HEATER
AND AIR
CONDITIONING
1A-13
AIR CONDITIONING
INDEX
Page
General Description
1A-13
Four-Season System
1A-13
Controls
1A-16
Comfortron System
. 1A-18
System Components
lA-19
Controls
1A-20
Universal System
. .
1A-21
Chevy
n
All-Weather System
•
1A-21
Corvette Four-Season System
. 1A-22
General Information
. . . 1A-26
Precautions
in
Handling R-12
1A-26
Precautions
in
Handling Refrigerant Lines
1A-28
Maintaining Chemical Stability
in the
Refrigeration System
1A-28
Gauge
Set 1A-29
Charging Station
IA-29
Leak Testing
the
System
1A-29
Vacuum Pump
1A-30
Availability
of
Refrigerant-12
. . 1A-30
Compressor
Oil 1A-31
Compressor Serial Number
1A-31
Inspection
and
Periodic Service
1A-31
Pre-Delivery Inspection
1A-31
6,000 Mile Inspection
1A-32
Periodic Service
, 1A-32
Installing Gauge
Set to
Check System Operation
....
1A-32
Performance Test
1A-32
Performance Data lA-r33
Comfortron System Operational Test
1A-33
Chevrolet Comfortron Tester
1A-34
Complete System Checks
1A-35
Maintenance
and
Adjustments ......
1A-37
Evaporator Comtrol Valve (POA)
.
1A-37
Page
Thermostatic Switch
1A-37
Expansion Valve
1A-41
Engine Idle Compensator
. . .
1A-42
Evacuating
and
Charging Procedures
1A-42
Purging
the
System
1A-42
Evacuating
and
Charging
the
System
1A-43
Checking
Oil . 1A-43
Component Replacement
and
Minor Repair
1A-45
Refrigerant Line Connections
1A-45
Repair
of
Refrigerant Leaks
1A-46
Preparing System
for
Replacement
of
Component Parts
. 1A-46
Foreign Material
in the
System
.
1A-47
Condenser
.
1A-48
Receiver-Dehydrator
1A-48
Evaporator
1A-49
Expansion Valve
1A-57
Evaporator Control Valve (POA)
1A-59
Thermostatic Switch
or
Blower Switch
. .
1A-59
All Weather-Pull Cable
1A-61
Blower Assembly
1A-62
Air Inlet Valve
.
1A-64
Blower
and
Evaporator Assembly
1A-64
Air Distributor Assembly
and
Outlet Ducts ...... 1A-64
Comfortron Automatic Control Components
1A-66
Collision Procedure lA-70
Four-Season Heater Components
1A-73
Comfortron Heater Components
. . . 1A-75
Compressor
1A-76
Wiring Diagrams
1A-78
Special Tools
.
1A-84
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Four
air
conditioning systems
are
covered
in
this
section. They are:
1.
The
Four-Season System (Chevrolet, Chevelle,
Camaro and Corvette).
2.
The Comfortron System (Chevrolet).
3.
The All Weather System (Chevy n).
4.
The Universal System (Chevrolet, Chevelle, Chevy
n,
Camaro)
Underhood components (that
is, the
compressor,
con-
denser
and
receiver-dehydrator)
are
much
the
same
in
type,
location
and
method
of
attachment
on all of
the
above systems. The six-cylinder reciprocating compres-
sor
is
bracket-mounted
to the
engine
and
belt driven
from
the
crankshaft pulley.
The
condenser
is
mounted
ahead
of the
engine cooling radiator
and the
receiver-
dehydrator
is
mounted
in
the refrigerant line downstream
of
the
condenser.
All
cooling system components
are
connected by means
of
flexible refrigerant lines.
Evaporator size
and
location differ from system
to
system
as do
methods
of
temperature control
and air
supply
and
distribution.
FOUR-SEASON SYSTEM
The Four-Season system used
in the
Chevrolet,
Chevelle, Camaro,
and
Corvette vehicles
may be
iden-
tified
by the
fact that
it
uses
an
evaporator pressure
control known
as the POA
(Pressure Operated Absolute)
suction throttling valve.
