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I am about to do a light refresh / fix up of my 1979 L82. It runs great, body is in great shape, etc. just needs a re paint, some interior stuff fixed, etc. One thing I want to do is get the ac functioning. The fan works, and I have power to the pressure switch at the passenger fender via the light green wire. No power to the compressors, which I assume is because the switch is bad or just no freon. So here are my questions:
1. How can I tell if my compressor is any good? Do I just charge the freon, and see if it kicks on?
2. I’m assuming this is the older type of freon. What needs to be done to switch to the current off the shelf freon? I started to order a full kit, but it seems like my system is complete just the compressor won’t kick on.
3. Is there something that can be used to seal leaks if there are any, or am I looking at having to completely replace a bunch of stuff?
4. If I have to replace a bunch of stuff, can I leave the stuff under the dash in place and anything new under the hood will be compatible with it?
Same issue with my 78. Not knowing the history of the car i replaced the compressor hoses orings and orifice tube and quick disconnect fittings. I have read that the r134a molecules can pass through older r12 hose construction. Also replaced my bad idle up solenoid in the q-jet. Interior components were left alone. There is a low pressure cutoff switch in the high pressure line that will save the compressor if you run low on refrigerant
First i would purchase gauges to see what is in there now for pressure.
take close pictures of system and test in particular the low and high pressure fittings prior to buyng gauges.
Next steps after above.
below a couple of ac jouneys r12 but applicable.. it is your car.
fyi the manual L82 does not have a kick up solenoid for ac. Idle is 900rpm and it will drop to about 750 when ac on. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ispreloading=1
i did not have retrofit 134 to compare but r12 works better than my newer cars.
also note..especially your year, there was an assembler on the line that crushed the max ac recirculating vacuum line. Many reported this. Youwant recirculating ac n the hottest days. Took ver. 40 years to fix frm new lol..
Link here
1979 Air Conditioning
