Ac

Guy Chiattello · 09-19-2002, 04:57 PM

I have an 1982SC black coupe and I am replacing my deck lid with a 1991 C2 deck lid with electric wing. This week end I will be removing the AC condenser and am concerned that my ac will be out of R134a freon for about 60 days as I am doing this conversion. Can I do harm to the AC system by having no freon or not operating it for this period??

Guy Chiattello
Waterloo Iowa

scottb · 09-19-2002, 07:27 PM

The way these cars leak freon, most of 'em are without freon for longer than 60 days. Don't run the system and you'll be fine. Once you open the a/c lines, however, be sure to seal them up while you're working to keep them from getting contaminated. You can put a baggie over the end and then seal if off with a tie-wrap.

R22tech · R22tech's Garage

Yes, you can make problems by doing this. Moisture contamination will occur and is EXTREMELY difficult to get rid of, causing your system to run high head pressures and low back pressure=loss of cooling. Take care to seal ALL open fittings. If possible, have an a/c shop put sealed fiitings on all open fittings with a charging port, this way they could put a dry nitrogen charge in the condensor and in the rest of the system during the time it is out of commision. This would be the best way to handle your situation. If that is not possible, at least try and find or make fittings that would allow you to seal off all open portions of the system/lines. Do this BEFORE opening up the system and install them immedietely AFTER opening up the system. I can't stress enough the importance of keeping moisture out of ANY refrigeration system, but, it won't be the end of the world if you do end up with a contaminated system. A qualified a/c tech can deal with a problem effectively if one arises.......now finding a QUALIFIED a/c tech, well that's a whole other ballgame

not running it for 60 days shouldn't hurt the compressor, just rotate the clutch pulley for a minute or so before starting it up, and don't put a full charge of freon in it until it is running: put about 12 ounces in, start it up, let it run for a minute, finish installing the charge.

Guy Chiattello · 09-20-2002, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the help guys.
This was my first posting to the forum. I've only had my car for about 4 months. I have found, much to my surprise, that working on the car has been a real joy and diversion from my busy business schedule. Also, Interaction and help from like-minded people is great. Thanks again!

guy