
HEATER AND AIR. CONDITIONING 1A-24
Fig. 35-Controls-AII Weather (Chevy II)
The heater components of the system are similar to
the standard Corvette heater with hoses routing engine
coolant to and from the heater core. A vacuum operated
shutoff valve assures that no coolant will pass through
the heater core until the system calls for heat.
Four control knobs surrounding the clock on the in-
strument panel center console provide full control of the
heating and cooling functions of the air conditioning
system.
The general arrangement of the system components
is pictured in Figure 37 while a schematic view of the
system will be found in Figure 36.
Controls Corvette
Four control knobs, grouped around the clock on the
instrument panel central console, provide full control
of the heating and cooling functions of the Corvette Air
Conditioning System. Each of the knobs, through a bowden
cable, operates one of the air diverter doors in the air
distributor assembly. In addition, the AIR COND.-PULL
knob operates the compressor switch; blower speeds are
controlled by turning the AIR PULL knob; and the heater
hot water valve vacuum switch is actuated by the COOL
IN-HQT PULL knob.
Air Conditioning "ON" Knob
The "AIR COND. PULL" knob controls the positioning
of the air diverter door which routes conditioned air
through either the dash diffuser ducts or the floor dis-
tributor outlets. Movement of this knob (hence, movement
of the selector door) also controls' the compressor
switch. When the door is positioned to send air through
the dash outlets the compressor is automatically turned
on to place the cooling system in operation and the fan
is turned on to LOW speed.
Blower Switch and Air Selector
The AIR PULL-FAN knob operates the selector door
in the right hand plenum chamber and may be set to allow
full outside air, full inside air, or a mixture of the two to
DEFROSTER DOOR
OPERATED BY
DEFROSTER KNOB
AIR CONDITIONING DOOR
OPERATED BY
AIR COND. PULL KNOB
BLOWER
OPERATED
BY TURNING
AIR KNOB
AIR DOOR
OPERATED
BY PULLING
AIR KNOB
OUTSIDE
AIR
CONTROLS
HEAT DOOR
OPERATED BY
COOL IN-HOT PULL
KNOB
L.H. OUTLET
CENTER
OUTLET
R.H. OUTLET
AIR COND.
PULL
COOL IN
HOT PULL
AIR PULL
LO-MED-HI
DEFROSTER
PULL
Fig.
36—Corvette Four-Season System Schematic
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-25
Fig.
37—-Corvette Four-Season System Components
pass through the system. For heating operations it is
suggested that Ml outside air (knob Mly OUT) be used.
For cooling operations under extreme heat conditions
push knob fully in (recirculated inside air); under moder-
ate temperature conditions pull the knob out to the detent
position (a misxture of outside air and inside air); and
under mild temperature conditions the knob may be
pulled fully out (outside air).
After the AIR PULL knob is set to permit air to pass
through the system, the knob may be rotated to control
the three-speed blower. When the AIR COND.-PULL
knob is pulled out the low blower is in operation. Select
higher speeds as desired.
Temperature Adjustment
The COOL IN-HOT PULL knob controls the air output
temperature during both heating and cooling operations.
A vacuum switch (operated by the temperature door
actuating cam) controls a vacuum operated water valve
which allows engine coolant to flow through the heater
core only when this knob is pulled out.
During heating operation cold ambient air enters the
conditioner, passes through the inoperative cooling core
and then passes through and around the heating core
(the final mixture of hot and cold air being determined
by the control knob - temperature door setting) and then
enters the car.
Cooling operation is exactly the same except that the
cooling core (evaporator) will be in operation at Ml
capacity, removing as much heat and humidity as pos-
sible from the warm ambient air flowing through it.
The COOL IN-HOT PULL knob may then be pulled out
as needed to temper this maximum cold airflow should
it become necessary.
Defroster Control
This control acts to divert heated air from the floor
distributor duct into the defroster duct for windshield
defogging, defrosting and deicing operations. A detent
is built into the defroster linkage to indicate the setting
at which a small portion of the heater air will be con-
tinaully passed over the windshield, thus keeping it clear.
Operating Instructions
Remember that the air conditioning system may be
used for heating or cooling during any season of the
year to provide just the desired comfort conditions.
Cooling
1.
"Air Cond-Pull". This knob should be pulled fully
out.
2.
"Cool In-Hot Pull". This knob should be pushed
fully in for maTriTr»"Tn cooling. Pulling out the knob
as required will mix warm air with the cool air to
temper the cool air output.
3.
