This might seem like a really basic question, but I am new to the world of Camaros (and auto maintainance/restoration in general), so please be patient.

The aircon in my '87 doesn't blow cold at all. Have been told that the easiest thing to do is recharge it with something like Measure & Charge, but I'm not sure if the air con system uses R134a or R12 refrigerant. Anybody out there know the answer?

Thanks,
Ben.

An '87 would have been built originally with R-12; there should be a sticker on the compressor showing the charge weight required for an empty system. If it's been converted to R-134a, it should have a sticker showing that, and will have different fittings than the original factory R-12 fittings.
:beers:

Also you can not buy R-12 unless you are licensed to service A/C and have all of the cool equipment to vacuum the system, pressure test with dyes and compressed dry air and then once you have determined that the porous rubber lines you currently have will actually hold R-12 you can refill at $70 for every six ounces by weightusing the recycling machine.

I live in sunny FL were A/C is a must but can not find A/C lines for some of my older vehicles because GM no longer makes them. Had to make up new ones out of Teflon lined hydraulic hose and get fittings crimped on at the fabrication shop. Even some brass fittings are porous to freon, had to use stainless steel.

With a Camaro I'm sure you can get reproductions, Just be sure the compressor is rebuilt before investing in a lot of R-12.



Larger Dave

Thanks guys. Will do some poking around under the hood and see what I find. Sounds like it could get expensive, but since we are heading into summer and humidity it will be worth it.

Ben.

If it's not cooling due to freon loss, you need to spend the time to isolate the leak and fix it or it WILL let you down when you need it. Dye works pretty well for finding leaks. If the system has been open or if you're not sure, I'd change the drier/receiver; cheap insurance.

If your high & low pressure fittings have threads on the outside, they are R12 fittings. If the fittings look like an air hose fitting on the outside and the threads are only on the inside, they are R134 fittings. If you had R12 and it has been converted to R134, the fittings should have been changed to the
R134 type. This way you can use something like "Measure & Charge" to add freon. Ideally, you should get a charging setup that has a gauge on it. The gauges usually show you a grren arc if freon is low, a blue arc for the correct charge, and yellow changing to red for an overcharged situation. Check the pressure with the AC running.

Keith