1986 Corvette AC problem?

Question

My 86 Corvette AC works great when you first start the car and will freeze you for a bout half an hour, then tapers off to just slightly cool. What gives?

Answer 1

Sounds like your system is LOW on refrigerant and is freezing up.

Believe it or not, an air conditioning system that is just a little low on refrigerant cools to a lower temperature than a system at the proper temperature. If that lower temperature is lower than the freezing point of water, then the condensation on the coils will freeze up eventually and then air will not go through the coils, but around the coils.

When the air goes around the coils, it doesn't get cooled.

Take the car in to a certified mechanic that is trained on car airconditioning systems and have them check the refrigerant levels. I bet they find that some needs to be added.

Answer 2

Low system pressure may cause evaporator freeze up from a low charge or may have a problem with the metering device at the evaporator like the expansion valve or orifice tube.
Charge level and system pressures need checked.

Answer 3

The evaporator (the cooling part under the dash) may be freezing up. If you have a cabin that does not seal very well, the moisture in the air will condense and freeze and reduce both the air flow and the cooling.

Answer 4

Now I admit that I hate Corvettes, and that's something i could do precisely to entire one. i imagine contained in the 86 fashions the rear U joint is element of the rear suspension contributors. i recognize on before ones this failure could let the wheel flop inward or out ward dumping the vehicle on the pavement. So bypass for it, we want to get all those GM wannabees off the intense way!

Answer 5

Could be low on freon, have a dirty evaporator. Clutch could get hot and start slipping and not turn the compressor at full speed.

Answer 6

You should have the system recharged and looked at for leaks at the compressor and at all the hose clamps.