Flushing R12 AC system
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 468
From: Wichita Kansas
Flushing R12 AC system
After you flush your R12 system (with whatever it is you flush it with), would you have to replace the dryer/accumulator or can you just pull vacuum for 8 hours, would that work? Thanks Would be going right back with R12.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you are switching to R134a refrigerant, I would replace the dryer. You can buy spray cans of A/C system cleaner at most auto parts stores. Just put a bucket under the hose at the end of the system and shoot it thru the other end. Catch it in a clean bucket so that you can inspect for any debris due to damaged A/C system. ALL debris must be removed before you even consider recharging it. It's a messy job, but easy to do. Use pressurized air to blow thru the lines after you have exhausted the cleaner spray cans.
If no junk left in the 'dump' bucket, you're good to go.
If no junk left in the 'dump' bucket, you're good to go.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 978
Likes: 254
From: Bethlehem, PA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,640
Likes: 2,460
From: Indiana
I would replace....but..why are you flushing? Compressor explode?
seems the flush wouldn’t help the dessicant..
i would skip the flush unless known potential for contamination..depends on why..
seems the flush wouldn’t help the dessicant..
i would skip the flush unless known potential for contamination..depends on why..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 468
From: Wichita Kansas
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Are you using an A6 Compressor? Be sure to check the oil level.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 468
From: Wichita Kansas
Yes, A6. There's a long story here where I have to tell on myself but it leads to me needing to flush the lines, then replace POA, expansion valve, dryer and compressor. But I want things clean as can be before putting new compressor on. That dyer looks like a real %$^$%*&*( to replace lol. That is what has stopped me many times in the past and could do it again. It's like, I would like for the a/c to work but....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Yes, A6. There's a long story here where I have to tell on myself but it leads to me needing to flush the lines, then replace POA, expansion valve, dryer and compressor. But I want things clean as can be before putting new compressor on. That dyer looks like a real %$^$%*&*( to replace lol. That is what has stopped me many times in the past and could do it again. It's like, I would like for the a/c to work but....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Oh, good Lord....replacing the POA...
It is located in an impossible area to get a wrench with any size on it. You might be able to break the upper fitting loose; good luck with breaking the lower one loose. There is just no access!!! I won't tell you what I did to get the danged thing out, but it involved cutting a solid refrigerant line. 
In the end, all is well and the conversion to 134a was a success. Sweated bullets for a while, though__________
It is located in an impossible area to get a wrench with any size on it. You might be able to break the upper fitting loose; good luck with breaking the lower one loose. There is just no access!!! I won't tell you what I did to get the danged thing out, but it involved cutting a solid refrigerant line. In the end, all is well and the conversion to 134a was a success. Sweated bullets for a while, though__________
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 468
From: Wichita Kansas
Oh, good Lord....replacing the POA... It is located in an impossible area to get a wrench with any size on it. You might be able to break the upper fitting loose; good luck with breaking the lower one loose. There is just no access!!! I won't tell you what I did to get the danged thing out, but it involved cutting a solid refrigerant line.
In the end, all is well and the conversion to 134a was a success. Sweated bullets for a while, though__________
It is located in an impossible area to get a wrench with any size on it. You might be able to break the upper fitting loose; good luck with breaking the lower one loose. There is just no access!!! I won't tell you what I did to get the danged thing out, but it involved cutting a solid refrigerant line. In the end, all is well and the conversion to 134a was a success. Sweated bullets for a while, though__________
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
"Back in the day" things were NOT 40+ years old and stuck like they are now. Might not help. but a good soaking with Hoppe's #9 gun solvent might be your salvation. And I agree with 7T1-- sometimes you just can't get there from here. Pulling the engine might help..
Racer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 161
I just rebuilt my AC system. Replacing the receiver/dryer was the worst part of the job, but it is doable. The Quickjack was invaluable and worth every penny I paid for it! I must have raised and lowered the car at least 25 times. You can get the necessary tools into the opening that is available after you pull the passengers side splash shield, but it’s not easy. I used the correct size open end wrench on the receiver fitting and a slip jaw wrench to hold the hose fitting while I tightened that connection. When you put the receiver/dryer in, don’t tighten everything up until you have both fittings connected and the receiver bracket installed.
That being said it is doable, just not easy, but after several summers with no AC, it was worth it to me and with the time off I currently have, I had the time to do it. Feel free to PM me for more details.
That being said it is doable, just not easy, but after several summers with no AC, it was worth it to me and with the time off I currently have, I had the time to do it. Feel free to PM me for more details.