Both
the
heating
and
cooling functions
are
performed
by this system.
Air
entering
the
vehicle must pass
through
the
cooling unit (evaporator)
and
through
(or
around)
the
heating unit,
in
that order, and the system
is
thus referred to
as a
''reheat" system.
The evaporator provides maximum cooling
of the air
passing through
the
core when
the air
conditioning sys-
tem
is
calling
for
cooling.
The
control valve acts in the
system only
to
control
the
evaporator pressure
so
that
minimum possible temperature
is
achieved without core
freeze-up.
The
valve
is
preset,
has no
manual con-
trol,
is
automatically altitude compensated,
and non-
repairable.
The heater core will be hot
at
all times since no water
valve
is
present
in
the system.
System operation
is as
follows (See Figure 24 and 25):
Air, either outside
air or
recirculated
air
enters
the
system
and is
forced through
the
system by the blower.
As
the air
passes through
the
evaporator core,
it
receives maximum cooling
if
the
air
conditioning controls
are calling
for
cooling. After leaving
the
evaporator,
the
air
enters
the
Heater
and Air
Conditioner Selector
Duct Assembly where,
by
means
of
manually operated
diverter doors,
it is
caused
to
pass through
or to
bypass
the heater core
in the
proportions necessary
to
provide
the desired outlet temperature. Conditioned airflow then
enters
the
vehicle through either
the
floor distributor
duct
or the
dash outlets. Remember that the heater core
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-21
"De-Fog"
Position
In the event that the front windshield should require
removal of a fogging condition, the owner at his option
may direct air to the windshield. The "De-Fog" position
directs part of the air to the windshield while retaining a
certain amount through the floor outlets. The temper-
ature of the air remains the same as it was prior to the
control being placed in the "De-Fog" position. Five
blower speeds are available. The temperature of the air
and the blower speed are selected by the automatic
controls and are dependent upon the in-car temperature.
"De-Ice" Position
The "De-Ice" position provides full heat with "Hi"
blower directing the entire airflow to the windshield to
melt ice. The automatic controls are completely defeated
and as a result, full heat with "Hi" blower are the only
conditions that can be received. The system will turn on
immediately in this position even though the engine
coolant might be cold.
General Information
Three start up conditions can be achieved with
Comfortron.
Weather
Cold
Method of Starting System
System starts as soon as engine coolant is
hot.
Hot System starts immediately when AC is
required.
Any System starts immediately in "De-Ice"
position.
UNIVERSAL SYSTEM
A self-contained unit, the dealer installed Universal
System operates on recirculated air only and entirely
independent of the vehicle heater. Recirculated inside air
is drawn into the unit, passed through the evaporator core
and into the car through the adjustable outlets in the
evaporator case. The entire unit mounts compactly
beneath the dash. Temperature control is by means of a
thermostatic switch.
The compressor used with the Universal System is
identical to that used for the Four-Season system except
for displacement. Underhood components are similar in
placement to the Four-Season system.
Controls
Universal system controls are the AIR knob controlling
the three speed blower motor switch and the TEMP knob
which controls the setting of the thermostatic switchi
Switch adjustment is covered elsewhere in this section.
When operating this system the Heater must be fully off.
CHEVY II ALL-WEATHER SYSTEM
The Chevy n All-Weather Air Conditioning System,
Figure 33, operates in conjunction with the heater to
provide a complete air conditioning system operating on
either outside air, recirculated air or a combination of
both. The cooling unit attaches to the heater distributor
and utilizes the heater blower. Several controls allow
full use of either the heating or cooling features of the
system. During marginal weather, it is possible to pro-
vide heated air at floor level and cooled air at breath
level.
A schematic view of the air conditioning underdash
components is provided in Figure 34 to aid in under-
standing airflow and control operation.
The evaporator assembly, located in the passenger
compartment attached directly to the heater distributor,
contains the evaporator core, expansion valve, thermo-
static switch and the air conditioning "ON" knob. The
thermostatic switch, utilized as the cooling control, feels
the temperature of the cooled air leaving the evaporator
core and turns the compressor on and off in accordance
with cooling needs. Refrigerant lines connect the evap-
orator assembly to the other system components located
in the engine compartment.
