AC Recharge on LT1

**bryceslu** · 06-12-2008, 06:19 AM

I have a 94 LT1 and My AC Compressor has been making noise, squeaking, since I bought my car. The AC doesnt really work, semi-cool but not cold air. Now I have been told I can "Get a fill kit and 2-3 cans of R134 w/ lube added" to fix this.

So what exactly do I need to pick up and how much (oz's)? I have never messed with a AC system before.

Can anyone help me out with directions on what to do? (pictures would help too) Thanks

**2001NBMZ28** · 06-12-2008, 12:18 PM

Not sure on a complete fill on the LT1, LS1 is 1.5 lbs. Since yours is "semi cool" probably don't need that much. If you want to try charging it get a kit with a low pressure guage and refrigerant with dye in it, so you can look for any leaks if it stops cooling again. Here's a chart for the '95, yours is probably the same. http://shbox.com/1/ac_performance_chart.jpg

**bryceslu** · 06-12-2008, 07:19 PM

I know I need to get some R-134a but how much? Do I need a recharge kit? Something like this?: http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...goryCode=3571B

And can anyone help me out with directions on what to do? Which fitting do I put the R-134a in, the one towards the Radiator or the one towards the firewall side? (LT1)

Thanks

**Cutlass** · 06-13-2008, 02:50 AM

The kit will have directions and it'll only fit on one fitting. The compressor squeak is probablly a worn/misadjusted clutch.
Be careful when recharging with those kits. Add too much and it'll ruin your compressor. Getting a kit with a gauge will help prevent that.

**bryceslu** · 06-13-2008, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

The kit will have directions and it'll only fit on one fitting. The compressor squeak is probablly a worn/misadjusted clutch.
Be careful when recharging with those kits. Add too much and it'll ruin your compressor. Getting a kit with a gauge will help prevent that.

Is there a way to tell if the clutch/compressor is bad?

**Cutlass** · 06-14-2008, 05:06 PM

Well there is supposed to be a .020" gap between the clutch and the pulley.
In the picture from left to right: Clutch, Pulley, magnetic coil

. When the clutch springs get a little worn out, they don't pull the clutch back all the way and it rubs against the pulley.

**bryceslu** · 06-16-2008, 02:15 PM

Ok...so the Clutch never engages when I turn on the AC.
I can however turn the clutch by hand.

Will a recharge do any good or is the clutch/compressor done for?

**Cutlass** · 06-16-2008, 03:31 PM

A low charge will cause the clutch not to engage. There are sensors to detect low pressure and they won't allow the clutch to engage.

**bryceslu** · 06-17-2008, 03:57 PM

Well I got the recharge kit with the gauge and the 18 oz can filled her to 25 psi. The clutch kicked on and the AC worked.

The squeaking/squeeling goes away too when the clutch is engaged. It comes right back though when the cluth disengages.

**Cutlass** · 06-17-2008, 05:26 PM

25 psi sounds a little bit low and I think when it gets really hot this summer your AC won't work as well, but congrats on the progress.
The pressure should be about 40psi.

**bryceslu** · 06-17-2008, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

25 psi sounds a little bit low and I think when it gets really hot this summer your AC won't work as well, but congrats on the progress.
The pressure should be about 40psi.

Yeah I was going to buy a second can but I dont use my AC anyways. I just wanted to find a way to stop the damned squealing noise...just too bad it only stops when I turn on the AC/Heat and the clutch engages.

**Cutlass** · 06-17-2008, 05:53 PM

Take it to a shop and have the clutch gap adjusted. We do that all the time. There is a special tool to pull the clutch out and/or off if a person was gonna replace it.

**bryceslu** · 06-17-2008, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

Take it to a shop and have the clutch gap adjusted. We do that all the time. There is a special tool to pull the clutch out and/or off if a person was gonna replace it.

Is there any way to possibly do this myself?
And I was thinking it might be a bearing or something...not sure of construction of the compressor. But I guess it could be that the clutch is too tight to the pulley and is rubbing but I wouldnt think it would make that noise.

Ill see if I can get a video of it tomorrow and youtube it or something.