84 GN no A/C since.... 87?

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

I don't know if it's because I'm looking at 51 this yr or what but, I'm ready to try and fix the a/c in the gn. 1st thing though is to get the high fan selector on the dash to blow on high. I printed out the trouble shooting from Steve's site, and looks to be the high speed fan relay?? I just got one from NAPA and will give it a try, have my doubts since I bought one in OH at the Auto Zone and it didn't work(but I can't find the reciept to return it here in York). Once I get the high speed fan to work I will go on to step 2 which is install the $20 condensor I picked up at BPG used.


Chuck

[Steve Wood]

6.  Okay, assuming we now have the lower three speeds working, let's see about High speed.  When we put the fan speed switch on high, it sends power thru the orange wire to the relay which switches the relay so that voltage now comes from the fusible link to the relay and on to the blower motor.  Check the relay to see if there is battery voltage at the relay on the orange wire when the switch is on High.  If there is not, follow the orange wire back toward the inner fender and find the connector.  99.9% of the time, this connector is smoked and is no longer making a good connection.  Fix it if this is the case and you should have High speed.  If you had power at the relay, then check the red wire at the relay which comes from the fusible link to see if it has power.  If it does not, replace the fusible link.  If it does, change the relay.


Normally, it is the connector on the orange wire.....

[Steve Wood]

turn the key on, put blower switch on high. 

Check for voltage on the orange wire at the relay...if it is there, orange wire is good, if no voltage, fix the connector at the inner fender.

If orange wire is good, then check the red wire at the relay as it comes from the fusible link.  If it has voltage,

Change the relay.

If it does not have voltage, fix the fusible link

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

Well found a bad connection, the red wire from relay (no power) and the connector at the firewall(has power), while messing with that, not sure what happened, something shorted out, but now have 12 volts at relay with red wire(still want to replace the connector, I just bent the tab) and orange wire(always had 12 volts there). But no fan at all, I think it's the fuse went when the short happened. I will look at it again tomorrow, right now it's raining and my sons B-day is tomorrow. Thanks for the help Steve.


Chuck

[Steve Wood]

any time...hope your son has a great birthday

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

Fan motor was bad, I have all the speeds again, ashamed to say how many yrs it's been. Ok probably about 20, who cares anyway?


Condensor is in, just printed out the how to, "R134A Retrofit"  from "The Turbo Regal Web Site", looks like I need to replace a few things before I start.  A/C Accumulator... the one hose joint moves... thinking hose set...


Going to try and pull a vacuum for shits and giggles right now.... no I never looked at a a/c system before...


Chuck

[Steve Wood]

20 years goes by fast

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

Yes they do, bought a a/c gage set and vacuum pump, 4 cans of 134a and 1 can of oil.
I got the gage set out and said, hmm better do some reading.... then put the inner cooler pipes back on and buttoned everything back up. Ready to get a shower and call it a day.
I almost put the fan on upside down but it was idiot proof, wouldn't fit that way, don't tell anyone...
I wonder where I can get a set of a/c line from, I'll wait and see if they will hold a vacuum or not 1st...


Chuck

[Steve Wood]

I bet I can make it go on upside down!

[SuperSix]

On the lines, I plan to take mine to a hose/line shop and get the rubber bits replaced...

I don't think "new" lines are available anymore, and even if they were, how old are they?

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

True, I read somewhere that I should just replace the lines, but I keep thinking of Steve's advice, don't throw money at it.... but it's my mental therapy...


Chuck

[SuperSix]

Pull a vacuum, and see how long it holds it. You may be just fine!

[SuperSix]

I loaded up on freon at Big lots again - $8/can... I will need it when I retrofit both 87's..

[84 BuickGNYorkPA]

That's what I'll do... after I figure out how to hook it up...

[Pyro6]

If you run into trouble, come over to the shop. I'm bored already anyway.