1985 Corvette

[Jim T.]

My 1985 Corvette's air conditioner was cooling, however the air through the ducts did not seem as cold as it had been before.
Having R12 I connected the gauges and turned on the R12 to install more. Noticed the compressor clutch started out turning the compressor.
The compressor clutch then released and then would them reconnect for a short period. It did this cycle for a few times until I stopped the engine and discontinued the charging of R12.
I had the car doors open like the service manual said. I have not driven the car to see if the charging has made a difference in producing colder air from the vents. I also placed a floor fan in front of the car to move air across the condenser during the charging of R12. My 1985 still has the
original air conditioning system.
Anyone experience a problem with the compressor clutch making multiple cycles on and off.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1985 Corvette

It is designed to do that, but factors like low charge and plugged orifice make it more pronounced.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1985 Corvette

If the orifice tube is plugged then it would likely have metal from the air compressor or particles of desiccant from the accumulator correct?

[Donald H.]

Re: 1985 Corvette

What you describe is typical for an A/C system that is low on charge. My suggestion is to continue adding R12, and see if the cycles increase in duration.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1985 Corvette

Stating the obvious: If the system is low on R12, then there's a leak. Consider having the system leak tested.

[Tom B.]

Re: 1985 Corvette

R-12 cars will seep freon . They do not have barrier hoses like the 134 cars.