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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) => Topic started by: wrangler on November 06, 2007, 09:00:48 pm

Title: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 06, 2007, 09:00:48 pm
I'm adding air to my non air 85 pick up, and I know that the cut outs are different, but is the blower opening the same on both?
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 07, 2007, 01:24:59 am
Yes. It should be.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Captkaos on November 07, 2007, 09:58:47 am
It has been a while but if I remember correctly they are the same.  Heater hoses aren't though as you stated.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 09, 2007, 08:26:14 pm
I'm just getting ready to start tearing the truck down, but I cant figure out how to get my compressor wired in.  My wiring diagram shows that the dark green comes from the evap pressure control but is there another harness or set of wires that maybe I don't have or are they already on the truck, tied up somewhere?  Any help would be appreciated!
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 09, 2007, 08:31:23 pm
I'm also wondering about the vacuum tank.  I've never seen one in a ac setup or even heard of one until I got this factory repair manual.  Is there a way around this or do I have to have one?
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Lt.Del on November 09, 2007, 08:36:19 pm
There is only one wire going to the compressor--green.  Well, maybe a black one for negative ground.  You are right that the green wire on the Pressure switch on the drier/receiver is the same wire.  If pressure is too low, it kills the volts going to the compressor.

You could, theoritically, put 12 volts right on the green wire going to compressor and the compressor will run.  That way you can check the circuit and/or compressor.

You can bypass the switch to check for pressure or malfunction of the switch by getting a small wire and touching the two terminals inside the switch.  Doing this will bring 12 volts straight to the compressor and kicking it on.

On TBI the green wire goes through the ECU to kick up the rpms when the compressor kicks on.




(http://www.delbridge.net/accc.jpg)
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 17, 2007, 03:27:39 pm
my wiring diagram shows a wire going to a fast Idle solenoid, is this located on the carb?
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: VileZambonie on November 17, 2007, 07:15:37 pm
Don't go by that picture literally. That picture above is not what these trucks came with. There is no receiver dryer. There is an accumulator on the outlet side of the evaporator and an orifice tube on the inlet side of the evaporator. No expansion valve because it's a CCOT system unless it's a rear A/C system like Suburban's had.

If your truck didn't have AC you won't have the fast idle solenoid. It basically just pushes up on the throttle a little bit when the AC is on. If you don't have one you can bolt one on if you are running a Q-jet carb. In the factory wiring it's a green wire

Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: ssgoodman on November 17, 2007, 07:58:04 pm
i dont want to hijack this post but i just ripped out all the air conditioning stuff on my pickup today and was wondering if it was worth recycling or if anyone would buy any of it.  was thinking about tossing it in the dumpster but thought i would ask before i did that.

sutton
sorry for the hijack.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Lt.Del on November 17, 2007, 08:35:37 pm
To not confuse you, the evaporator looks identical to the drier in the diagram. Here it is...

(http://www.delbridge.net/ac5.jpg)

These things have an orifice tube in the high side.  If instaling one, ensure you look at the arrow for the flow and don't install in backwards.

Vile is right.  The only expansion valves will be in suburban with rear A/C.  I replaced one in my sub a while back.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 17, 2007, 09:40:13 pm
i've got some sort of solenoid already on my carb.  It's off of a 80 camaro and it had air.  It's got an electrical connection on it.  Been looking at it for years and have no idea what it is. Hope it's what I think it is.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: VileZambonie on November 18, 2007, 06:37:25 am
To not confuse you, the evaporator looks identical to the drier in the diagram. Here it is...

I think you mean accumulator not evaporator....

If you have the solenoid then you're all set!
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 18, 2007, 07:38:31 am
Got everything installed except the compressor wiring, but I need to know what to seal the area around the heater hoses and "C" in the above picture.  Can I use silicone?  By the way thanks for all the help!
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: VileZambonie on November 18, 2007, 07:55:09 am
Use Butyl tape.

