C2 1966 factory air conditioning

[Ted K.]

Local air conditoning shop claims my system is leaking down at the POA (suction throttle valve). Says I need a new POA valve and if I got it he would not put it in anyway. Don't know if I need a new one, or seals bad, or where to get one. Checked with dealer and part was discontinued in 1978. Its a bummer to have a factory air car with no cool air. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 1966 factory air conditioning

Ted,

You can get a rebuild kit from LIC and do it yourself or find some shadetree to assist. Looking for a used valve is not an option as you have one already and another used one to rebuild won't solve your problem.

Regards,

JR

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 1966 factory air conditioning

Ted - I'm curious about the your '66 AC system or your local AC shop. Your system should have a suction throttling valve or STV which is serviceable and is different from the Pressure Operating Absolute (POA) suction throttling valve that was used on '67 and up into the early 70s which is a non- serviceable assembly. Generally, the diaphragm on the STV is the culprit , so JR is right in that with your '66 STV you can get a STV piston and diaphragm kit (at least my LICS Catalog #21 shows an NOS one in Section #35) and make the repair. Word is the GM NOS piston and diaphragm assembly is heavier duty and holds up longer than other service replacements so if it's available, it the best choice. It's a PITA to get at but you should be able to do it and have your C60 working again. Pete

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 1966 factory air conditioning

Ted

I've been down this road with my 66 last year. Check the archives for the 1000 questions that were kindly answered at this post.

Assume the AC shop said it was the STV after performing dye test. The dye in the refrigerant oil is visible with special light to locate leaks. If they did not use dye test or "electronic sniffer" I would consider getting a second opinion on where the leak is.

If it is STV valve and you don't want to repair it yourself, I removed mine and sent it to Classic Auto Air in Tampa who specializes in old GM air systems about $90 including rebuild kit. I am sure there are other reputable shops. AS long as the AC system is open I would at a minimum also replace the drier.