A/C leaking
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
A/C leaking
So the original R12 system on my 82 finally **** the bed. Compressor clutch engages for 2 or three seconds tops, then disengages, air is blowing only slightly cold. I have no idea where the leak is, dont see anything obvious. Is there a usual suspect in this or anywhere is possible? Was going to start with the hose setup off the compressor and I guess the drier since Ill be changing to 134. Drier is under the overflow tank so I guess I'll be moving or pulling that or can I get it from underneath? Should I hit all the connections with some PB blaster or is that a waste of time. Any tips appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
well no sense in getting r12 gauges ..if for sure going 134 and not trying r12.. i would empty and pressurize with compressed air to find leak(s) first...that will drive component replacement. accumulator a b*tch
post 2
AC Compressor Leaking Green Oil -1982 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
post 2
AC Compressor Leaking Green Oil -1982 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 269
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
To remove the dryer disconnect the hoses from the compressor. Then you can drop it down and reach the fittings from below the car. You also have to take off the rocker panel and the splash shield.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
well no sense in getting r12 gauges ..if for sure going 134 and not trying r12.. i would empty and pressurize with compressed air to find leak(s) first...that will drive component replacement. accumulator a b*tch
post 2
AC Compressor Leaking Green Oil -1982 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
post 2
AC Compressor Leaking Green Oil -1982 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
and yes @bruiser is correct AND STILL A PITA edit, and i tried that did not work for mine..
Lost my r12 seal questions - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Last edited by interpon; Jun 7, 2021 at 01:31 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Take the car to a reputable auto A/C repair shop and have them find the leak and give you an estimate of cost to repair. Then you can decide whether to get it repaired and keep the R-12 or if it would be better to convert to R-134a [and possibly a new Senden compressor]. Depending on what you decide, have to shop fix the A/C or DIY with a conversion kit (about 1/2 the cost of converting to complete V.A. system).
I would NOT recommend trying to troubleshoot this yourself, if you don't have proper leak detection stuff.
I would NOT recommend trying to troubleshoot this yourself, if you don't have proper leak detection stuff.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 7, 2021 at 03:32 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,501
From: Little Rock AR
Compressor is not hard to overhaul. You are better off keeping what you have now if it was working well before. The current replacements are not that great.
Watch the video on Century Air website. They sell the seal kits and tools. Going to tackle this myself soon. My plan is to open everything up and reseal it all with the green O-rings then try to pull a vacuum. New exact replacement reciever dryer was like $40 from old air products.
www.centuryautoair.com
Watch the video on Century Air website. They sell the seal kits and tools. Going to tackle this myself soon. My plan is to open everything up and reseal it all with the green O-rings then try to pull a vacuum. New exact replacement reciever dryer was like $40 from old air products.
www.centuryautoair.com
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Usually the compressor front seal is the culprit.
it sounds like everything is working as it should and you are simply low on r12. Those front seals never did seal 100% it could be it just finally dropped low enough that now the low pressure switch is cutting out very quickly.
any reason you don’t want to just buy some r12 and charge it up and see how it goes? Cost? Or ability/ lack of knowledge?
it sounds like everything is working as it should and you are simply low on r12. Those front seals never did seal 100% it could be it just finally dropped low enough that now the low pressure switch is cutting out very quickly.
any reason you don’t want to just buy some r12 and charge it up and see how it goes? Cost? Or ability/ lack of knowledge?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
easy to charge. very difficult and pricey to find 12. how much less efficient is the same setup with r134? cuz even adding a 5 buck can when you use it may be better than paying somebody a buncha money and hear "it is fixed." and 3 weeks later starts cycling again. a friend is HVAC guy. he says he can't get 12 or 22 any more. still holds some pressure. not much of a leak.
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 7, 2021 at 11:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
Usually the compressor front seal is the culprit.
it sounds like everything is working as it should and you are simply low on r12. Those front seals never did seal 100% it could be it just finally dropped low enough that now the low pressure switch is cutting out very quickly.
any reason you don’t want to just buy some r12 and charge it up and see how it goes? Cost? Or ability/ lack of knowledge?
it sounds like everything is working as it should and you are simply low on r12. Those front seals never did seal 100% it could be it just finally dropped low enough that now the low pressure switch is cutting out very quickly.
any reason you don’t want to just buy some r12 and charge it up and see how it goes? Cost? Or ability/ lack of knowledge?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
easy to charge. very difficult and pricey to find 12. how much less efficient is the same setup with r134? cuz even adding a 5 buck can when you use it may be better than paying somebody a buncha money and hear "it is fixed." and 3 weeks later starts cycling again. a friend is HVAC guy. he says he can't get 12 or 22 any more. still holds some pressure. not much of a leak.