I have a 93 Z28. The a/c hasn't worked since i got the car. I was told it needed a recharge. Today I was curious if anything was in it so I pressed one of the valves, the smaller of the two, and there was the slightest sound from it and nothing. Apparently it is completely empty. It has a diferent motor but I doubt any of the hoses were ever broke lose. Could it all have leaked out over the years? If its been sealed up it shouldn't have any moisture built up right? What should I do to get it charged and working?

 

If the engine was replaced, the chances of the AC system being opened are very good. Go to an AC shop, they will pump the system out to remove all air and moisture and then recharge the system. I seem to remember that Freon 12 was still used in 93, so they may have to convert the system to R134a or a substitute such as Freeze 12, or find some recycled Freon 12. Freeze 12 is cheaper since only the fittings need changing.

 

The sticker under the hood actually says R134. I cant spend the money to take it somewhere so I guess I need to see what I need to get the air and moisture out myself. Anyone know a good way to do this? Also how much R134 does it take? How many cans will I need?

 

If I'm not mistaken, you can go to O'reilly's or NAPA......most Auto parts stores should have it, and buy recovery equipment.

But as stated earlier, if that motor's not original, then the AC line has been separated. There's a chance the O rings may have been knicked or cut, causing a leak. I am going through the same thing with mine, sort of, and I am having to replace the expansion valve and dryer. Anything can go wrong in an AC system.

As far as how many cans you need, that depends on when your gauges tell you the system is full. Also remember that if you recover and replace anything on your system, you have to have ac oil in there as well.

 

I saw where those recharge bottles have oil mixed with them already. Does anyone know what I can run through the system to look for leaks? It's hot and humid here and I'm bout to roast!

 

they have some refrigerant with UV dyes. grab a black light and run the a/c at night to make it easier to spot.