"Air Pull-Fan". Set this knob fully in during ex-
treme heat conditions; at the detent position during
moderate temperature conditions; fully out during
mild temperature conditions or whenever tempering
of the cooled air flow is necessary. Turn the knob
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-28
providing a protective film to reduce the possibility
of infection.
3.
As soon as possible, call or consult an eye specialist
for immediate and future treatment.
REMEMBER -
pound of cure."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a
PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING REFRIGERANT LINES
• All metal tubing lines should be free of kinks, be-
cause of the restriction that kinks will offer to the
flow of refrigerant. The refrigeration capacity of the
entire system can be greatly reduced by a single
kink.
• The flexible hose lines should never be bent to a
radius of less than 10 times the diameter of the hose.
• The flexible hose lines should never be allowed to
come within a distance of 2-1/2" of the exhaust
manifold.
• Flexible hose lines should be inspected at least once
a year for leaks or brittleness. If found brittle or
leaking they should be replaced with new lines.
• Use only sealed lines from parts stock.
• When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigeration
system, the system must first be discharged of all
refrigerant. However, proceed very cautiously re-
gardless of gauge readings. Open very slowly, keep-
ing face and hands away so that no injury can occur
if there happens to be liquid refrigerant in the line.
If pressure is noticed when fitting is loosened, allow
it to bleed off very slowly.
CAUTION: Always wear safety goggles when
opening refrigerant lines.
• In the event any line is opened to atmosphere, it
should be immediately capped to prevent entrance
of moisture and dirt.
• The use of the proper wrenches when making con-
nections on "O" ring fittings is important. The use
of improper wrenches may damage the connection.
The opposing fitting should always be backed up with
a wrench to prevent distortion of connecting lines or
components. When connecting the flexible hose con-
nections it is important that the swagged fitting and
the flare nut, as well as the coupling to which it is
attached, be held at the same time using three dif-
ferent wrenches to prevent turning the fitting and
damaging the ground seat.
• "O" rings and seats must be in perfect condition.
The slightest burr or piece of dirt may cause a leak.
• Sealing beads on hose clamp connections must be
free of nicks and scratches to assure a perfect seal.
MAINTAINING CHEMICAL STABILITY IN THE
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
The metal internal parts of the Chevrolet refrigeration
system and the refrigerant and oil contained in the sys-
tem are designed to remain in a state of chemical
stability as long as pure R-12 and uncontaminated re-
frigeration oil is used in the system.
However, when abnormal amounts of foreign materials,
such as dirt, air or moisture are allowed to enter the
system, the chemical stability may be upset. When ac-
celerated by heat, these contaminates may form acids
Fig.
40-^-System Contaminants
and sludge and eventually cause the breakdown of com-
ponents within, the system. In addition, contaminates may
affect the temperature-pressure relationship of R-12,
resulting in improper operating temperature and pres-
sures and decreased efficiency of the system.
The following general practices should be observed to
insure chemical stability in the system.
• Whenever it becomes necessary to disconnect a
refrigerant or gauge line, it should be immediately
capped. Capping the tubing will also prevent dirt and
foreign matter from entering.
• Tools should be kept clean and dry. This also in-
cludes the gauge set and replacement parts.
• When adding oil, the container should be exception-
ally clean and dry due to the fact that the refrigera-
tion oil in the container is as moisture-free as it is
possible to make it. Therefore, it will quickly absorb
any moisture with which it comes in contact. For
. this same reason the oil container should not be
opened until ready for use and then it should be
capped immediately after use.
• When it is necessary to open a system, have every-
thing you will need ready and handy so that as little
Fig.
41—Gauge Set
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER
AND AIR
CONDITIONING
1A-31
FIVE
AMP
TIME DELAY
FUSE
CORD
TO
110
AC
SOURCE
PUMP
INLET
PUMP DISCHARGE
OUTLET
Fig.
44—Vacuum Pump
the use of weighing equipment necessary with the larger
drum. The single can Valve J-6271 can be used for com-
pleting the charge and for miscellaneous operations such
Fig.
45-R-12 Disposable Cans
as flushing. The valves are installed by piercing the top
seal of the cans.
Evacuating and charging procedures later in this sec-
tion will make use of the J-8393 Charging Station which
uses the 25 lb. drum of refrigerant.
COMPRESSOR OIL
Special refrigeration lubricant should be used in the
system. It is available in 1 quart graduated bottles
through Parts Stock. This oil is as free from moisture
and contaminants as it is possible to attain by commercial
processes. This condition should be preserved by im-
mediately capping the bottle when not in use.
See "Air Conditioning System Capacities" for the
total system oil capacity.
