<VV> A/C Adventures Continue... still

Tue May 22 14:44:29 EDT 2012

                                                                           B"H

Guys:

Keep in mind that so much of this car was mucked around with and there was lots of stuff that was messed up big time.  And yes, it's a '66 with what appears to be original factory components except for hoses, which appear to have been replaced not too long ago.

The mercury switch is long gone; I am fully aware of the high pressure condition when running the compressor with the engine lid up so I charged with the lid CLOSED and with a LONG hose.

The previous owner bypassed this switch and the black wire was grounded, and I did raise the lid for a VERY brief time and saw that the compressor was operating (full pulley engagement) with the FAN switch on and the COOL level depressed.

I agree that a mercury switch is important and I will no doubt get one and install it; I just wanted to determine if the system actually works and whether there are any leaks in the system.

I also have a couple of 12" fans with aluminum shrouds from my '69 that I plan to install in front of the '66 condenser to assist in moving air across its fins.  this was a big help with my '69's system (aftermarket with '66 style condenser) to make the system more efficient.

What I found strange was after that "explosion," the system seems to still run fine (thank G-d), with nice cold air blowing.  I am pretty sure I put the refrigerant on the high side of the compressor, which caused the blowup.  I don't understand why, whoever did that job, didn't bother to use the correct size fitting for the High pressure side. 

I now know better.  I am going to try to get a large high-pressure fitting if I can find one.

Thanks...Bill Hershkowitz

--- On Tue, 5/22/12, Lon Anderson <lonzovair at aol.com> wrote:

From: Lon Anderson <lonzovair at aol.com>
Subject: Re: <VV> A/C Adventures Continue... still
To: whubbell at verizon.net
Cc: virtualvairs at corvair.org, gojoe283 at yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 12:59 PM

No Bill, I'm not essentially saying the same thing... The compressor will not run if the ground from the mercury switch is off. If the compressor isn't running, it cannot suck the refridgerant from the can. 

That is different from what Timothy was saying.  He stated: " The reason the manual says to 

remove a reverse lite assembly and then lower the deck lid is so all the cooling 

air is forced to go thru the condensor instead of bypassing it. This is so the 

high pressure side does not build too much pressure which can damage the 

compressor, cause (weak) components/hoses to explode, as well as put too much of 

a load on the compressor. "

He doesn't mention the ground switch needs to be on in order for it to run, and the only way it is on is if the lid is closed.

Of course, I'm referring to a stock '66 or '67 A/C system. If it has been added on from something else, or the wiring has been compromised, the compressor may NOT shut off when the lid is raised. 

So, say if someone is wanting to add refridgerant to a 66 Corvair on a 35°F day and think they can do it because the air is cold enough to let it run while the lid is open, it won't work. The compressor isn't grounded.

The 66 & 67 are the only ones with the mercury switch... (for those who didn't know).

Later,

Lonzo

-----Original Message-----

From: Bill Hubbell <whubbell at verizon.net>

To: Lon Anderson <lonzovair at aol.com>

Cc: virtualvairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>; gojoe283 <gojoe283 at yahoo.com>

Sent: Tue, May 22, 2012 10:55 am

Subject: Re: <VV> A/C Adventures Continue

Yes, and the Reason for the mercury switch is to ensure air flow through the 
condenser, so you are essentially saying the same thing as Timothy. 

Bill

On May 22, 2012, at 9:19 AM, Lon Anderson <lonzovair at aol.com> wrote:

> 
> Bill, 
> Since he had referenced the '66 shop manual, I just guessed he was working on 
a '66... and unless it has been modified from STOCK, a 66 or later with A/C will 
not run the compressor without the lid being closed... due to said mercury 
switch referenced in earlier post.
> ;-)
> Just sayin'...
> Lonzo
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Hubbell <whubbell at verizon.net>
> To: Lonzovair <lonzovair at aol.com>
> Cc: shortle <shortle556 at earthlink.net>; Bill H. <gojoe283 at yahoo.com>; 
virtualvairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> Sent: Tue, May 22, 2012 7:25 am
> Subject: Re: <VV> A/C Adventures Continue
> 
> 
> Well, it depends whether you have a '65 or '66 style condenser.  The '65 style 

> sits on top of the engine so the blower pulls air through it whether the deck 
> lid is open or closed, but the '66 style requires a closed lid and sealed 
engine 
> compartment. So Timothy's answer would be correct for the latter style. 
> 
> Bill Hubbell
> 
> On May 22, 2012, at 7:07 AM, Lonzovair <lonzovair at aol.com> wrote:
> 
>> Timothy,
>> The real reason they show the hoses routed though the tail light is because 
> there is a mercury ground switch hooked to the compressor so it cannot run 
with 
> the deck lid up (which keeps the cooling air going through the condensor)... 
> Other than that, your post is good.
>> ;-)
>> Later,
>> Lonzo
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