'73 Air Conditioning Removal Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
'73 Air Conditioning Removal Question
As part of the restomod on my '73 big block I'm removing the oem air conditioning and replacing it with a new Vintage Air system.
I'm getting ready to start removing the compressor, condenser and all the existing lines.
The prior owner told me the air conditioning did not work the entire time he owned it, and I haven't used it in the past 6 years.
My question is:
How do I make sure there is no pressure in the system before I start removing everything?
Is there a pressure release valve or a safe way to release any pressure in the system?
I don't want to just start loosening fittings and opening lines that might be under pressure.
Thanks.
I'm getting ready to start removing the compressor, condenser and all the existing lines.
The prior owner told me the air conditioning did not work the entire time he owned it, and I haven't used it in the past 6 years.
My question is:
How do I make sure there is no pressure in the system before I start removing everything?
Is there a pressure release valve or a safe way to release any pressure in the system?
I don't want to just start loosening fittings and opening lines that might be under pressure.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
There should be a schrader valve somewhere on the system that you could briefly depress to check for pressure.
There may still be gas in the system and there was another problem that kept it from working.
I might go so far as to go to an auto shop and see what they'd charge you to evacuate the system. If they have the equipment to recycle the R12 they may do it for free.
There may still be gas in the system and there was another problem that kept it from working.
I might go so far as to go to an auto shop and see what they'd charge you to evacuate the system. If they have the equipment to recycle the R12 they may do it for free.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
There should be a schrader valve somewhere on the system that you could briefly depress to check for pressure.
There may still be gas in the system and there was another problem that kept it from working.
I might go so far as to go to an auto shop and see what they'd charge you to evacuate the system. If they have the equipment to recycle the R12 they may do it for free.
There may still be gas in the system and there was another problem that kept it from working.
I might go so far as to go to an auto shop and see what they'd charge you to evacuate the system. If they have the equipment to recycle the R12 they may do it for free.
I just wasn't sure it would discharge the entire system.
Right now the car is up on blocks and being disassembled.
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
It should discharge the entire system.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, bla bla bla. A short burst of freon shouldn't hurt but it can freeze/burn your skin if a stream of it from the schrader is in contact for long.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, bla bla bla. A short burst of freon shouldn't hurt but it can freeze/burn your skin if a stream of it from the schrader is in contact for long.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,679
Likes: 1,830
From: Huntsville AL
Depress the schrader valve and if nothing comes out go forth and remove the system OR just crack a line and let the system depressor itself. My bet is nothing in the system to worry about.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 702
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, metro area
Don’t forget to get ready for oil to come out of the lines also. The compressor is lubricated by small amounts of oil flowing with the Freon. Oil, unless it all blew out, will likely be collecting in the compressor and accumulator/dryer. No big deal. But if you don’t want an oily mess on the ground, have some rags handy.
The lines and evaporator are probably not useful, but another forum member may have use for the compressor and condenser. An NCRS competitor may want them.
The lines and evaporator are probably not useful, but another forum member may have use for the compressor and condenser. An NCRS competitor may want them.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
I agree with all the above that there is probably no pressure in the system.
Thanks for the tip regarding the oil and having rags ready.
Once I get it all removed, I will be putting it up for sale.
I believe it is all original.
Thanks for the tip regarding the oil and having rags ready.
Once I get it all removed, I will be putting it up for sale.
I believe it is all original.