C2, C3 & C4 Air Conditioning A/C Retrofit

Basic System Operation

The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant then it enters the A/C condenser as a gas. The high temperature, high pressure gas is cooled as it goes through the condenser. This changes the gas to a liquid. Then the liquid goes to the evaporator through an expansion valve or metered orifice. This quickly depressurizes the liquid. This vaporizing liquid lowers its temperature rapidly. The vaporized refrigerant returns to the compressor (the compressor cannot handle any liquid).

The Three Corvette A/C System Types

1963-1977E Corvettes

The 1963-1977E Corvettes had a complex A/C system with many valves which were prone to problems. The components consist of: compressor, POA valve, expansion valve, receiver drier, evaporator, and condenser. The A/C compressor ran continuously. These systems have a Pilot Operated Absolute valve (POA valve), which bypassed the refrigerant when necessary to prevent freeze-up, allowing the A/C compressor to run at all times.

The 1973-1977E Corvette had a valves-in-receiver unit. This assembly had the OP, expansion valve, and drier in one unit. These units were prone to leakage. These systems require hose and drier replacement. The addition of an A/C condenser pusher fan is helpful. The cooling system must be in excellent shape to allow adequate cooling at low engine speed.

1977L-1993 Corvettes

This system was simplified by the addition of a POA valve and the removal of the expansion valve. An orifice tube was installed in the evaporator inlet tube, which eliminated the need for an expansion valve. The A/C compressor is controlled by a pressure cycling switch. The A/C compressor runs until the pressure drops below 26 PSI, then cycles back on at 45 PSI. This also eliminated the POA valve. These cars require a new A/C hose assembly. The A/C hose assembly is not necessary on 1990 and later Corvettes. These hoses have a nylon inner barrier. The nylon barrier hoses were introduced in late 1987 but any hose over ten years old should be replaced (R-134a systems operate at higher pressures).

1985-1989 Corvettes with an auxiliary cooling fan, a relay should be installed to turn the fan on when the A/C is on. The 1985-1989 Corvette without an auxiliary cooling fan should have a 12” pusher fan installed in front of the A/C condenser. 1990-1993 Corvettes should have the primary and secondary fans on when the A/C is on. These cars require an additional relay. The A/C accumulator should always be replaced after the system has been opened. The A/C accumulator is the refrigerant reservoir, and houses the desiccant which removes moisture in the refrigerant. The orifice tube should be replaced any time A/C service work is performed. The typical cost is $10.00.

A/C Retrofit

Safety Precautions

  • Safety glasses and gloves should always be worn.
  • Refrigerant systems have as high as 150 lbs. of pressure when not in use.
  • Refrigerant system operating pressures can exceed 350 lbs.
  • Beware of old hoses. Any cracking or checking can cause a hose to blow unexpectedly.
  • Do not use compressed air to blow out any R-134a system. This combination of gases can be flammable.
  • R-12 or R-134a can cause frostbite if the liquid refrigerant is sprayed on the skin or in the eyes.
  • The composition of A/C refrigerant should always be verified. No exceptions.
  • Beware of contraband refrigerant. Propane and butane have been found in the southeast, which is extremely dangerous.
  • Blended refrigerants increase system pressure and may make the system unstable.

R-12 refrigerant is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) which depletes the ozone layer. Oddly, R-12 refrigerant is heavier than oxygen. The phase out date for R-12 was January 31, 1995. Since 1996 it cannot be manufactured or brought into the United States. So far, R-12 is still available, just expensive. The EPA and The Society of Auto Engineers (SAE) have requested a retrofit refrigerant for vehicles up to 10 years old. A worldwide production ban of R-12 is in effect as of January 1, 2000.

Refrigerant recycling can save valuable refrigerant. It cleans and dries the refrigerant. This is also a better way to recharge the system because refrigerant is added by weight. Refrigerant recyclers should have J1991 or J2209 certification. This certification establishes refrigerant recycling equipment, refrigerant removal, and cleaning standards.

It is also very important to verify the identity of your refrigerant. Any blend of R-12, R-22, or R-134a increases the system pressure and diminishes cooling. I have seen some R-134a conversion systems that did not have the R-134a style system service valves. Any blended refrigerants are very costly to dispose of.