Due to the porosity of the refrigerant hoses and con-
nections, the system refrigerant level will show a definite
drop after a period of time. Since the compressor oil is
carried throughout the entire system mixed with the
refrigerant a low refrigerant level will cause a dangerous
lack of lubrication. Therefore the refrigerant charge in
the system has a definite tie-in with the amount of oil
found in the compressor and an insufficient charge may
eventually lead to an oil build-up in the evaporator.
COMPRESSOR SERIAL NUMBER
The compressor serial number is located on the serial
number plate on top of the compressor. The serial num-
ber consists of a series of numbers and letters. This
serial number should be referenced on all forms and
correspondence related to the servicing of this part.
INSPECTION AND PERIODIC SERVICE
PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION
1.
Check that engine exhaust is suitably ventilated.
2.
Check the belt for proper tension.
3.
With controls positioned for operation of the system,
operate the unit for ten minutes at approximately
2000 rpm. Observe the clutch pulley bolt to see that
compressor is operating at the same speed as the
clutch pulley. Any speed variation indicates clutch
slippage.
Before turning off the engine, check the sight glass
to see that the.unit has a sufficient Refrigerant
charge. The glass should be clear, although during
milder weather it may show traces of bubbles. Foam
in.
the flow indicates a low charge. No liquid visible
indicates no charge.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-33
within the system. The following fixed conditions must be
adhered to in order to make it possible to compare the
performance of the system being tested with the stan-
dards below:
1.
Doors and windows closed. (Car inside or in shade.)
2.
Hood up and engine exhaust suitably ventilated.
3.
Vehicle in NEUTRAL with engine running at 2000
rpm.
4.
Air Conditioning controls set for -
• Maximum cooling.
• High blower speed.
5.
TEMP knob and AIR knob set for full recirculating
air. On Comfortron systems* move the control lever
to REAR and pull the white vacuum hose from the
transducer. Plug the hose. An alternate method is to
install the J-22368 Tester (described later in this
section) and operate it on MANUAL control to main-
tain maximum cooling and blower speed.
6. Gauge set installed.
7.
System settled out (run-in approximately
10
minutes).
8. A thermometer placed in front of vehicle grille and
another in the right hand diffuser outlet.
PERFORMANCE DATA
The following Performance Data define normal opera-
tion of the system under the above conditions. Relative
humidity does not appear in the tables because after
running the prescribed length of time on recirculated air
and maximum cooling, the relative humidity of the air
passing over the evaporator core will remain at ap-
proximately 35% to 40% regardless of the ambient
temperature or humidity.
Should excessive head pressures be encountered at
higher ambient temperatures, an 18" fan placed in front
of the vehicle and blowing into the condenser will provide
the extra circulation of air needed to bring the pressures
to within the limits specified.
NOTE: Higher temperatures and pressures will
occur at higher ambient temperatures, fti areas
of high humidity it is possible to have ther-
mometer and gauge readings approach but not
reach the figures listed in the performance
tables and still have a satisfactory operating
unit. However, it is important to remember that
low pressure has a direct relationship to nozzle
outlet temperature. If pressure is too low, ice
will gradually form on the evaporator fins, re-
stricting airflow into the passenger area and
resulting in insufficient or no cooling.
Four-Season and Comfortron System
Chevrolet and Camaro
Chevelle
(Refrigerant
Charge
=
Temperature
of Air
Entering Condenser
Engine rpm
Compressor
Head Pressure
Evaporator Pressure
at POA
Discharge Air Temp,
at Right Hand Outlet
3
Lbs. -
70°
145-
155
38-
41
80°
170-
180
12 02
90°
.)
100°
2000
205-
215
29.5 -
39-
42
41-
43
255-
265
30.5
42-
45
110°
260-
270
psi
43-
46
120°
295-
305
45-
48
(Refrigerant Charge =
Temperature of
Air Entering
Condenser
Engine rpm
Compressor Head
Pressure
Evaporator
Pressure
at
POA
Discharge Air
Temp, at Right
Hand Outlet
3 Lbs. -
70°
150
160
37-
40
80°
175
185
12 Oz.)
90° 100°
2000
210 250
220 260
29.5 - 30.5
37-
40
38-
39-
41 42
110°
280
290
psi
40-
44
120°
290
300
41-
45
Corvette
(Refrigerant Charge =
Temp, of Air
Entering Condenser
Engine rpm
Compressor
Head Pressure
Evaporator
Pressure
at
POA
Outlet
Air
Temperature
(at Right
Outlet)
3
Lbs.