The six cylinder air conditioning compressor, com-
pletely field serviceable, is bracket-mounted to the
engine and is belt driven from the crankshaft pulley. A
muffler assembly, designed to eliminate compressor
pulsations is an integral part of the compressor con-
nector block. The condenser is mounted on the radiator
support just ahead of the engine radiator. The receiver-
dehydrator, with its sight glass, is located on the right
fender skirt.
Controls
Control of the air conditioning system is achieved
through the use of the heater control on the instrument
panel as well as the two knobs located on the air condi-
tioning unit itself (fig. 35).
Air Conditioning "ON" Knob
Labeled "Pull for Air Cond.", this knob diverts air-
flow from the floor distributor and through the air condi-
tioning unit. Initial movement of this knob also actuates a
switch, located at the damper door, which energizes the
compressor clutch thus putting the system into operation
and under the control of the thermostatic switch.
Temp-Cool Knob
This knob controls the thermostatic switch. Turn the
knob clockwise for more cooling, counter-clockwise for
less cooling.
Air Lever
This lever actuates the damper within the assembly
which chooses between recirculated air or outside air.
Fig.
31-Universal Air Conditioning Unit
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-32
5.
Check hose clamp connections. If clamp screw torque
is less than 10 lb. in., retighten to 20-25 lb. in. Do
not tighten to new hose specifications or hose leak-
age may occur.
6. If there is evidence of an oil leak, check the com-
pressor to see that the oil charge is satisfactory.
7.
Check the system controls for proper operation.
6000 MILE INSPECTION
1.
Check unit for any indication of a refrigerant leak.
2.
If there is an indication of an oil leak, check the
compressor proper oil charge.
3.
Check sight glass for proper charge of Refrigerant-
12.
4.
Tighten the compressor brace and support bolts and
check the belt tension.
5.
Check hose clamp connections as in step 5 above.
6. Check thermostatic switch setting (Universal and
All-Weather Systems.)
PERIODIC SERVICE
• Inspect condenser regularly to be sure that it is not
plugged with leaves or other foreign material.
Fig.
46—Compressor Connector Block—Typical
• Check evaporator drain tubes regularly for dirt or
restrictions.
• At least once a year, check the system for proper
refrigerant charge and the flexible hoses for brittle-
ness,
wear or leaks.
• Every 6000 miles check sight glass for low refriger-
ant level.
• Check belt tension regularly.
• Every week - during winter months or other periods
when the system is not being operated regularly- run
the system, set for maximum cooling, for 10 or 15
minutes to insure proper lubrication of seals and
moving parts.
INSTALLING GAUGE SET TO CHECK
SYSTEM OPERATION
Compressor Suction and Discharge Connector
Compressor connector assemblies used on all vehicles
are of the same basic design consisting of the inlet
(suction) and outlet (discharge) connections, gauge fittings
and muffler and, in general, the assemblies differ only in
the location of the gauge fittings.
On Universal and Four-Season Systems the outlet line
extends along side of and toward the front of the com-
pressor and the muffler in the line is bracket mounted to
the compressor body. In all Universal Systems the gauge
fittings for both low and high pressure sides of the sys-
tem are located in the connector body. On Four-Season
Systems the high pressure gauge fitting is located on the
muffler and the low pressure gauge fitting is on the POA
Valve.
The Chevy n All-Weather System compressor con-
nector assembly is similar to the Universal System
connector assembly described above except that the
muffler extends straight out from the connector and
is not bracket mounted to the compressor.
Universal and Chevy II All-Weather System
1.
Install Gauge Adapter (J-5420 or J-9459) onto the
high and low pressure hoses of the gauge set.
2.
With the engine stopped, remove the caps from the
cored valve gauge, connectors on the compressor
fittings block.
3.
Connect the gauge lines with adapters to the threaded
connectors on the compressor fittings block.
