C6 Corvette AC Issue

Last Post

08/11/2020 10:38 pm

Topic starter

2006, Corvette (Base), 125,567 miles. (Bought new, replaced radiator 5 years ago)

Hi Scotty - good luck in Tennessee! On to the question - I have a 2006 C6 Corvette with 126k miles. It has always been in Florida and the AC has never been serviced. Last year it went from blowing cold to just blowing hot. I was planning to get the system checked when I saw the compressor was not working. I do know there are a bunch of things which can cause that but where's the best place to start? I do know someone who will put in a new compressor(with clutch) for me if I pick that up but that's a short window. (He will only be in town for a few days.) I completely trust him so my question is, are the odds good that the compressor and or clutch are fried and in need of replacement? And if not, given the fact it's 15 years old and in Florida, should I just replace it anyway and hope that is what the problem was? It's a bit of a crapshoot but what would you recommend?

Show less

Football31

(@football31)

New Member

| 4Posts
1 0 2

2 Answers

08/11/2020 10:50 pm

Those compressors weep a lil bit of fluid to keep them lubricated and once that stop they dry out and burn out. They shouldn't be that expensive to just get a new one but if you want to try your luck rebuilding it and you trust the guy it's worth a shot.

Jacksonishere

(@jacksonishere)

Famed Member

| 761Posts
3 642 116

@jacksonishere
Good to know! Its only about $275 for s new compressor with clutch so it may be worth replacing that anyway...? Its a Florida car so its been on and active 90% of the time driving it (since 2005). If I do that, what else (if anything) should I replace at the same time? I'm not knowledgable on this stuff but I want to take advantage of the guy who will replace all this for me and at very reasonable price (a friend of a friend type thing...)

By Football31 Topic starter 09/11/2020 2:12 pm

You might as well just replace it then it's one less thing to worry about

By Jacksonishere 09/11/2020 4:09 pm

Add a comment

08/11/2020 11:19 pm

You might just be low on refrigerant. There is a low-pressure cutoff switch that will not permit the compressor to engage in order to prevent damage. If this is the case of course that would mean you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

If the compressor did in fact go bad you need to replace most other hard parts of the AC system due to debris that typically accompanies compressor failure.

I would hook up a gauge set and see how much static pressure is in the system. If empty or very low (like under 20 psi) that's your problem. You can also try to turn the compressor by hand by rotating the inner part of the clutch assembly. It should turn smoothly without grinding or other bad noises.

Chuck Tobias

(@chucktobias)

Member Moderator
20689Posts
14 14866 5602

@chucktobias
Thank you! Yes, it may just be low. I'm looking for a reputable place to go to to have it checked. I'm in Orlando and so far, the reviews of the places that do this (repair facilities) are not good.
Are there any national chains that do this (i.e. pep boys, autozone, etc.) ?

By Football31 Topic starter 09/11/2020 2:16 pm

Avoid national chains like the plague! Pep Boys is the worst, except maybe for Midas!!

Your best bet is to find a good local mechanic equipped to service air conditioning. Chances are that you have a leak that needs to be fixed and the system charged back up. Depending where the leak is, it might or might not cost a lot of money to fix but you can be guaranteed the big chains will rip you off six ways to Sunday. Ask local friends, neighbors, and family where they get their AC serviced.

By Chuck Tobias 09/11/2020 4:19 pm