A/C runs cooler...
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 325
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga TN
i`ve heard of other people doing this before, with good results.
GM in recent years has insulated the accumulator on some models.
if the insulation is either closed cell foam, or has an outer moisture resistant layer, then little if any condensation would actually form near the pipes/accumulator.
if you are concerned about moisture causing corrosion around connections and threads, they could be coated with something like spray on wax lubes, such as motocycle chain wax, some brands of this dry to a consistency that is dry to the touch, and would protect the connections from moisture.
naturally, the insulating material selected should be capable of not melting/burning if it gets too close to exhaust system heat, ect.
and there are some insulating materials that could be used that are rated for high heat conditions.
GM in recent years has insulated the accumulator on some models.
if the insulation is either closed cell foam, or has an outer moisture resistant layer, then little if any condensation would actually form near the pipes/accumulator.
if you are concerned about moisture causing corrosion around connections and threads, they could be coated with something like spray on wax lubes, such as motocycle chain wax, some brands of this dry to a consistency that is dry to the touch, and would protect the connections from moisture.
naturally, the insulating material selected should be capable of not melting/burning if it gets too close to exhaust system heat, ect.
and there are some insulating materials that could be used that are rated for high heat conditions.
Last edited by BigLee; Jul 19, 2007 at 02:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
GM doesn't use an anti-seize on line fittings - the problems I've encountered doesn't occur after I've rebuilt it - it's always from the factory and again, insulation didn't matter. I have had good success in beating the factory vent temps (by at least a couple of degrees). Assembly process doesn't stop to see if it holds a vacuum overnight and it's pretty much a suck and force feed charge that takes about 5 minutes (if that) per vehicle. The assumption is that the Accumulator/Drier will soak up any residual moisture. I asked to see the process at Bowling Green, but they wouldn't let me into that part of the Factory.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Can we see some pics of any you guys that have done this??
I live in orlando, FL, and the summers are rough on my 95 LT1, even though I have tinted windows. It's just that black interior, looks great, but gets hot easily in the sun.
I live in orlando, FL, and the summers are rough on my 95 LT1, even though I have tinted windows. It's just that black interior, looks great, but gets hot easily in the sun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
It's not unusual to see 100 here and I've never had a problem without it - nor the few times I've been to Vegas in whatever rental car I pickup, though I admit, anything below 60 there feels better than 112. I'd recommend you look at your operating pressures first; stick a thermometer in the vents at the same time, note the temp of the air at condensor, repost. And some shops will do all of this for free (they want the big bucks to fix it). Out here, a shop has to provide this info by Statute - though they can of course charge you - at Poop Boys, it's $29.95.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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I did mine over the weekend. I went to Home Depot and bought a 6' section of foam rubber residential/commercial 1" AC condenser pipe insulation for $4.49.
I also bought a pack of 7" black, UV-resistant, nylon zip ties to hold the sections of insulation in place around the exposed, aluminum, low pressure lines of my car's AC/system.
I measured the sections with measuring tape, then cut them to fit with a pair of scissors. I was careful NOT to wrap the line fittings, to negate the possibility of corrosion.
If I had a custom-made foam "huggy" for my dryer/accumulator, I'll bet I could increase efficiency slighty more like SunCrsr suggested.
I also bought a pack of 7" black, UV-resistant, nylon zip ties to hold the sections of insulation in place around the exposed, aluminum, low pressure lines of my car's AC/system.
I measured the sections with measuring tape, then cut them to fit with a pair of scissors. I was careful NOT to wrap the line fittings, to negate the possibility of corrosion.
If I had a custom-made foam "huggy" for my dryer/accumulator, I'll bet I could increase efficiency slighty more like SunCrsr suggested.
Last edited by onedef92; Jul 24, 2007 at 08:50 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
I too would like to see some photos of the lines you guys have wrapped. I drove the C4 today then got out and looked at the lines. Several were very hot to the touch. I grabbed my pyrometer and found several of the lines were at about 170 or so, sounds pretty hot for carrying cold fluid/gas.
I'm still not certain which lines that should be wrapped? Can some one be more specific.
I'm still not certain which lines that should be wrapped? Can some one be more specific.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 30
I too would like to see some photos of the lines you guys have wrapped. I drove the C4 today then got out and looked at the lines. Several were very hot to the touch. I grabbed my pyrometer and found several of the lines were at about 170 or so, sounds pretty hot for carrying cold fluid/gas.
I'm still not certain which lines that should be wrapped? Can some one be more specific.
I'm still not certain which lines that should be wrapped? Can some one be more specific.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
BTW guys, the open cell brownish/grayish crap at Home Depot is crap.
The stuff you want is called Armaflex, but there are other brands of it. Basically more of a rubberry insulation, with a smooth non porous surface. Also has an adhesive strip so you can seal it and prevent condensation.
Good:
Garbage:
The stuff you want is called Armaflex, but there are other brands of it. Basically more of a rubberry insulation, with a smooth non porous surface. Also has an adhesive strip so you can seal it and prevent condensation.
Good:
Garbage:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 30
BTW guys, the open cell brownish/grayish crap at Home Depot is crap.
The stuff you want is called Armaflex, but there are other brands of it. Basically more of a rubberry insulation, with a smooth non porous surface. Also has an adhesive strip so you can seal it and prevent condensation.
Good:
Garbage:
The stuff you want is called Armaflex, but there are other brands of it. Basically more of a rubberry insulation, with a smooth non porous surface. Also has an adhesive strip so you can seal it and prevent condensation.
Good:
Garbage:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
OK, I looked at the AC system and not being too knowledgable on the subject I've provided a few photos.
Questions:
Can someone describe based on these photos which you insulated?
What size insulation did you use? I picked up some today that was for 1/2 pipe but not sure that would be the right stuff?
Questions:
Can someone describe based on these photos which you insulated?
What size insulation did you use? I picked up some today that was for 1/2 pipe but not sure that would be the right stuff?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
The refrigerant lines in your attic are insulated. They never get wet. If they did, your ceiling would be on your floor.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Or you could, just get some wrap for yours. Go outside your house and look at your refrigerant lines where they leave the house to the condensing unit (fan box), there should be a black wrap on there to keep water out of the wall. I expect this is similar to what they'd use under the hood.