AC Disconnection
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,380
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
AC Disconnection
I could use some advice one how to start disconnecting it. First of all how to disconnect the Fridigaire compressor from the engine. Its a 70 BB. I don't see how I can disconnect the bolts that connects the rear of the compressor to the bracket that is attached to the exhaust manifold. (That's terrible, bolting the rear of the AC compressor to the exhaust manifold!!!!) Question do I first have to disconnect that big aluminum block that serves as a manifold to attach the hoses to the compressor? An next, it looks like I'll have to disconnect some hoses, the dryer, etc....what's a good technique to prevent dirt from falling back into the hoses. Maybe brush the joints with a dremel and wash them with lacquer thinner before unscrewing? Some things I should be careful with or know? I've never disconnected an AC. I do know that on my daily drivers, any time an AC is been taken apart by the dealers service department, the AC is usually never the same again.
Thanks. The reason I'm doing this is to prepare to remove the engine.
Thanks. The reason I'm doing this is to prepare to remove the engine.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,380
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
The last time I ran the engine, in 1995, it did work. The reason I didn't try to run the engine now is that the gas in the tank was so contaminated with rust and probably water. The tank was so rusty that just examining it caused it to break open and start dripping gas. I decided to forget about running the engine.
The AC could well be still be charged with the original freon.
The AC could well be still be charged with the original freon.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
While I'm not completely familiar with a '70's a/c's layout, you should be able to just remove the compressor from the engine, laying it aside and securing it so that it doesn't move . If all is out of the way then, and I think it should be, you can start removing the engine. This way you don't have to disturb the freon in the system if it still has any. 
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Mar 28, 2008 at 07:24 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Lightly press the Schrader valve in one of the ports with a small screwdriver to see if the system is still pressurized. If it is, call an A/C repairman to come out and reclaim the R12 before disconnecting anything.
