Air Conditioning Reinstall
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Air Conditioning Reinstall
Ok now that the temps are up there here in Alabama, I need to reinstall my A/C. I was wondering before I intall all the components, is there any technical stuff I need to do before they go back in. I know the dryer is probably bad and need a new one but as far as the compresson and hoses is there anything that needs to be done to them? Is there a way to check the joints before I go to have it filled, like pressure checking them? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Happy 4th
YBnormal...drive a vette
Happy 4th
YBnormal...drive a vette
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 139
From: Vail AZ
Did you actually REMOVE everything from the car? If so, yes, a new dryer is in the cards. Other than that, a good shot of oil, a vacuum, and a recharge should be all you need.
The P.O. of my '73 removed the A/C from it. Fortunately, he kept the pieces & passed them onto me. It looks like I have 99% of what I need in boxes. Hopefully, I'll be joining you soon in the re-
world!
The P.O. of my '73 removed the A/C from it. Fortunately, he kept the pieces & passed them onto me. It looks like I have 99% of what I need in boxes. Hopefully, I'll be joining you soon in the re-
world!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 139
From: Vail AZ
Oops! I missed the most important part of your question.
As far as I know, without either a fully charged system, or the manifold set & vacuum pump handy, there's no way to check for a tight system.
But... the el-cheapo compressor-driven venturi-type vacuum pump works very well and the very good manifold sets are only about $70.00 at a regular auto parts store. I bought my own, as I figured that one or two home-recharges would pay for it in shop-cost-savings. It did.
As far as I know, without either a fully charged system, or the manifold set & vacuum pump handy, there's no way to check for a tight system.
But... the el-cheapo compressor-driven venturi-type vacuum pump works very well and the very good manifold sets are only about $70.00 at a regular auto parts store. I bought my own, as I figured that one or two home-recharges would pay for it in shop-cost-savings. It did.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Are you using R-34 instead of R-12 as originally equipped? If yes, I would order a set of O-rings made for R-34 and replace every one...I think Doc Rebuild sells a set. If your hoses are old and/or cracked you may want to order a new set as well. Replacing the drier is not an option...it is mandatory once the system has been exposed to air for any period of time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by PaulH
Are you using R-34 instead of R-12 as originally equipped? If yes, I would order a set of O-rings made for R-34 and replace every one...I think Doc Rebuild sells a set. If your hoses are old and/or cracked you may want to order a new set as well. Replacing the drier is not an option...it is mandatory once the system has been exposed to air for any period of time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Originally Posted by Buzzardz_vette
How long is a "period of time"? I removed my compressor while I've been working on the engine. It's been a couple of months now. Will the dryer be OK?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Originally Posted by Ybnormal
If I decide to go with the R-34 will the system need to be cleaned out? And if so, how is that done.
Thankd for the replies.
YBnormal...drive a vette
Thankd for the replies.
YBnormal...drive a vette
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by PaulH
There is desiccant in the dryer that absorbs moisture in the ac system. Moisture in the system turns into an acid so you don't want to expose the dessicant to air by leaving the dryer open for any period of time. If you do crack open the system all openings should be taped to prevent moisture from enterring. Dryers are not that expensive, so if in doubt, just replace it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Originally Posted by Buzzardz_vette
Actually, I didn't open the dryer. I just removed the hose connector from the compressor. That shouldn't let in too much air sould it?
