I've got an 83 elky, its in great shape, minus the AC. I ran out of my supply of R12 a few years ago so changed it to R134, and the leak just got worse. Its to the point where it leaks out in a few weeks now, and it just isnt a benefit to pay to fill it up anymore. This is a long term car, so im thinking a total revamp of the AC system may be in order. I cannot for the life of me find the leak in the system.

I hate taking my baby into the shop to have a "professional" look at it, it always seems to come back more broke then when i brought it in on my other vehicles. Any friends in Virginia (richmond/blacksburg/nova) i frequent those areas a lot.

Is there an option out there for a TOTAL replacement of the system? about what does it run?

Like others here i've had some horrid problems with my air flow being slow. I'll have to check on those vaccum lines...but i am fairly certain they are all good and dandy.

Thanks in advance guys!

put a can of leak detector into the system and then look for the red dye marks to find the leak. If you just charge it and never check for leaks, you are throwing your money away.

I hate taking my baby into the shop to have a "professional" look at it, it always seems to come back more broke then when i brought it in on my other vehicles. Any friends in Virginia (richmond/blacksburg/nova) i frequent those areas a lot.


Well, unfortunately, there are many so-called "professionals" out there, but then again, there are lots of real professionals too.
As the old adage says, "If you want a steak, don't go to the burger joint."
What I'm leading to is this, I specialize in auto a/c and electrical repair. I charge $32.50 to performance and leak check an a/c system, and I guarantee if your system is leaking I will find it. I get many cars every summer that have been through the ringer at other shops and I understand your frustration. Find a local auto a/c shop in your area, call the BBB and see if they have any complaints...if they don't, then have them check your system...it's cheaper than guessing.

Is there an option out there for a TOTAL replacement of the system? about what does it run?


It would be cheaper to fix whatever the problem is....believe me.

If the refrigerant is leaking out in just a few weeks, and assuming you are also adding oil when adding refrigerant, the leak should be visible...just look for oil along the hoses, crimps and fittings. Check all around and underneath the compresser and inspect the condenser. If these are all dry of oil, chances are it's the evaporator core.

I have a similar problem and I believe the leak is in the evaporator core. I'm not familiar with these HVAC units. I have more experience with Mopar units. Do you have to pull the dash out to get to the evap. core on these Chevys, or is it removeable from the engine compartment?

I have a new dash cover on the way and I don't want to install it if the dash will have to be pulled to replace the evap. core.

I have a similar problem and I believe the leak is in the evaporator core. I'm not familiar with these HVAC units. I have more experience with Mopar units. Do you have to pull the dash out to get to the evap. core on these Chevys, or is it removeable from the engine compartment?

I have a new dash cover on the way and I don't want to install it if the dash will have to be pulled to replace the evap. core.

What year?

1981 El Camino

Your airflow being slow could be caused by a clogged evaporator. Mold and dust form a barrier that prevents the air from flowing. There are sprays available to kill the mold, but my experience with them is not good. I usually replace the evaporator.

you can always go with a vintage air unit thats what i plan on doing in the future

There should be no good reason why you can't fix the AC system in your car. Changing the system to a Vintage Air or any other retrofit doesn't make sense. General Motors made millions of AC systems almost identical to the AC in your Elky.

I have installed countless Vintage Air units in vehicles and have learned a very important lesson.....don't use VA. Too many other companies build supperior units. Also, fix what's there, a VA unit will never out perform what you already have.

I have installed countless Vintage Air units in vehicles and have learned a very important lesson.....don't use VA. Too many other companies build supperior units. Also, fix what's there, a VA unit will never out perform what you already have.
I know this was posted in 2004 but glad I took these steps, Having to replace my evaporator core and since it's a 1980 it's best to replace the heater core also and the accumulator. I've ordered it all through the El Camino Store since I read some different reviews on the outfit in Az. Michael