ac project 97 base
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 98
From: carroll ohio
ac project 97 base
it's time for me to get this ac project done. I have a 4 seasons kit (compressor,dryer,million O rings,pag oil). I have seen several vids on this and they are very helpful. the one thing I have not seen is the removal of the compressor on an automatic equipped Vette. the coolant lines run about an inch below the thermo. housing and i really don't want to bend the hell out of these lines. like to hear from someone that has removed the compressor from an automatic c5. thanks Denny
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
I just did this a few months ago.
In short:
Drain radiator, remove water pump, remove passenger wheel to access the compressor bolts. slide the compressor a few inches and you should have all the clearance to remove the low-side line.
The compressor will lift out from the top.
No need to bend any lines.
Flush (if needed) and evacuate the system
*You didn't mentioned that you bought the orifice tube. That is a must replacement.
In short:
Drain radiator, remove water pump, remove passenger wheel to access the compressor bolts. slide the compressor a few inches and you should have all the clearance to remove the low-side line.
The compressor will lift out from the top.
No need to bend any lines.
Flush (if needed) and evacuate the system
*You didn't mentioned that you bought the orifice tube. That is a must replacement.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 98
From: carroll ohio
thank you very much for the advice. kit came with both styles of orifice tubes. the one on the line looks just as clean as the new one but i'll install the new one. just glad i don't have to mess with the trans coolant lines. thanks again Denny
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
To be clear on this.
I did the four seasons kit with a brand new condenser, I also flushed my evaporator and the high and low side lines, so I had zero oil.
I ran the drier/vac for about 4 hours.
i used a special lube/sealer for every O-ring, and even used it on all threads. (Nylog)
make sure you attach the low side line to the back of the compressor before you start torquing down the AC compressor bolts.
I did the four seasons kit with a brand new condenser, I also flushed my evaporator and the high and low side lines, so I had zero oil.
I ran the drier/vac for about 4 hours.
i used a special lube/sealer for every O-ring, and even used it on all threads. (Nylog)
make sure you attach the low side line to the back of the compressor before you start torquing down the AC compressor bolts.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 98
From: carroll ohio
quick reply. spent a couple hours today on the ac project and everything was normal with one exception. I had been reading where a forum member pulled the compressor without removing the water pump. just removed the thermo. housing loosened the motor mount on passenger side and jacked the motor up about an inch and all was good. me being the show me kind of guy I removed the thermo housing put a 4x4 across the oil pan,jacked the engine up about an inch and presto out came the compressor. had to wiggle around the trans coolant lines but out it came. stick shift car would be easier. lines on the back of compressor will always be a pita for me. kids, grand kids, and great grand kids will be out tomorrow so not much ac work will be done.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 98
From: carroll ohio
finished the ac project today. decided to take it to my mechanic friend who does good ac work. they did the full ac boogie but said the blend door was a problem as warm air was coming out the drivers side. pulled fuse #27 from passenger floor board for about 20 minutes,reinstalled,turned ign to acces. for about 20 min. then started Vette and presto, cold air and life is good again. I remember doing that about 4 years ago when I had the same problem. both times was when I removed the battery for about a week.strange. anyway i did not feel confident about putting 26 oz. freon in myself. he had the correct equipment. caught up for now and will be waiting for the next disaster. Denny