Four-Season and Comfortron Systems
Installation of the gauge set onto the Four-Season and
Comfortron systems is accomplished in the same manner
as outlined above except that system performance checks
must be performed with the low pressure hose line and
adapter attached to the fitting on the POA valve. Charging
procedures should be performed with the high pressure
gauge line connected to the high pressure gauge fitting
located on the outlet line muffler and the low pressure
gauge line attached to the POA fitting.
CAUTION: When removing gauge lines from
the compressor fittings block be sure to remove
the adapters from the fittings rather than the
gauge lines from the adapters.
PERFORMANCE TEST
This test may be conducted to determine if the system
is performing in a satisfactory manner and should be
used as a guide by the serviceman in diagnosing trouble
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-71
SUN-AMBIENT
SENSOR AND COMPRESSOR
CLUTCH SWITCH
HIGH BLOWER
DELAY RELAY
THERMAL
VACUUM
VALVE
Fig.
102-Comfortron Underhood Wiring
use when inspecting a damaged vehicle equipped with air
conditioning.
1.
Remove the drive belt. Cut belt off if necessary.
2.
Visually inspect the condenser, receiver-dehydrator,
compressor, mounting brackets, conditioning unit, all
connecting lines, and all controls to determine the
extent and nature of the damage.
a. No repairs, such as soldering, welding or braz-
ing, should be attempted on the condenser be-
cause of its construction. If the vapor passages
in the horizontal tubes or return bends or mani-
folds have been damaged in any way, the con-
denser should be replaced with a new one.
b.
The receiver-dehydrator should be replaced if
there is any evidence of its having sustained
either internal damage or a fracture at any of
the lines or welded joints or if the system has
been exposed to the atmosphere for an undeter-
mined period of time.
c. Examine the compressor for any visible external
damage.
d. The evaporator should be examined for damage
and, if necessary, removed or replaced or the
entire unit processed where damaged or exposed
to the atmosphere.
e. All connecting lines and flexible hoses should be
examined throughout their entire length for dam-
age.
If damaged in any manner, replace with new
lines.
f. Check all controls and connecting wires for
damage and replace with new parts where needed.
g. Check the clutch pulley for proper operation and
freedom from damage.
3.
Install gauge set.
4.
Purge the system. Pressure should not exceed 3 to
5 pounds.
5. Remove the compressor from mounting and remove
the oil test fitting.
6. Pour out the oil into a clean glass container and ex-
amine it for any foreign substance such as dirt,
water, metal particles, etc. If any of these are
present, the compressor and receiver-dehydrator
should be replaced and the other system components
should be flushed with liquid refrigerant.
7. If the oil is clean and free of any harmful substance,
replace oil with Frigidaire Oil available through
Parts Stock.
NOTE:
If the system components have been
replaced or flushed, replace the full charge of
oil. If not, add no more fresh oil than was
drained in Step 6.
8. Charge up the compressor to drum or can pressure
and leak test the compressor seals prior to in-
stallation of compressor.
9. Reinstall the compressor and evacuate the system
by following the Evacuating Procedure.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-76
Fig.
112—-Heater Core Removal—Four-Season System (Corvette)
3.
Replace the core case into the car as described
under Heater and Air Distributor Assembly.
COMPRESSOR
The same basic six.cylinder reciprocating compressor
is used in all systems.
Two variations of the basic compressor are used. One,
with a displacement of 12.6 cu. in. is used with the Four-
Season System. The second model, having displacement
of 10.8 cu. in. is used with the Universal and All-Weather
Systems.
AH Systems
Removal
1.
Purge the refrigerant from the system.
2.
Remove connector attaching bolt and connector. Seal
connector outlets.
3.
Disconnect electrical lead to clutch actuating coil.
4.
Loosen brace and pivot bolts and detach belt.
5. Remove the nuts and bolts attaching the compressor
brackets to the mounting bracket.
6. Before beginning any compressor disassembly, drain
and measure oil in the compressor. Check for
evidence of contamination to ..determine if remainder
of system requires servicing. Compressor Servicing
information is located in the Chassis Overhaul
Manual.
Installation
1.
li oil previously drained from the compressor upon
removal shows no evidence of contamination, replace
a like amount of fresh refrigeration oil into the com-
pressor before reinstallatLon. If it was necessary to
service the entire system because of excessive con-
tamination in the oil removed, install a full charge of
"fresh refrigeration oil in the compressor. (See
Checking Compressor Oil Charge under Checking
Oil)
2.
Position compressor on the mounting bracket and
install all nuts, bolts and lock washers.
3.
Install the connector assembly to the compressor
rear head, using new "O" rings.
4.
Connect the electrical lead to the coil and install
and adjust compressor belt.
5. Evacuate and charge the system.
6. Leak test the system and check for proper operation.
Fig.
113—Heater Hoses^-Four-Season System (Corvette)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A-77
Compressor Belt Tension Adjustment
Adjust the compressor belt to the specifications shown
in the Tune-Up chart in the Engine section of this manual.
COMPRESSOR FAILURE
If the compressor has failed mechanically to the ex-
tent that metal chips and shavings are found in it, the
system should be checked for foreign material and
cleaned as described under Foreign Material in the
System.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
CORVETTE BODY 1B-29
CUSHION
CUSHION ASNi.^ty** ACCESS
#2 BODY BRACKET
( 67 ONLY)
SHIM
( 37 POSITION).
CUSHION ASM.
( 37)
SHIM
( 67 POSITION)
CUSHION
( 37 ONLY)
#1 BODY BRACKET
Fig.
65—Body Mounts
PRECAUTIONS
Creams are available to protect the skin from a con-
dition known as occupational, or contact dermatitis. This
common type of dermatitis is not contagious. Improved
resin formulas in the approved kits have almost elimi-
nated skin irritation. Cream is supplied with the kit for
men who may have a tendency toward skin irritation
from the resins or dust.
The application of these creams is recommended
whenever the Resin Kit materials are used. Generally,
the cream is not required when the plastic solder kit is
being used. Directions for using the cream is as follows:
a. Wash hands clean. Dry thoroughly.
b.
Squeeze about 1/2 inch (or 1/2 teaspoonful) of
#71 cream into palm of hand.
c. Spread evenly and lightly until cream disappears.
Work cream into cuticle, between fingers and
around wrists.
d. Apply second coat, repeating Steps b and c.
e. Hold hands briefly under cold running water to
set cream.
2.
Remove resin mixture from hands as soon as possi-
ble and imperatively before mixture starts to gel.
This can be observed by the action of the material
being used. Resin may be removed with lacquer
thinner by washing in soap and water.
3.
Respirators are recommended when grinding. Also
some minor skin irritation from glass and powdered
cured resin may be evident. Washing in cold water
will help to minimize.
4.
Use a belt sander with a vacuum attachment for dust
control if possible.
5. Resin mixtures may produce toxic fumes and should
be used in well ventilated areas.
6. Be careful not to get any resin material on clothing.
7. Use the right materials for the job. It is important
to use the approved kits because Chevrolet's rigid
quality standards assure you the right material to
do the job. Other materials available may not meet
the required engineering and safety standards.
8. Keep the materials, utensils and work area clean
and dry. These repairs involve chemical reactions,
and dirt or moisture may upset the chemical bal-
ances and produce unsatisfactory results.
9. Before starting repair operations, look for hidden
damage by applying pressure around the damaged
area, looking for hairline cracks and other breakage.
Check for minor damage at other points in the vehi-
cle such as around exhaust pipes, grille, headlamps
and points of wear or rub. Early repair of this
minor damage may prevent major repair later.
PLASTIC SOLDER
KIT
The Plastic Solder Repair Kit is used for minor re-
pairs on the Corvette body. These materials will produce
an easy, quick and lasting repair in the case of small
cracks, surface imperfections and small holes.
1.
Use paint remover or power sander, and remove
finish from damaged area. Carefully inspect for
other areas requiring repair.
2.
Mix the materials (fig. 72).
3.
Apply the material, using a putty knife or rubber
squeegee, Figure 73. Work the material into the
repair and build the material up to the desired
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE