So..I go to get my 65 Barracuda A/C charged....
Early "A" bodies did not use a EPR valve in the rear of the compressor. That is why there is not service port on the line. You use the service port on the compressor head to check low side pressure, and for charging.
I'm more confused now, but perhaps confusion leads to solutions. Here's why I'm confused and I must admit, automotive A/C is not one of my strong points....I'm 70 and still learning about cars. My experience with auto A/C is limited to work I've done on my 66 and 67 Chargers. Both of those cars have the low side charge point on the rear suction fitting.
This 65 Barracuda is my first A-body endeavor/restoration and the some lessons have come hard simply because It didn't have experience or prior knowledge concerning these cars. It didn't help matters that the car was missing several original A/C parts when I got the car. Having said that, when the automotive A/C expert technician told me I was missing something on my car, (the low side charge valve) I assumed he was correct. NOTE...he is not an early A-body expert..obviously.
He told me to get the correct fitting that had the Shrader valve, and oh..yeah, your rebuilt compressor is missing the EPR valve. The A/C won't work without it.
Here's what I have now learned...my A/C setup is factory correct. The A-body cars did not have the Shrader valve on the low side rear compressor fitting like the B-bodies. The factory service unfortunately fails to mention this little important detail. (at least it would be important to me in my quest to understand how to charge the damn system) Instead, the manual give a lengthy explaination about recharging a system that has the valve located in the rear fitting...etc.
The bottom line....the system is correct. However I was convinced the proper solution was to tap and insert a Shrader valve in the rear fitting, install the EPR valve, charge the system with R-134 and have cool air.
Now I'm not so sure...If Charlie is correct, I should not do any of these....What I really need to know is this: If I leave the system as is, how does one charge the system...with the compressor turning or not turning. I guess if not running, then the coolant would have to be by weight.
Or should I tap the 1/8" pipe thread and install a Shrader valve in the rear fitting, put in an EPR valve and go for a charge like other systems. Wouild this solution would allow me to "refresh the 134 occasionly as needed" using the readily available parts store 134 kits?
Warning....I only stay confused for a limited time before I act....something is going to happen right or wrong. I do not want to end the long hot summer without trying my A/C.
Thanks for all the advice.
P