70°
150-
170
38-
40
- 4 Oz.)
80°
175-
195
29
38-
40
90°
2000
200-
200
100°
i*pm
240-
260
110°
285-
300
5-
30.5 psi
40-
42
41-
43
43-
45
120°
325-
335
45-
47
Alt Weather System
Chevy II
(Refrigerant
Charge
=
Grille Air
Temperature
Engine rpm
Compressor Head
Pressure
Compressor Suction
Pressure**
Discharge Air Temp,
at R/H Outlet**
2-1/2 Lbs.)
70°
120-
140
13
32-
37
80°
150-
160
14
CO
OO
CO
CO
90°
100°
1500
175-
185
15
35-
40
220-
230
15
36-
41
110°
240-
250
19
37-
42
120°
265-
275
19
38-
43
**When Compressor Clutch Releases
COMFORTRON SYSTEM OPERATIONAL TEST
This test, designed as a quick check of total system
operation, must be made with the engine operating at
minimum of 2000 rpm and coolant warm. Wait several
seconds between operations to allow the system to move
through its sequence of operation and arrive at the pre-
scribed mode of operation.
1.
With control lever in the OFF position, and Tem-
perature Dial at 65°F.
a. System is turned OFF, there is no air flow from
any of outlets.
2.
Control lever in HI Front and Temperature Dial set
at65°F.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-40
THERAAAL VACUUM
VALVE
TO ENGINE
VACUUM
SOURCE
VACUUM STORAGE
TANK
OUTSIDE AIR
DIAPHRAGM
MODE
DIAPHRAGM
VACUUM
RELAY
BLACK
DEFOG-DEICE
DIAPHRAGM
GREEN
BLACKj ||
|
BROWN
CONTROL
VALVE
Fig.
50—Comfortron Vacuum Diagram
are fused which will lead to evaporator freeze-up.
Replace the switch.
• If the compressor does not operate regardless of
the position of the knob a loss of the power
element charge is indicated provided that it has
been established that power is supplied to the
switch. This, of course, results in no cooling.
Replace the switch.
• Check the screw threads for stripped or other-
wise damaged threads.
Adjusting Switch
H, after checks above, the switch seems to be operating
properly,
follows:
adjust for proper setting if necessary, as
1.
(Chevy II All-Weather) Turn the outer air deflector
in the face plate so that the attaching screws may
be removed; Then remove the control knobs, bezels
and the thermostatic switch. (Universal) remove the
face plate retaining screws. Pull the faceplate away
from the case when ready to turn the switch adjusting
screw.
2.
Vehicle must be set up as in Step 2 above.
3.
The suction side of the system, read on the low
pressure gauge, should pull down to the pressure
shown in the chart in Performance Test under the
ambient temperature at the time the switch is being
set.
4.
If the low side pulls down lower than the prescribed
pressure at the end of each cooling cycle, turn the
adjusting screw (See Figure 54) clockwise in single
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER
AND AIR
CONDITIONING
1A-41
OUTLET
1
TO EXPANSION
^
VALVE
TO
OIL
BLEED LINE
^ INLET
Fig.
51—Evaporator Pressure Control Valve—POA
turn increments until
the
suction pressure rises
to
the correct pressure.
5.
If the
pressure
is
more than
it
should
be,
turn the
adjusting screw counter-clockwise until
the
proper
pressure
is
reached.
6. After adjusting
the
switch, install the capillary to
its
normal position
and
observe
the
operation
of the
system
for
several minutes. Then
if
the operation
is
satisfactory remove the gauge
set,
replace the switch
and reinstall the face plate onto the evaporator case.
EXPANSION VALVE
A malfunction
of the
expansion valve will
be
caused
by
one of the
following conditions: valve stuck open,
valve stuck closed, broken power element,
a
restricted
screen
or an
improperly located
or
installed power
element bulb.
The
first three conditions require valve
replacement.
The
last two may be corrected by replacing
the valve inlet screen
and by
properly installing
the
power element bulb.
Attachment
of the
expansion valve bulb
to the
evap-
orator outlet line
is
very critical.
The
bulb must be
attached tightly
to the
line
and
must make good contact
with
the
line along
the
entire length
of
the bulb. A loose
bulb will result
in
high
low
side pressures and poor
cooling.
On
bulbs located outside
the
evaporator case
insulation must be properly installed.
The external equalizer line shown
in
Figure
55 is
not
used
in the
Custom
and
Chevy
II
All-Weather systems.
Indications
of
expansion valve trouble provided by the
Performance Test are
as
follows:
VALVE STUCK OPEN
OR
BROKEN POWER
ELEMENT
Noisy Compressor.
