The factory A/C in my '70 GS455 has been working fine since buying it about 2 years ago. Just turned it on for a warm day the other day and it's totally blowing hot air. Compressor is getting power, clutch turns when compressor is turned on, it draws current. But, engine idle doesn't reduce when turned on. So, before I take it in to the A/C shop has it possibly just lost its charge or, is it likely the compressor which is an original A6 type. I honestly don't know if it has (had) R12 or R134 in the system.
Looks like it still has 12 in it. First thing is to put a set of gauges on it and see if the system has any pressure in it.
Is there a way to tell if it has r12 or r134? A local shop here says they can convert 12 to 134 without changing the POA or any other parts. Really?
I converted 100s of cars back in the day. It's about a $20 dollar kit to convert the schrader valves. Its a simple process. You'll have to find your leak, otherwise you're just wasting money. Should be easy to put some dye in and compressed air.
Ray, When the A-6 compressors were new they leaked Freon. Here it is 52 yrs. later & I'm surprised it still works at all. They were kinda' bullet proof IF they were kept full of Freon & oil. In '71 or'72 they put a shield on to prevent oil from spraying all over the place. DO NOT run the A/C any longer until you get it fixed. It appears from the fill caps that it still has R12 installed. Nothing cools as well as R12. IF the front seal on the compressor is leaking it can be replaced with a much more modern seal that actually seals better. IF you can't find someone to replace the seal you can get a new Alma compressor. They are exactly like the original but made of aluminum so are much lighter & have all the modern updates including the modern seals. Something to think about. Tom T.
I do not think that small AC line should cross the battery. I believe it should be under the large one as it runs through the core support. I believe it makes almost a 90 when coming out of the dryer. You might check that area. It you have to break down the system I would replace that small line to the dryer...
Interesting you should notice that. I've been aware of that since buying the car. A previous owner had installed the dryer with the clamps reversed which had moved that line left and over the battery. The A/C was working so well that I decided to wait to resolve that issue which will result in having to evacuate the system because there was a hole drilled in the core support to hook up the line the way it is. I already have the new dryer so now that the A/C has to be worked on, I'll correct the issue. Good eye, Redman.
