1971 AC question
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1971 AC question
I have a 71 350 that is equipped with factory AC. I bought this car from a classic car dealer in 1997. Salesman stated that the AC didn't work. I have read that some dealers would say this because of the coolant change over and basically all the car needed was the conversion and recharge. I've never tried the AC. Everything seems to be there. Hoses, sondenser and such seem to look good. Would it be okay if I tried the AC and if so what I should look and listen for? I don't want to damage the system beyond repair. Belts are still in place and I can turn the compressor with my hand. I will not be trying any repairs to it myself. Just wonder if its okay to turn it on and see what it does. Thanks.
Dr. Detroit
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From: New Braunfels Texas
Can you turn the compressor wheel? Not the pulley but the wheel it turn at the end when the clutch kicks in.......this is the first thing you check....if it doesn't turn then you need a compressor.....
Jebby
Jebby
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Yes. I can turn the wheel of the compressor. It doesn't take too much force at all to turn it. When I have turned the console wheel for heat I hear the AC compressor kick on when the heat/ac control wheel goes past it. I've always rolled over the AC control quickly as possible just in case. I mainly just use heat when I start it up in the winter. I will try checking one of those valves to see if there is any pressure at all left in the system. Any suggestions, tips or warnings are appreciated.
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71 AC questions. I have checked to see if the wheel turns (not the pulley) on My AC compressor. It turns without a lot of force. I pushed down on the two valves (very quickly) to see if there was any pressure at all in the system. Each valve released a small amount of pressure (even after 26 years). I've had this car since 97 and have never tried the AC or ever had inspected. I was just told by the salesman it didn't work. I can't seem to find anything on the system that is missing. All hoses, connections etc. look good. I would obviously want to have the system converted for modern refrigerant but I would like some some advice as to what I should do first. I'm aware how complicated these systems are but I wonder if there is anything I could do or check before taking it to a shop?
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The two valves I checked were located beside each other on the (what looks like aluminum) unit behind the compressor that have acorn nut covers. Each one released a small amount of air, gas or whatever it was. I just did that for a second. I've added refrigerant to vehicles all of my adult life but I'll admit I'm not a mechanic. I will not do anything myself that could damage something. Lots of people on here that know their stuff. I would absolutely love to turn it on for a few seconds and see what it does. Just not sure if it could lock it up or throw parts into the system or whatever. Its definitely over my head. Is it possible to check the pressure with a refrigerant refill gauge to see if it moves the needle?
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St. Jude Donor '22
The two valves I checked were located beside each other on the (what looks like aluminum) unit behind the compressor that have acorn nut covers. Each one released a small amount of air, gas or whatever it was. I just did that for a second. I've added refrigerant to vehicles all of my adult life but I'll admit I'm not a mechanic. I will not do anything myself that could damage something. Lots of people on here that know their stuff. I would absolutely love to turn it on for a few seconds and see what it does. Just not sure if it could lock it up or throw parts into the system or whatever. Its definitely over my head. Is it possible to check the pressure with a refrigerant refill gauge to see if it moves the needle?
I didn't know you had them.
boils down to whether the system parts work.
that compressor
turns on
makes pressure
cutoff pressure switches work
system is not blocked.
put gauges on high low fittings and run it.
it is going to need to run to mix oil and saturate parts with gas and oil.
once you get an idea of over all system, you will better be able to have a plan.