Sanden compressor. Now it works here in Syracuse NY, maybe not in Florida, that would take a ac/heater box rebuild.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 12:20 PM
  #12  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default

Originally Posted by '75
Just a heads up, I have ran into 2 different vettes that had that 90 deg adapter fitting on the low side port, but the installer had not removed the original schrader valve, caused interesting readings on the gauge.
That is good to know. The 90 is to give me room to work with. I believe I removed the Orig. Valve, but, will check now to make sure, Thanks.



DB
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 12:23 PM
  #13  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default

Originally Posted by mikep3
I could never get the 90 degree elbow to work. Had to take out the compressor adusting bolt, install the filling hose and reinstall the compressor bolt.
After years of non functioning system I installed new seals, new hoses, accumulor, cross flow condencer and a Sanden compressor. Now it works here in Syracuse NY, maybe not in Florida, that would take a ac/heater box rebuild.
Frankly; I thought it was a poor design and place to put it. location sucks.

Lets hope I have better luck.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 01:18 PM
  #14  
carriljc's Avatar
carriljc
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,746
Likes: 1,387
Default

I have a set of gauges with 90° connectors. Works well on my Sanden & Hot Rod Air because otherwise I could not connect to low side fitting. Of course, I wasted a can recently because I spaced that and attached to my regular straight-hose filler/adapter.

If folks can find a similar hose, then it may assist with some of these issues with connection access.
Attached Images  

Last edited by carriljc; Jul 30, 2017 at 01:19 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 04:23 PM
  #15  
Douglas Brown's Avatar
Douglas Brown
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 11
From: Dayton Nevada
Default

Originally Posted by carriljc
I have a set of gauges with 90° connectors. Works well on my Sanden & Hot Rod Air because otherwise I could not connect to low side fitting. Of course, I wasted a can recently because I spaced that and attached to my regular straight-hose filler/adapter.

If folks can find a similar hose, then it may assist with some of these issues with connection access.

I thought I would check out the suggestion about the needle valve. I was right I had taken out the orig. one.
And the other suggestion about connection hose being bad, so I disconnected the hose from the canister, WHY I thought it would close off when disconnected is beyond me, but it shot out of my hand and spun around the floor for a minuet. The hose when connected to the 90 deg. fitting is open.

DB
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C-3 A/C charge help





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:59 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE