1981 a/c problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: West Allis Wisconsin
1981 a/c problem
Can I first say that every over the counter repair manuel really sux on this subject. I mean if I wanted to take my car to a professional I would of never bought the repair manual in the first place..
Well enough of that on to my prob.
First off I have no idea if the a/c has ever worked at all. With the car running and the fan selector on high and the temp. selector on cold, whenI slide the lever to max a/c it turns on the fan but no a/c. the car goes up about 50 rpm but I don't hear the compressor kick in. I have tried in all of the fan settings and in the econ position. The first thing I checked was the fuse(there is only one right), it was good. next I checked the voltage at the compressor, it reads at .1 volt. just to be sure I also checked the altinator it is putting out 13.4v. I am assuming that there is a problem with the power to the compressor but i'm not sure.
I have read in other posts about checking the slider that you select for a/c, all I see underneath it is some sort of vaccum tubing.
And in my chilton it says nothing about the electical side of the a/c system.
The car is a manual. numbers matching engine. from what I can tell everything is original.
Well enough of that on to my prob.
First off I have no idea if the a/c has ever worked at all. With the car running and the fan selector on high and the temp. selector on cold, whenI slide the lever to max a/c it turns on the fan but no a/c. the car goes up about 50 rpm but I don't hear the compressor kick in. I have tried in all of the fan settings and in the econ position. The first thing I checked was the fuse(there is only one right), it was good. next I checked the voltage at the compressor, it reads at .1 volt. just to be sure I also checked the altinator it is putting out 13.4v. I am assuming that there is a problem with the power to the compressor but i'm not sure.
I have read in other posts about checking the slider that you select for a/c, all I see underneath it is some sort of vaccum tubing.
And in my chilton it says nothing about the electical side of the a/c system.
The car is a manual. numbers matching engine. from what I can tell everything is original.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
The power wire to the compressor goes to the pass. side to a switch.
Check for power on both sides of the switch. If the freon is low, probably, & there is power, you will have power in to the switch, but not out to the comp.
Check for power on both sides of the switch. If the freon is low, probably, & there is power, you will have power in to the switch, but not out to the comp.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: West Allis Wisconsin
Thanx for the info. Checked the switch and your right there's power to the switch but not after.
My next question is should I just have the r-12 filled or should I have it converted to r-134. Anyone know what the approx. cost for each should be around. I don't want to get ripped off.
My next question is should I just have the r-12 filled or should I have it converted to r-134. Anyone know what the approx. cost for each should be around. I don't want to get ripped off.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
134 freon
I have just been in the process of converting and here is what I have so far. I bought the adapter valves where you hook your gages up at Auto Zone for under $10 and a bottle of pac oil for about the same. You need to pjour the oil out of the compressor and put new in. I also bought a new low pressure switch that is adjustable to allow the compressor to cycle at a different pressure (that what I was told to do). I would advise flushing the condensor and installing a new orfice tube. I also bought a new acumulator for about $35.
hope this helps
Bobby
hope this helps
Bobby
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
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