C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 10:00 PM
  #1  
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Default Ac question

Clutch locked up on my 89 vette ac compressor, unplugged clutch wire and ac stays engaged. Since ac cant cycle im afraid to drive home like that I'm 600 miles from home on vacation with car so I ordered a new clutch and compressor. Only place that can get it for me in a day was AutoZone. Anyway as to the question the one they can get me is a new denso one , but it says it's r12 only. I converted to 134 already. Do the compressors come refilled with oil? If not can I just drain the oil and refill with correct oil for 134? Im not going to hook up clutch wire for ride back home i just need to be able to put belt back on. Im assuming as long as clutch never pulls in i dont have to worry about recharging system I'll do that when I get home. And in case someone asks why didn't I just change the clutch? They want over $200 for the clutch by itself and $350 for clutch and compressor, cars almost 30 years old so I'm sure needs a new compressor soon anyway. Compressor comes in on Friday morning so I hope someone answers me before then

thanks
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 10:28 PM
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I would try to get a r134a compressor but I just think the denso has the regular rubber seals and they don't last as long as the green ones.
Good Luck.

Last edited by xrav22; Jul 5, 2017 at 10:40 PM.
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Old Jul 5, 2017 | 10:35 PM
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I feel your pain, been there to.
I would think the evaporator will freeze up at some times.
Just hope the bearing in the compressor will not lock up, keep the RPM low as possible.
With heat the rubber in the clutch could come apart, but your luck should be better than mine.


The new compressor will come with no oil. You were using the original R12 compressor all this time with R134. Basically the oils can attack the seals if the wrong oil is used is what they are most concerned about. Give a call to a AC shop might get you some more info.
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Old Jul 8, 2017 | 07:50 PM
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Ok as an update I managed to get clutch to unlock so I canceled the compressor I ordered as long as
I don't use AC on way home I should be good to drive home Now I was told by u guys that the compresser I did order that i cancelled would not hold up to the 134 conversion too long because it was
the r13 type will the later model compressors bolt right up to my 89 mounts and will the lines fit?
someone give me the best one to order. I will also replace the dryer orifice tube as well. Also did I read correctly that I also should be using a different dryer that is 134 ready?

thanks
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Old Jul 9, 2017 | 04:12 PM
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Default new compressor oil

I have bought three air conditioner compressors from Auto Zone in the last three years for different cars and the new compressors all came with oil in them. One of the compressors had 134 type oil that I put on my 1985 Corvette. I drained that oil and used the AC Delco oil type for R12 that was put back in the 1985.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 12:22 AM
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thanks, does anyone know if the drier from a 95 or 96 will fit my 89. I believe that they are different inside for 134. want to swap as much as I can for 134 so I wont have many problems. I got away with 134 for 2 years in my 89 with just a swap of Freon, so I want to do it right this time


