84 Corvette A/C recharge...?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
84 Corvette A/C recharge...?
Haven't used my a/c for a bit in my 84 Vette, usually have the top off, have an upcoming trip from NH to Carlisle event and am going to need the a/c, tried it for a check and its in need of recharge I suspect. Don't think it has ever been changed over to the newer style freon, I know i haven't done it and have had the car now for 8 years. how can i change the freon system, hopefully in an economical fashion ?
Cheers!
Cheers!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
dead 84 a/c
I ended up changing out my entire system because of the cost of the old coolant. My compressor was shot as well. I only have 43K miles on it but rubber and seals only care about time and temperature. The kit cost me somewhere around $750.00 and I had it filled with the current refrigerant. I did just encounter a control problem and Pacific Corvette in Tacoma Wa told me to have the pressure sensors checked first the if that didn't prove to find the problem I would probably have to change the control unit. About $145.00, hard to find new old stock! Start with taking yours to a good a/c shop for analysis, it could be something simple. Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
The pressure switch-- Hi/ Low cut out switch--GM 3040500--is calibrated similarly for 134 -A new v/s old freon. But they can be region specific. Most US bound cars get this one. GM can not recalbrate this switch, they are factory sealed, and one little tweek will send it south. My converted system freezes me out and if it doesn't it probably ain't the pressure switch, it will probably be charge system, and unless you have the proper guages ,evacuator, and knowledge it won't be correct, and a leak detection system to check your o-rings and compressor seals. I retired from making them. Although it has been rumoured that 134-A isn't as cold. The development Design Engineer told me there really isn't any difference and to prove it he pumped 134-A directly into an old Pontiac with no conversion oil and drove it for 8 years. My reccomendation is to take to GM and have them convert it. There you will get proper pressures and evacuation. New compressors are not cheap. Interesting thing is GM has different prices for same part #. At one time it was like $ 15 for cheap cars v/s $ 30 for Corvettes and Cadilacs.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Linton Indiana
I converted my 1991 S-10 over to R134A and didn't have any trouble with it. I first went to the web site www.ackits.com and read up on what I would need. It's not really that difficult. You need to flush out the system, replace the drier and o-rings, and put about 2/3 as much R134 in it had R12. I replaced my orfice tube with a Ford blue tube, I read it produces more cooling than the stock white one. You'll have to use R134 compatible oil in it after you drain the oil from the compressor. By the way, I haven't changed my 85 Vette system over because I'm thinking of removing it.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hi i have converted my 85 vette to 134a
first drain all the oil from the compressor , get a new receiver drier ,and the lagest tube orifice you can find ,you can get oil for an r12 to 134a conversion make sure you use that so any old oil wont affect the new oil as standard r134a
then replace all your seals ,, you will be amazed how bad they are and they are cheap
iff you have the cash replace the hoses with newer type so the new gas doent escape .. if you have a leak nowit will worsen with r134a
I have the 88-91 compressor on mine its quiter and works better the standard 84-87 comprressors are prone to destroy themselves
well i did mine 2 years ago and its been great no problems or leaks and its just as good as my old R12 system .
good luck !
first drain all the oil from the compressor , get a new receiver drier ,and the lagest tube orifice you can find ,you can get oil for an r12 to 134a conversion make sure you use that so any old oil wont affect the new oil as standard r134a
then replace all your seals ,, you will be amazed how bad they are and they are cheap
iff you have the cash replace the hoses with newer type so the new gas doent escape .. if you have a leak nowit will worsen with r134a
I have the 88-91 compressor on mine its quiter and works better the standard 84-87 comprressors are prone to destroy themselves
well i did mine 2 years ago and its been great no problems or leaks and its just as good as my old R12 system .
good luck !
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
Freon pressure
Using refrigerant 12
is there a pressure to shoot for on the low side
Or just wait for the clutch to remain engaged while under max cool
thanks
cooool
is good on 90 degree chicago days
is there a pressure to shoot for on the low side
Or just wait for the clutch to remain engaged while under max cool
thanks
cooool is good on 90 degree chicago days
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Do you have an ac manifold gauge..if not I would put in a can and check the temp coming out of the vent..it will depend on outside air temp but it should be pretty cold..not the most accurate way to do it but you don't want to overcharge it. 45 degress is pretty good.
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: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Last edited by mfi; Jul 10, 2010 at 08:06 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
Well I figure ...what the hell. read a post before where a guy tried taking off the comp header...before he depressurized it...almost took the charge in the face..thats what worries me. But it seems most here are getting things running/rebuilt pretty well with all the help on here. I'll contribute where I can...and warn them not to open up things with pressure on them
Amazing the amount of info on this site. I've used it for 5 years...some of these guys have resistor values memorized!! There should be a sticky about all the ac issues and fixes as it seems to be a very consistant prob.
Amazing the amount of info on this site. I've used it for 5 years...some of these guys have resistor values memorized!! There should be a sticky about all the ac issues and fixes as it seems to be a very consistant prob.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
Well had about 30 now closer to 45 psig
took 1 small can oil one small can sealer which had some refridgerant
and one can refridgerant
Nice hot day in Chicago and driving cool
Nice thing...Engine runs cooler now..
I don't think my fan kicks in without the ac on..
My next problem
took 1 small can oil one small can sealer which had some refridgerant
and one can refridgerant
Nice hot day in Chicago and driving cool
Nice thing...Engine runs cooler now..
I don't think my fan kicks in without the ac on..
My next problem
