Background: The original clutch on my A/C compressor (`82 style) suddenly started making an erratic `jingling chain' noise which I understand is likely an A/C compressor clutch failure - or, prelude to failure - issue by my long-time Corvette mechanic. But, when I pulled the connector from the compressor with the engine running, (to verify the source of the jingle noise - and, come to terms with a fairly major repair), on the 3rd time that I disconnect/connect the clutch it suddenly stopped working, altogether. I wrote it off to the clutch puking. But, a few minutes later, while testing the original blower motor for proper operation it also stopped working altogether, including a minute or two after hearing an unusual noise from the fan motor on "high" (only) mode.

Actions: No luck. Today I verified that the blower motor fuse (30 amp) was not blown. I replaced it anyway, to no effect. I also replaced the blower motor (PIA R&R'ing the coolant overflow reservoir), the high speed blower motor relay on the firewall, and I triple-checked that the power and ground connections to the blower motor were cleaned and perfect - also, I tested the new blower motor before I installed it.

Question: Has anyone else encountered this mysterious conundrum both, the blower motor and the compressor almost simultaneously going quiet? I did not think that the A/C compressor and blower motor were related in the A/C circuit - but, if they are, thanks in advance for any help. If you have any experienced guidance on this same issue, If any other relays/fuses/fuseable links (??) are a possibility I'll send a lot of positive vibes if you can tell me where they are located on a `78-82).

Btw, your experienced opinion on whether to keep my system R12 (I have 6 standard cans of R12 from years gone by) vs. converting to R134 would be appreciated, including if that is even a possibility or good idea. I've been trying hard to keep everything as `original' as possible through the years - I don't ever plan to sell it - and, I just want to move forward with a quality repair...whatever that is?

Again, thank you in advance for your experienced recommendations to have A/C (and, blower motor) working in my C3 again.

Dave

 

I would keep the r12 as you have enough.
never had both go..
are you sure belt is tight?
if clutch is bad is it an r4? Google videos show easy enough repair on n clutch without opening system.

ground checkout? Power at fan? Try different vent settings?

 

Have you checked to see if there is power to the AC compressor clutch when you turn the air conditioning on?

 

[QUOTE=Lakeside49;1599918771]Background: The original clutch on my A/C compressor (`82 style) suddenly started making an erratic `jingling chain' noise which I understand is likely an A/C compressor clutch failure - or, prelude to failure - issue by my long-time Corvette mechanic. But, when I pulled the connector from the compressor with the engine running, (to verify the source of the jingle noise - and, come to terms with a fairly major repair), on the 3rd time that I disconnect/connect the clutch it suddenly stopped working, altogether. I wrote it off to the clutch puking. But, a few minutes later, while testing the original blower motor for proper operation it also stopped working altogether, including a minute or two after hearing an unusual noise from the fan motor on "high" (only) mode.

Actions: No luck. Today I verified that the blower motor fuse (30 amp) was not blown. I replaced it anyway, to no effect. I also replaced the blower motor (PIA R&R'ing the coolant overflow reservoir), the high speed blower motor relay on the firewall, and I triple-checked that the power and ground connections to the blower motor were cleaned and perfect - also, I tested the new blower motor before I installed it.

Question: Has anyone else encountered this mysterious conundrum both, the blower motor and the compressor almost simultaneously going quiet? I did not think that the A/C compressor and blower motor were related in the A/C circuit - but, if they are, thanks in advance for any help. If you have any experienced guidance on this same issue, If any other relays/fuses/fuseable links (??) are a possibility I'll send a lot of positive vibes if you can tell me where they are located on a `78-82).

Btw, your experienced opinion on whether to keep my system R12 (I have 6 standard cans of R12 from years gone by) vs. converting to R134 would be appreciated, including if that is even a possibility or good idea. I've been trying hard to keep everything as `original' as possible through the years - I don't ever plan to sell it - and, I just want to move forward with a quality repair...whatever that is?

Again, thank you in advance for your experienced recommendations to have A/C (and, blower motor) working in my C3 again.

Dave[/QUOTE

In closing the loop (to hopefully help others if-ever having a similar situation) the culprit was the 25A "A/C" fuse. That fuse is near the top of the fusebox and is hidden by some sort of `tap-in' wires for who knows what - actually wish I knew) - as a result it is not within sight from the floorboard no matter how much you contort and it required pulling the front seat, disconnecting the `tap-in', longer needle-nose pliers, and a good flashlight. The curiosity is that replacing the "A/C" fuse also allowed the blower motor to resume functioning even though the wiring diagram shows the blower motor on a separate fused circuit. Info only - again, hoping it preps/ helps others in a similar situation....

Btw, "Interpon" and "drwet", thanks for your replies - I have added another thanks (`Like') to your arsenal, sirs.

Dave V.