99 AC typical questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 70
99 AC typical questions
Hey guys ,
I found a 99 ( original owner 45K miles) last Fall and it is 100% stock. ( Exhaust too quiet but not my issue now.)
She has the typical c5 issues, no display for climate control but I fixed that this week with 2 hrs of labor and soldering.
SO my question to you guys is that she had no cold AC and I charged her but that lasted all of 24 hours.
Upon research, its a case of the typical split AC case gasket ( we used a sniffer tool) so I need to replace the compressor or the large O ring.
Im a usual C2 **** original guy so what can you guys recommend; remove and replace the original water pump and compressor or remove and have them rebuilt by a fair reputable shop.with my original parts ? I can turn a wrench, so Im not shy about the work involved.
I'm in no hurry, but Im enjoying her alot ( with the exception of 1st gear ) and I want to have reliable AC on trips with the Wife ?
THESE c5s with their LS engine are a hidden gem like the C2S with the 327/350 Motors.
if possible, I'd like to retain ALL her original parts.
I think its smart to do the water pump rebuild as well as fix my leaking AC compressor!
So what can you C5 guys advise me to do ?
Thanks in advance, Fred
I found a 99 ( original owner 45K miles) last Fall and it is 100% stock. ( Exhaust too quiet but not my issue now.)
She has the typical c5 issues, no display for climate control but I fixed that this week with 2 hrs of labor and soldering.
SO my question to you guys is that she had no cold AC and I charged her but that lasted all of 24 hours.
Upon research, its a case of the typical split AC case gasket ( we used a sniffer tool) so I need to replace the compressor or the large O ring.
Im a usual C2 **** original guy so what can you guys recommend; remove and replace the original water pump and compressor or remove and have them rebuilt by a fair reputable shop.with my original parts ? I can turn a wrench, so Im not shy about the work involved.
I'm in no hurry, but Im enjoying her alot ( with the exception of 1st gear ) and I want to have reliable AC on trips with the Wife ?
THESE c5s with their LS engine are a hidden gem like the C2S with the 327/350 Motors.
if possible, I'd like to retain ALL her original parts.
I think its smart to do the water pump rebuild as well as fix my leaking AC compressor!
So what can you C5 guys advise me to do ?
Thanks in advance, Fred
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Just curious, why the interest in rebuild versus new?
The compressor is a big job to replace. The body o-rings, shaft seal, seal washers, o-rings for the control valve, and o-ring for the high pressure relief valve can all be replaced if everything is good mechanically with your compressor. There is a small risk of a leak when you retorque the 4 through bolts that hold the compressor together.
I would not take a chance on going through all that for a C5 to save some dollars. Something like an S10 where it us easy to replace, sure, why not rebuild. A new Delphi replacement is less than $300.
The compressor is a big job to replace. The body o-rings, shaft seal, seal washers, o-rings for the control valve, and o-ring for the high pressure relief valve can all be replaced if everything is good mechanically with your compressor. There is a small risk of a leak when you retorque the 4 through bolts that hold the compressor together.
I would not take a chance on going through all that for a C5 to save some dollars. Something like an S10 where it us easy to replace, sure, why not rebuild. A new Delphi replacement is less than $300.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 70
Understood ,I realize it's no small job, water pump etc but that why I asked about rebuilding vs a replacement. 75% of the replacement parts are Chinese JUNK and I'd rather just keep her 100% USA made parts. Something about Chinese parts on ANY CORVETTE makes me sick. Not an option for me personally. Thats why I wanted the opinion & options of you guys-------
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 699
From: Clark, NJ
I just bought a brand new genuine GM A/C compressor from Rock Auto for $316. I have the same problem as you and I plan on saving and resealing my old compressor as a backup. It still works great it just leaks.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 70
Thats exactly what my comp is doing Robert. I charged her up and it came out ice cold the next day----nothing. My pal has one of the freon detecting wands and she leaks bad . Are you planning to rebuild or replace your original water pump Robert?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 70
Ok , well I figured since my car is 23YO with 45k miles it would make sense to replace and or rebuild mine. First the fun part of getting it all apart . Ill check out compressor suppliers like RA later.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I understand the desire to keep stock parts but don’t have high expectations to see USA on your compressor. The OEM compressor was manufactured in Korea by a GM (Harrison Radiator)/Daewoo joint venture. I expect that same plant is making the DELPHI service compressor today.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 682
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Well, if it helps you feel any better, many of the components were made in the US and shipped to our Korean joint venture for assembly. The Corvette V7 compressor was low volume so it went to the joint venture to manud@cture. The high volume models were made in Moraine Ohio.
There may be good aftermarket copies of the V7 but I would stick with the Delphi OEM. Last I checked they were under $300 on Amazon.
There may be good aftermarket copies of the V7 but I would stick with the Delphi OEM. Last I checked they were under $300 on Amazon.