Originally Posted by 70ZZ3 96LT4
I have bought three air conditioner compressors from Auto Zone in the last three years for different cars and the new compressors all came with oil in them. One of the compressors had 134 type oil that I put on my 1985 Corvette. I drained that oil and used the AC Delco oil type for R12 that was put back in the 1985.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by zapc
thanks, does anyone know if the drier from a 95 or 96 will fit my 89. I believe that they are different inside for 134. want to swap as much as I can for 134 so I wont have many problems. I got away with 134 for 2 years in my 89 with just a swap of Freon, so I want to do it right this time
Can't answer the "fit" question. Not sure if the physical dimensions are the same but the internals of the drier should be the same from R-12 to R-134a. Unless there is some other component I don't know about the drier is simply a desiccant designed to trap any moisture that might be in the system. A new one should be used any time the system has been opened for service.
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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 04:11 AM
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The receiver/dryers are all the same. It seems that later ones have two gauge ports. This has become the standard configuration.
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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 04:34 PM
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i thought i read somewhere that the dessicant is different for R12 and 134, thats why im asking, also still waiting to buy the new compressor, no one has answered if a 95-96 will fit my 89. again i believe i read the internal seals (not just the O rings)are different, dont want to do the job twice. It also says that the lines should all be changed as the 134 molecules are smaller and will leak, im not going that far, ive had system charged with 134 for 3 years and have not lost any pressure. there only 80.000 miles on my car and while I can probably get away with just changing the clutch. the compressors almost 30 years old and i want to change the whole unit as one.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by zapc
i thought i read somewhere that the dessicant is different for R12 and 134, thats why im asking, also still waiting to buy the new compressor, no one has answered if a 95-96 will fit my 89. again i believe i read the internal seals (not just the O rings)are different, dont want to do the job twice. It also says that the lines should all be changed as the 134 molecules are smaller and will leak, im not going that far, ive had system charged with 134 for 3 years and have not lost any pressure. there only 80.000 miles on my car and while I can probably get away with just changing the clutch. the compressors almost 30 years old and i want to change the whole unit as one.
No difference in the dessicants between the two. Hoses degrade over time but if they are holding R-12, they will hold 134a.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 11:51 AM
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When redoing my system, the shop used R12, saying that's what the system was designed for, how it works optimally and when properly done, including new O-rings, will last for many years w/o changeover issues. Even new, the C4s cooled adequately, but not exceptinally, so in this climate, I'll take the best A/C available.... and did... with R12, at negligible cost difference. I had to replace a leaky condensor, too; an easy chore.

Perhaps R12 has been over maligned.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 02:28 PM
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thanks guys, what compressor do i buy, stock replacement or 95/96?
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Old Jul 16, 2017 | 07:37 PM
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I was just thru this, similar , a professional A/C shop did the gas part of the conversion, and used the densco r-12 compressor, (keeping everything the same), with the 134-a oil, pretty sure he ordered it with out oil, then added it, changed the dryer, seals- same hoses, I had a leak in the condenser coils up front where I sucked in a piece of wood and knocked a hole in the condenser. He also changed out the expansion valve. Works great, glad to be on the 134-a and not having to deal with r-12, it might be easer to obtain in other states, in CA it's a pita. 91-C4

Last edited by 4xcontractor; Jul 16, 2017 at 07:39 PM.
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 10:30 PM
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thanks so you used the factory Denso replacement. wasn't sure if the inner seals are compatible with 134. my plan was the 95-96 which was 134 already. just not sure if its a direct bolt on?


Originally Posted by 4xcontractor
I was just thru this, similar , a professional A/C shop did the gas part of the conversion, and used the densco r-12 compressor, (keeping everything the same), with the 134-a oil, pretty sure he ordered it with out oil, then added it, changed the dryer, seals- same hoses, I had a leak in the condenser coils up front where I sucked in a piece of wood and knocked a hole in the condenser. He also changed out the expansion valve. Works great, glad to be on the 134-a and not having to deal with r-12, it might be easer to obtain in other states, in CA it's a pita. 91-C4
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 11:17 PM
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nks so you used the factory Denso replacement. wasn't sure if the inner seals are compatible with 134. my plan was the 95-96 which was 134 already. just not sure if its a direct bolt on?
My AC guy was all about keeping every thing the same, I kinda felt the same as you, why not change the compressor to a latter model ? He didn't recommend it and just kept every thing stock, you might get in to changing the mounting bracket, and hoses, I did have to change my manifold hose, the nut was gauled on to the dryer, Obslete part-Davies corvette out of Florida helped me out.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 02:21 AM
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I was told that all rebuilt compressors have seals that are R-134a compatible. The hoses were upgraded in 1988 to hoses with barrier protection built in. As far as I know, all '88 and later compressors are Denso 10PA20C. You might have to move the manifold from the old compressor to the new compressor. The manifold is not part of the compressor and doesn't come with it.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 09:37 PM
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thanks guys
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