BrianB

I was just wondering, if all my refrigerant will come out if I disconnect the A/C Lines that run into the A/C Compressor? I am going to be install headers and will need it out of the way, but don't wanna drain the system.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

That's exactly what will happen. Then, you'll need to have it evacuated before recharging. You'll also be violating CFC release laws.

If it still has the original R12 in it, the best bet would be to have it emptied at a qualified shop, have them disconnect the hoses and cap them off; then take it back after the headers are installed for reconnect, evacuation, and recharge.

Or, leave the hoses intact, and take the compressor off of the engine and move it to the side out of the way.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, WP 305 heads ported & polished, Hooker headers & y-pipe, 3" Catco cat).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

Superblue87Formula

damn, decided to finally put those in huh? about time! You can get them in with the a/c in there, the hoses are long enough to move it off to the side. When are you going to start putting them in?

burnoutrpm

ok idid this to eliminate the ac completely. and it does lose all the refrigerant! and as for the cfc crap... whose going to see you do it i mean really????? no way to get caught!!?? just do it but be very carefull not to get in its way(the refig.) or it can be painfull!!

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89 firebird formula

356 10.5:1compression
comp cams xe262 cam
performer rpm intake
#1405 edlebrock 600
sportsman 2 heads 64cc 2.02/1.60 valves 200cc intake runner
msd 6al
h.e.i. proform 50,000 volt vac. advance ditributor
700r-4 with 3.08 first gear and 3.23 posi 7 5/8 rear end.
b trans shift kit(will kill shifts...suck dong!!)
shorty heddman hedders with custom 3" pipe y-pipe back(no damn cat!) with 40 series flowmaster!


future mods: 406 roller REALLY REALLY REALLY RADICAL!!!!!

burnoutrpm

who really is goiong to know your releasing the stuff?? they'd have to stand right there and watch you . but since they wont.. who really cares about the law?? plus if you do it yourself it'll save a bundle on having it evacuated by a pro. if he needs it later just have them recharge it or refill it with r-34a (new stuff).

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89 firebird formula

356 10.5:1compression
comp cams xe262 cam
performer rpm intake
#1405 edlebrock 600
sportsman 2 heads 64cc 2.02/1.60 valves 200cc intake runner
msd 6al
h.e.i. proform 50,000 volt vac. advance ditributor
700r-4 with 3.08 first gear and 3.23 posi 7 5/8 rear end.
b trans shift kit(will kill shifts...suck dong!!)
shorty heddman hedders with custom 3" pipe y-pipe back(no damn cat!) with 40 series flowmaster!


future mods: 406 roller REALLY REALLY REALLY RADICAL!!!!!

burnoutrpm

------------------
89 firebird formula

356 10.5:1compression
comp cams xe262 cam
performer rpm intake
#1405 edlebrock 600
sportsman 2 heads 64cc 2.02/1.60 valves 200cc intake runner
msd 6al
h.e.i. proform 50,000 volt vac. advance ditributor
700r-4 with 3.08 first gear and 3.23 posi 7 5/8 rear end.
b trans shift kit(will kill shifts...suck dong!!)
shorty heddman hedders with custom 3" pipe y-pipe back(no damn cat!) with 40 series flowmaster!


future mods: 406 roller REALLY REALLY REALLY RADICAL!!!!!

TomP

When I totalled my car, I thought I could save my a/c system. (Little did I know that one of the hard lines had cracked, dammit.) With help from my dad, we were able to lift the whole a/c system out of the car. We tilted the radiator backward, unbolted & disconnected the compressor, removed all screws holding all a/c hard lines to the frame of the car, and removed the top of the black heater/evaporator box (passenger side of firewall).

My dad grabbed the compressor and one side of the condensor (in front of radiator). I grabbed the evaporator (in the box against firewall) and the other side of the condensor, and we lifted the whole system up & out. Then we put it down and I saw the cracked line... too bad, the a/c was perfect. So I didn't bother to put it back into the car


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

BrianB

Superblue, I am going to try and first move it out of the way, but my compressor lines are totally different than yours. Your compressor is on the drivers side, I believe, where mine is on the passengers side. I'll have to see what I can do.

Superblue87Formula

if you do decide to drain it (does it work?) use the little valve stems where they fill the system rather than just unhooking the lines (more predictable) I'll come over and help you, just let me know when.

I can take those down to my dad's shop and blast them for you if you want me to.

Alan84TA

What is the best way to cap the lines off to keep moisture out? I'm getting ready to take my system out temp. till I fishing rebuilding it.