For more information, check out the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) at https://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/index.html.

A/C System Evaluation

  • Check all A/C components for obvious leakage (oil and dirt accumulate at leak points).
  • Check A/C condenser for debris.
  • Check and replace radiator-to-radiator core support seals as necessary (1968-1982 Corvettes).
  • Check the A/C air intake in the wiper arm area for debris (allows maximum air flow).
  • Check all belts.
  • Check A/C compressor. Move the drive plate by hand. It should move with some resistance. (The drive plate is on the outside of the A/C pulley assembly).
  • Check A/C hoses and aluminum hard lines for kinks, cracks, and chafing.
  • Check the cooling system; it should operate at peak efficiency.

When To Retrofit

  1. There is any major A/C component failure, for example, compressor, evaporator, or condenser.
  2. Any system that is missing any major components or a system that was subjected to moisture, dirt, or dust.

Keep in mind that retrofitting will change the external appearance of your A/C components.

Retrofitting

When retrofitting an empty A/C system, it should be leak tested first, but only after the system has been properly evacuated. (R-134a refrigerant can be used for leak testing in an empty system only).

Partially charged systems should have refrigerant verified and then leak tested. Leak testing should be done with an electronic tester for R-12 or R-134a. Soapy water or a refrigerant with a leak detecting dye can be used for hard to find minor leaks.

R-134a refrigerant O-rings are of a different composition than their R-12 counterparts. R-12 O-rings are a natural black color. R-134a O-rings are blue or green in color. Lubricate all O-rings with refrigerant oil before installing them All A/C connection O-rings must be changed to R-134a compatible ones.

R-134a systems require different system couplers (adapters and O-ring retrofit kits are readily available from NAPA Auto Parts stores). All R134a retrofit conversions must be labeled. These are also available from NAPA. Be sure to fill out the retrofit label completely with information such as the type and quantity of the oil. The amount of refrigerant charge should also be noted. Typically, R-134a systems require 8 to 12 ounces less refrigerant than R-12 systems do.

Contaminated A/C Systems

Flushing is necessary when the A/C system is not operational and left open to the elements, also if there is a compressor or desiccant failure. Some of the older Corvettes with the POA system had a receiver drier and desiccant that would become saturated with moisture and disintegrate. This would disperse a fine grit throughout the system. On late 1977-1986 Corvettes, remove the main hose assembly from the backside of the compressor. Take a white paper towel and wipe the inside of the hose assembly to check for metallic particles. This will require a system flush also. Inexpensive flush kits are available at NAPA.

A/C Compressor Oil

The quantity of oil to be used follows:

YEAR COMPRESSOR QUANTITY
1963-1977E A-6 6 ounces
1977L-1986 R-4 3 ounces
1987-1996 Nippondenso 5 ounces

Originally, PAG (Poly Alkylene Glycol) oil was the only lubricating oil recommended for R-134a systems. Castrol Retro Oil is compatible with PAG and mineral oil.

Be careful- excessive lubricating oil in A/C systems can result in warmer outlet air temperatures.

When retrofitting I prefer component removal and draining of the lubricating oil. It is difficult to determine the oil level in the components. Compressors should be removed, drained, and then refilled with lubricant. A-6 compressors have a fill plug on the lower side of the compressor. Remove the 3/8” drain plug. Refill with six (6) ounces of refrigerant oil while holding the compressor level. The compressor will not sit flat due to the oil sump. A-6 compressors are axial-drive six cylinder compressors. R-4 compressors are four cylinder radial compressors with no drain or refill provision. After removing the compressor, lay it on the back side where the hose assembly bolts to. It usually takes an hour to allow the oil to drain. I usually rotate the compressor at its drive plate every ten minutes or so to remove as much oil as possible. The easiest way to turn the drive is with a 9/16” twelve-point socket and ratchet.

When refilling R-4 compressors, add retro oil at the suction side of the hose fitting on the back of the compressor. The side with the large hole is the suction side. The small hole is the discharge side. After adding oil, rotate the compressor drive plate by hand to disperse the oil in the compressor.

Use the same procedure for R-4 compressors and Nippondenso compressors.

TYPICAL R-134a A/C REFRIGERANT PRESSURE READINGS

Readings at 90 degree ambient temperature, 100% relative humidity, and 1,000 RPM.

High side- 350 PSI

Low side- 55 PSI

As the A/C system pressure rises so does the refrigerant temperature, which directly relates to the A/C outlet temperature inside the car. As the engine temperature increases, so does the high side A/C system pressure.

After recharging the system, always check for leaks. Refrigerant is heavier than air; be sure to check for leaks at the bottom of each A/C component. Check for evaporator leaks at the drain hole in the bottom of the evaporator case.

REPLACEMENT COMPONENT OIL QUANTITY

When replacing any major component, refrigerant oil should be added to the new components.

YEAR COMPRESSOR QUANTITY
Evaporator 3 ounces
Condenser 1 ounce
1963-1977L Receiver drier/ VIR assembly 1 ounce
1977L-1993 Accumulator 1 ounce

Evacuating the system for one hour is recommended. Drawing a vacuum at 29.9 inches vaporizes any moisture in the system. It also purges any air from the A/C system. Evacuation timing should start after 29.9 inches of vacuum has been achieved. After evacuation, shut all of the valves tightly and let the system sit for approximately 30 minutes. The vacuum should hold; if not, recheck all of the fittings for tightness.

SYSTEM CHARGE PROCEDURES

YEAR QUANTITY
1963-1977E 3 pounds 4 ounces
1977L-1982 3 pounds
1984-1988 2 pounds 12 ounces
1989-1993 2 pounds 4 ounces

R-134a requires eight (8) ounces less than the typical R-12 refrigerant charge.

The figures above represent R-12 factory fill levels.

If you are recharging the system with D.I.Y. equipment, beware of charging liquid into the suction port of the compressor. Liquids will damage any compressor. If there is no alternate charging port, be sure to charge as a gas. Submerging the refrigerant can in a container of warm water while charging the system will speed up the charging process.

R-134a refrigerant is to be charged as a gas only!

 

 

TYPICAL R-12 A/C REFRIGERANT PRESSURE READINGS

Readings at 90 degree ambient temperature, 100% relative humidity, and 1,000 RPM.

High side- 300 PSI

Low side- 45 PSI

 

 

 

 

* Inches of vacuum

 

For R-134a refrigerant, add ten (10) degrees.

Story and photos courtesy Chris Petris

30 thoughts to “C2, C3 & C4 Air Conditioning A/C Retrofit”

  1. My first time venturing into AC work. Put the gauge sets on, empty system, tried to pull a vacuum. Only could get down to 22.5. Was preparing to look for a leak, then sealed off the hoses and pulled vacuum on just the gauge set..22.5. Was thinking dang cheap gauges, and was thinking of swapping or re calibrating them when I remembered that Oh.. I’m at 8900 feet altitude. The maximum vacuum that can be pulled is only around 22.5″ hg. Ran into the same issue once when trying to understand why all my compression numbers were so low. If you live at altitude you may need some adjustment charts for pressure and vacuum.

  2. I have a 1976 L48 corvette which had been converted to R134 by the previous owner. The AC worked OK earlier this summer but lately has been poor. I put the gage set on it the other day and found that the clutch was constantly on (not cycling). Pressure was around 40 on the low side and about 230 High side. I added about half a can of 134 to the system and ended up with 40 Low and 270 High but the vent air was only slightly cool and the compressor was not cycling but rather constantly engaged. The clutch does disengage when I shut the AC switch off.
    I have seen varying advice on what the pressures should be running on this system with some claiming that the high side should be up around 350psi. I wish that I had put the gages on the system when it was working so that I had an idea where the pressures were at that time. When I bought the car earlier this summer the AC compressor was cycling. And the cooling was OK but not great. Which I kind of expected with the change over to 134.
    So….Do I need to add more refrigerant?
    What should the pressures run?
    And what else could cause the clutch to suddenly stop cycling?

    Thanks for your help.

    1. There are several reasons that your AC might behave as you describe.
      We recommend contacting a licensed, Air Conditioning professional as we are not certified to answer.

      Regards,
      Gus
      Corvette Central Product Assistance

  3. Where can I find the original condenser mounts for a 70 Vette with a LT1. I’ve searched everywhere and I can’t find them. I also need to know how it mounts. The vehicle came with factory A/C but didn’t have the condenser mounted.

  4. I need to replace the high presure cut out swith in the back of the compressor on my Corvette
    1984 . The original is a one wire switch. The new is a two wire switch.
    Wher does the second wire hook into.

  5. When i turn my key on all my ac electronics work fine and blower motor works fine but when I start my car it all quits working does anyone know what the problem could be?

  6. I have a 1977 Corvette that was originally equipped with air. It’s been partially disassembled now for several years. I going to be moving from Ohio to Florida and I want to re-install the condenser and lines. I’m sure that I’ll need to replace the drier and possibly some switches. I’ve also replaced the original radiator with a Be Cool aluminum radiator with dual fans and installed a 160 degree thermostat. Do you still think that I’ll need the additional pusher fan? By the way my car was an early 1977. I’m hoping that you can help me with any components that I may need to replace and directions on how to do this job once and correctly. Thanks for your help.

    1. If you have the air deflector, air dam seal and radiator support seals all in place and in good condition, I don’t see why that setup wouldn’t cool the engine properly without issue. We don’t carry the Be Cool brand, but the Dewitt’s Direct Fit aluminum radiators with fans work very well. If the car is an Early 1977, it should have the VIR (valve in receiver) air conditioning system. We do not offer a drier for this setup, but we do offer the VIR eliminator to take the place of it. See part number 453065. This converts the system to the later cycling clutch orifice tube system. We also have some more comprehensive replacement/conversion kits for this such as 453175. Included in the kit are evaporator and tube seals, accumulator and mounting hardware, manifold hose assembly, liquid line tube, smart orifice, low pressure cycle switch, binary switch, wiring harnesses, and o-rings. If you would like an AC view from the 1977 GM assembly manual, we can email you an attachment. Just email us at mail@corvettecentral.com

  7. The chart above for charge levels is not correct. I am working on a 1980 and the tag on the evaporator box says the original r12 charge was 3.75lbs. Not the 3.0 lbs stated in the chart.

  8. In the above, it is stated to use A/C Compressor Oil (PAG or Castro Retro Oil) and it is also noted to use Refrigerant Oil. Are these the same?

  9. Changing my 82 Corvette over to R134a, new compressor, new drier, new orifice tube. The corvette book says 6oz of oil, for R-12 system. My new R-4 compressor says 8oz PAG oil. Which should I go with? (PS Too late to measure oil from old components.)

      1. I have a 1964 roadster original air car. I have had problems with the motor overheating. I replaced the motor with a blueprint 355. I have an elderbrock waterpump DeWitt radiator 180 degree thermostat. New temperature sender. Electric fan. The timing was set at blueprint factory. My old 327 ran hot also. What have I missed

  10. I have a 1990 that has been in storage for about 18 years. The system is empty. You write about an additional relay that will need to be installed, do you have a part number for this relay and where is it installed at? I will also need to replace the accumulator and orifice tube is that correct?

  11. What do you mean “R-134a refrigerant is to be charged as a gas only!” I will be using the small 134A cans, do I keep them up-right during charging?

  12. I have a 66 with factory air. Would it be advantageous to add an electric cooling fan? What about license plate location?

  13. My 1979 corvette has been refurbished by the previous owner and he left off the a/c system. Where can I buy a complete a/c system, nuts & bolts, brackets, hoses and components? The car came equipped with factory a/c.

      1. vintage air has what you need .or go to a junk yard and fined the brackets you can use .I have a 1976 vet I changed all brackets and compreser and lines I still have all of it and it was new wen I got the car two years ago.I changed to a383 stroker and surpanteen system

  14. I recently changed my A6 Compressor on my 1966 corvette to the R-34a. I am now replacing the compressor with a rebuild A6. Since I changed it to R-34a what oil do I use in the compressor. Your information says it takes 6oz.

    1. Originally, PAG (Poly Alkylene Glycol) oil was the only lubricating oil recommended for R-134a systems. Castrol Retro Oil is compatible with PAG and mineral oil. Be careful- excessive lubricating oil in A/C systems can result in warmer outlet air temperatures. When retrofitting I prefer component removal and draining of the lubricating oil. It is difficult to determine the oil level in the components. Compressors should be removed, drained, and then refilled with lubricant.

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