1981 Corvette Air Conditioning

[Steven Shamblin]

So, on my vette, the air turns on and blows, but it blows hot. I did some research and found the car was on ebay and the previous owner stated the air worked, but the cable was broken. What could this mean, and what would fix the a/c on this car?

Thanks!

 

[bill81vette]

There is no cable,its vacuum operated...that said,if you have a factory service manual you can track down the problem to see if everything is working or it just needs a charge.
You should hear a hiss when the HVAC lever is moved.that would be your clue to if its vacuum or not.

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[Steven Shamblin]

Alright, I see I am going to need to go ahead and get a shop manual. Which one is the best for this car? I've seen mention of a few, might as well get the best one I can get from the get go.

 

[bpassmore]

The temp control, bottom lever, does have a cable to control the temp. Does the lower lever move? If it does when it is moved to ti's limits can you hear a "bump"indicating the temp door is moving.?

 

[Steven Shamblin]

The lower lever moves it entire range of movement. The top one doesn't however, wondering if this is one of the issues? I'll check and see if I can hear the clicking with the lower lever, thanks!

 

[bill81vette]

Alright, I see I am going to need to go ahead and get a shop manual. Which one is the best for this car? I've seen mention of a few, might as well get the best one I can get from the get go.

You want to get a 1981 factory service manual.it is the book that the gm mechanics would have used to diagnose and repair the vette.up:



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[Yoda]

You want to get a 1981 factory service manual.it is the book that the gm mechanics would have used to diagnose and repair the vette.up:



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Here is the manual number Bill is referring to: GM 1981 Shop Manual ST-364-81... Also the purchase an Assembly Manual. Both are needed if you plan to work on your '81 or learn more about it.

You can find them on Ebay... they just keep raising in price.. a few years ago you could buy one for $35 ~ $50 now they start at $50... :eek If you go to Ebay just type in the search "1981 Corvette Shop Manual" be sure it is the number I mentioned above... and don't be bashful about asking the selling if it is a REAL GM Shop Manual or a Reproduction... The original Shop Manual has Color Wiring Diagrams

Bud

 

[sd81]

The lower lever moves it entire range of movement. The top one doesn't however, wondering if this is one of the issues? I'll check and see if I can hear the clicking with the lower lever, thanks!

Hi Steven,
If the top lever doesn't move how do you know the AC is on?
I've just checked my car and I think you should remove the passenger side center console side. Behind there is the cable that operates the blend flap, look and see if it has come apart. I had a problem with my wifes '81 the temp control lever would not move all the way over to cold. When I checked it the adjustment turnbuckle had come undone and stopped the lever going all the way to the left. This is a good place to start.
Scott

 

[Steven Shamblin]

Should've been more clear, the top lever will move to the a/c settings, but not all the way to the "economy" side. Still thinking that checking the cables will be a great place to start!

 

[sd81]

Should've been more clear, the top lever will move to the a/c settings, but not all the way to the "economy" side. Still thinking that checking the cables will be a great place to start!

The upper slide is an electrical connection/vacuum and doesn't have a cable so if it doesn't move you have another issue. Look at the cable first and hopefully you can get it to blow cold.
I've just started a resto on my '81 and can access the heater controls easily as I've removed most of the interior, if you need photo's I should be able to help. I'm sure we can get your AC working properly.

 

[Steven Shamblin]

The upper slide is an electrical connection/vacuum and doesn't have a cable so if it doesn't move you have another issue. Look at the cable first and hopefully you can get it to blow cold.
I've just started a resto on my '81 and can access the heater controls easily as I've removed most of the interior, if you need photo's I should be able to help. I'm sure we can get your AC working properly.

Unfortunately, the corvette fixing will be put on hold as I have to travel to Colorado for 3 weeks for work. As soon as I get back, I plan on making this dude function as perfect as the car looks, drives, and runs!