93' C4 a/c conversion... who has done this?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville Florida
93' C4 a/c conversion... who has done this?
My a/c in my 93 doesnt work... I'm assuming its the compressor.
Sooooo who has done conversion to the new a/c style? What components do I HAVE to replace? How much am I looking at if I try and do the labor my self?
Any help would be GREAT!
Thanks,
Austin
Sooooo who has done conversion to the new a/c style? What components do I HAVE to replace? How much am I looking at if I try and do the labor my self?
Any help would be GREAT!
Thanks,
Austin
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 8
From: Roanoke Virginia
I changed mine when the compressor clutch went out while I was on a trip.
I replaced the orifice valve at first with a variable orifice and I couldn't get it to cool real well so i bought a blue ford valve. When i took the Variable valve out I had trash on it that's why it wasn't cooling. But since I had it out replaced it anyway.
I removed all the lines and flushed with citrus AC flush For the evap I flushed it both ways as best as I could then with compressed air. Same with condensor. Installed correct O rings and added oil to new accumulator. It cools pretty well now but could probably do better. The guys at corvette Action center really helped a bunch when I did this.
Unless your compressor is locked up and has to be replaced you might get by with O rings and a recharge staying with R12. Not sure what R12 prices are right now but that would probably be cheaper in the long run Or use R12 replacement.
I replaced the orifice valve at first with a variable orifice and I couldn't get it to cool real well so i bought a blue ford valve. When i took the Variable valve out I had trash on it that's why it wasn't cooling. But since I had it out replaced it anyway.
I removed all the lines and flushed with citrus AC flush For the evap I flushed it both ways as best as I could then with compressed air. Same with condensor. Installed correct O rings and added oil to new accumulator. It cools pretty well now but could probably do better. The guys at corvette Action center really helped a bunch when I did this.
Unless your compressor is locked up and has to be replaced you might get by with O rings and a recharge staying with R12. Not sure what R12 prices are right now but that would probably be cheaper in the long run Or use R12 replacement.
Last edited by CROOZ1N; Feb 17, 2012 at 12:49 PM. Reason: Added note
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Oxford CT
I have a 93 too and I completely rebuilt and converted my AC system to R134 last August with the help of the good folks here in C4 tech/gen. It was my first AC repair and forum member SunCR in particular is very knowledgeable and helpful.
I bought my car with a seized compressor and for the rebuild I replaced everything except the hoses and evaporator core because I read that leaving any debris in there from the previous compressor could be fatal to the new one. I purchased the tools at harbor freight and I ended building a DIY flush kit from parts at home depot so I could use about 5-10lbs of air pressure and flush solvent at the same time when tackling the evap core. I was really able to see all the junk exit using this method.
When the project was done I was able to get 39 degrees out of the top vent at cruise and around 42 at idle at 95 degree ambient temp and I couldn't be happier. Before I only drove it at night in the hot summer. Now I drive it everywhere all the time and it gets downright chilly when I cruise at night!
Mike
I bought my car with a seized compressor and for the rebuild I replaced everything except the hoses and evaporator core because I read that leaving any debris in there from the previous compressor could be fatal to the new one. I purchased the tools at harbor freight and I ended building a DIY flush kit from parts at home depot so I could use about 5-10lbs of air pressure and flush solvent at the same time when tackling the evap core. I was really able to see all the junk exit using this method.
When the project was done I was able to get 39 degrees out of the top vent at cruise and around 42 at idle at 95 degree ambient temp and I couldn't be happier. Before I only drove it at night in the hot summer. Now I drive it everywhere all the time and it gets downright chilly when I cruise at night!
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls ON
You will need to replace the orifice tube, change the ac drier, and change the o-rings. When the system is open you need to clean it out. The stuff if available through Autozone or Advanced Auto. Spray it in the ac lines, condenser, and evaporator then use compressed air to clean it out. Reassemble everything.
There is a tool available at Harbour Freight. It is designed for putting a vacuum on the system. This removes moisture and puts a vacuum on so that the R134a can get pulled into the system. Check a manual to see how much vacuum to put on it. Once that is done then you can add refrigerant.
I don't think that I missed any steps. It has been a while since I did it on my 1986.
There is a tool available at Harbour Freight. It is designed for putting a vacuum on the system. This removes moisture and puts a vacuum on so that the R134a can get pulled into the system. Check a manual to see how much vacuum to put on it. Once that is done then you can add refrigerant.
I don't think that I missed any steps. It has been a while since I did it on my 1986.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Take a look at this product, it works better than 134. No affiliation, I use it.
http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville Florida
You will need to replace the orifice tube, change the ac drier, and change the o-rings. When the system is open you need to clean it out. The stuff if available through Autozone or Advanced Auto. Spray it in the ac lines, condenser, and evaporator then use compressed air to clean it out. Reassemble everything.
There is a tool available at Harbour Freight. It is designed for putting a vacuum on the system. This removes moisture and puts a vacuum on so that the R134a can get pulled into the system. Check a manual to see how much vacuum to put on it. Once that is done then you can add refrigerant.
I don't think that I missed any steps. It has been a while since I did it on my 1986.
There is a tool available at Harbour Freight. It is designed for putting a vacuum on the system. This removes moisture and puts a vacuum on so that the R134a can get pulled into the system. Check a manual to see how much vacuum to put on it. Once that is done then you can add refrigerant.
I don't think that I missed any steps. It has been a while since I did it on my 1986.
Ok, so those are the only steps I need to take? What brand parts do you recommend? ABout how much did all this cost you?
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
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Oxford CT
The project was about a 1k for me. Like I said above, I bought the tools (vacuum, gauges and sniffer) from HB but I bought most of the actual AC parts from ackits.com. Don't forget to install the inline filter. I got the actual cans of r134 locally.
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Refrigerant for 1986
Take a look at this product, it works better than 134. No affiliation, I use it.
http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
http://autorefrigerants.com/co00033.htm