Also to increase the efficiency of the AC system and to avoid the refrigerant absorbing the heat of the engine compartment you should insulate after the orifice tube to the evaporator.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Lt.Del on November 18, 2007, 09:47:24 am
right, accumulator--the evaporator is in front of radiator. 
As far as peicing this thing together, do not use a used accumulator. Once exposed to the air, it is worthless.  A guy at auto zone tried to see me one with an open box.  I looked at it and the plastic threaded plugs were removed.  I gave it right back to him and said "no thanks". Of course he didn't understand.

That's why many stores will not sell (or warranty) a compressor without a new accumulator (and orifice sometimes).

Thanks for keeping me straight Vile.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: VileZambonie on November 18, 2007, 09:57:22 am
right, accumulator--the evaporator is in front of radiator. 
As far as peicing this thing together, do not use a used accumulator. Once exposed to the air, it is worthless.  A guy at auto zone tried to see me one with an open box.  I looked at it and the plastic threaded plugs were removed.  I gave it right back to him and said "no thanks". Of course he didn't understand.

That's why many stores will not sell (or warranty) a compressor without a new accumulator (and orifice sometimes).

Thanks for keeping me straight Vile.

SGT Del I don't mean to keep correcting you LOL but the evaporator is inside the plenum distribution box. The condenser is in front of the radiator  ;D And you're absolutely right about the accumulator staying sealed. It basically has a giant desicant bag and a filter inside it. The silica gel is used to absorb moisture. All it takes is a drop of water in your ac system to form hydrochloric acid in R-12 systems. Fill your compressor with about 6 ounces of ester oil if you are retrofitting it. Once you have all your components installed have someone with an ac machine or vacuum pump vacuum the system for a minimum of 30 minutes. Vacuuming to 30in Hg will allow moisture to vaporize at room temperature essentially making it completely dry and moisture free. It is very important to measure how much oil you pulled out while vacuuming it. So if you initially filled your compressor with 6 ounces and pulled 3 out while vacuuming make sure you put back in enough to make 8 oz in the system and then you can charge it.

edit* don't forget to drain the oil from the compressor too before installing it. Mineral oil is not compatible with R134A
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Lt.Del on November 18, 2007, 11:58:32 am
stand corrected again.  The evaporator is that peice that is the hardest to replace.  I have replaced the evaporator in my sub rear--definately easier to get to.
Yes, condensor is in front of radiator.  I am terrible with the names of the components.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 19, 2007, 06:41:08 pm
Getting close now.  My next question is about the plenum valve, how do I install it and where exactly?  And also where does the water that drips down onto the ground with the ac running actually come from?  Thanks
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: Lt.Del on November 19, 2007, 08:10:12 pm
Your a/c is basically a dehumidifier...humidity is sticky and hot.  As the air goes through the evaporator i believe it is like condensation---like a glass of ice water on a table without coasters....leaves a ring of water.  The water is cold and the air that hits the glass releases its water. Sort of like how clouds are formed---condensing in the atmosphere.

 
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 19, 2007, 08:35:10 pm
I guess what I meant to say was where on the unit does it drip from.  Just wondering if there is a drain hole or line that I didn't see.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 22, 2007, 04:52:46 pm
Was wondering if someone had a picture of where the vacuum tank is mounted?
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: VileZambonie on November 22, 2007, 05:56:36 pm
You mean the vacuum reserve tank? It's bolted to the firewall on the passenger side. You can't miss it. The evaporator drain also comes through the firewall into the engine compartment.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 26, 2007, 08:09:26 pm
Does the belt for the ac go from the compressor to the power steering pump and to the crankshaft?  I figured that it went from the p/s pump to the ac compressor only.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: ccz145a on November 27, 2007, 08:44:46 am
On my 75 454, the belt goes from the AC to the Pwr Steering Pump to the crank and then to the water pump. pwr steering pump has a doulble pulley. I think the same configuration was on the small blocks, too.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: werewolfx13 on November 27, 2007, 11:43:59 am
Mine is routed that way too, AC, PS pump, Crank, and water pump.
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on November 27, 2007, 07:24:19 pm
Thanks!
Title: Re: adding air conditioning
Post by: wrangler on December 03, 2007, 06:27:43 pm
would I need a water pump with 2 grooves or 3 on this setup?