•
No Cooling
-
Freeze
Up.
VALVE STUCK CLOSED
OR
PLUGGED SCREEN
Very Low Suction Pressure.
No Cooling.
Fig.
52-P.O.A. Valve Installed
Fig.
53—Thermostatic Switch Removal
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-43
LOW PRESSURE
CONTROL
HIGH PRESSURE
CONTROL
3
VACUUM
CONTROL
4
FREON
CONTROL
Fig,
56—Charging Station Controls
3.
When the pressure is reduced to below 100 pounds
on the high pressure gauge, open the low pressure
gauge valve and continue discharging until all re-
frigerant has been released. Close both gauge valves.
EVACUATING AND CHARGING THE SYSTEM
GENERAL NOTE: La all evacuating procedures
shown below, the specification of 26-28 inches
of Mercury vacuum is used. These figures are
only attainable at or near Sea Level Elevation.
For each 1000 feet above sea level where this
operation is being performed, the specifications
should be lowered by 1 inch. Example: at 5000
ft. elevation, only 21 to 23 inches of vacuum can
normally be obtained.
Whenever the air conditioning system is open for any
reason, it should not be put into operation again until it
has been evacuated to remove air and moisture which
may have entered the system.
The following procedures are based on the use of the
J-8393 Charging Station.
Filling Charging Cylinder
1.
Open control valve on refrigerant drum.
2.
Open valve on bottom of charging cylinder allowing
refrigerant to enter cylinder.
3.
Bleed cylinder valve on top (behind control panel) as
required to allow refrigerant to enter. When re-
frigerant reaches desired level (see "Air Condition-
ing System Capacities"), close valve at bottom of
cylinder and be certain bleed valve is closed
securely.
NOTE: It will be necessary to close bleed valve
periodically to allow boiling to subside to check
level in sight glass.
Installing Charging Station to System
1.
Be certain all valves on charging station are closed.
2.
Connect high pressure gauge line to high pressure
gauge fitting. (See "Installing Gauge Set to Check
System Operations.")
3.
See Figure 56. Turn high pressure control (2) one
turn counter-clockwise (open). Crack open low pres-
sure control (1) and allow refrigerant gas to hiss
from low pressure gauge line for three seconds,
then connect low pressure gauge line to low pressure
gauge fitting.
4.
System is now ready for performance testing.
Evacuating and Charging System
1.
Install charging station as previously described.
Refer to Figure 56 and 57 while performing the
following operation.
2.
Remove Low Pressure gauge line from compressor.
3.
Crack open high (2) and low (1) pressure control
valves, and allow refrigerant gas to purge from
system. Purge slow enough so that oil does not
escape from system along with Refrigerant.
4.
When refrigerant flow stops, connect Low Pressure
gauge line to compressor.
5.
Turn on vacuum pump and open Vacuum Control
Valve (3).
6. With system purged as above, run pump until 28-29
inched of vacuum is obtained. Continue to run pump
for 15 minutes after the system reaches 28-29 inches
vacuum.
7.
If 28-29 inches cannot be obtained, close Vacuum
Control Valve (3) and shut off vacuum pump. Open
Refrigerant Control Valve (4) and allow 1/2 pound of
R-12 to enter system. Locate and repair all leaks.
8. After evacuating for 15 minutes, add 1/2 pound of
R-12 to system as described in Step 7 above. Purge
this 1/2 pound and reevacuate for 5 minutes. This
second evacuation is to be certain that as much con-
tamination is removed from the system as possible.
9. Only after evacuating as above, system is ready for
charging. Note reading on sight glass of charging
cylinder. If it does not contain a sufficient amount
for a full charge, fill to the proper leveL
10.
With High and Low pressure Valves (1 and 2) open,
close Vacuum Control Valve (3) and open Freon
Control Valve (4). Operating the heater and air
conditioner blower with the controls set for cooling
will help complete the charging operation.
NOTE: If the charge will not transfer com-
pletely from the station to the system, close
the high pressure valve at the gauge set, set
the air conditioning controls for cooling, check
that the engine compartment is clear of ob-
structions, and start the engine. Compressor
operation will decrease the low side pressure
in the system.
System is now charged and should be performance
tested before removing gauges.
CHECKING OIL
In the six cylinder compressor it is not recommended
that the oil be checked as a matter of course. Gener-
ally, compressor oil level should be checked only where
there is evidence of a major loss of system oil such as
might be caused by:
• A broken refrigerant hose.
• A severe hose fitting leak.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL