My 77 280z has a non working a/c. There is a sticker with some details on the hood. Was the a/c installed factory or is it a dealer item? Can it be brought back to life with the new freon replacement or is it just too much to deal with?

Thanks,

Leonard

The 280Z had factory air. You can tell by the A/C hose ends with threaded fittings, not hose clamps.

If the compressor is good, I'd replace the drier (about $20 - generic) put a vacuum pump on it (Harbor Frieght has a cheap one that works off an air compressor). Suck it down, checking for leaks and put some R134a with oil in it.

Actually they used both factory and 'dealer installed' air in the 280Z. Ttiger's description of the hose differences is one way to tell the difference. Also if it has a 4 speed fan, it's factory and if it has a 3 speed fan it's not. I disagree with using R134a in a system designed for R12. I'm a licensed HVAC/MVAC tech. The R134a molecule is much smaller and requires higher pressure to operate efficiently. Both of those factors will untimately cause leaks. The R12 alternative I use is called Freeze12. We've discussed it here a few times. Do a search.

I know I should search rather than asking, but since we are on the AC topic, how can I tell if the compressor is good? I do not have the AC compressor installed in my Z and really need to get it working. Z cars really suck in the humid late-summer days. Black vinyl and poor air flow don't go well together.

I cap the hose ports and pull a vacuum through the service ports. Not an infallable test but if it passes that there's a good chance that the compressor will work.

I cap the hose ports and pull a vacuum through the service ports. Not an infallable test but if it passes that there's a good chance that the compressor will work.

Is that just a static bench test Stephen?

Yeah, basically. You can also lock up the clutch (a 9v battery will work) and spin it by hand and see if you can hear a 'pulse'. Both of those are what my dear Dad referred to as 'country tests'.

A long time Z mechanic friend said he's used R134a in R-12 systems without any problems for years. I have also heard the Freeze 12 is very flammable and most technicians are not using it.

I'm a licensed HVAC and MVAC tech. Everyone has their prefference, I guess. I've spoken with other techs and the opinion is fairly split. I go based on my own experience for the most part. I don't do much based on things that I've "heard". I've done some testing and plenty of research. But that would be another thread.

Edited June 23, 200915 yr by sblake01

in my 240z and it is cold and first class. After much research and comments from the experts, i must say that it is the best choice for an original vintage system with typical rubber hoses of the time. 102 F here today and it is very comfortable in the cabin.