Comfortron AC trouble shooting

[Norman Silverman]

OK, here we go.....

I got the book to troubleshoot the system. INDISPENSABLE to this effort. 

As I do a cursory exam, I see that the AC RECIRC SOLENOID is Cracked (the WHITE one in the engine compartment coming out of the HVAC body with two vacuum hoses on it). I tried to patch it up (cracked all around the base), but it does not look like it will hold. 

PLEASE TELL ME THAT REPLACING THIS PART IS NOT AS DIFFICULT AS I THINK IT IS, But I think it is a bear to do....

Norm

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Did you test the valve to see if it hold vacuum now
You can just suck on it to see if it holds or leaks air or use a vacuum tool
If the valves diaphram is good and holds vacuum an external repair may work

If the valve leaks the heater motor box will have to be removed to replace the valve
I will be doing that repair myself in a short time

Enjoy

[Norman Silverman]

So after looking at what it will take to replace the Recirc vacuum solenoid, I tried something that I hope will work to seal it up (it is broken about 270 degrees around where the cover attaches to the base): I masked everything off and used "Flex Seal" rubber sealant. We'll see. 

Meanwhile, I think I have narrowed down my problem to the valve body on the control unit on the left of the dash. I may try to remove it and follow the instructions in the book to re-invigorate the operation of the valve. 

The heater/ AC door is not moving (vacuum supplied by control unit, not power servo) so either the vacuum solenoid on the plenum is bad or the control unit is bad-or both. 

Will someone please tell me that the AC/HEATER door Vacuum solenoid is not located where I think it is: Inside the heater/ac plenum???? 

Thanks

Norm

[Norman Silverman]

Since a good deal of work is done under the dash, is it just easier to remove the dash top to be able to access everything more easily?

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Comfort control repair -- will pull up a lot of info on the subject and Clovis's thread

Enjoy

[Tony and Ginny 429]

A good deal of work is done under the dash in very strange poitions that use muscles you forgot you had -- but real nice having that system up and running --to help maximise the enjoyment of your exotic Claasic Antique Cadillac
Removing the front seat and pushing it back does help me get in there

I have aquired all the parts and will be pulling my entire system out replacing all parts required over the next two - three months
A big project for me at my age but looking forward to having the system working correctly

Clovis - Thanks for posting and sharing your comfort control info with the group
You have inspired me to -- Jump Right in - and Get Her Done ! ( Soon )

Enjoy

[Norman Silverman]

Thanks. I'll look for Clovis' writings. At this age I can spend more easily than I can bend, so if I have to be a contortionist to do this repair, I'll look for a pro. I have the book on Comfortron and it is pretty complete and simple to follow. 

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Mostly that part needs to hold vacuum ( a vacuum valve )
The biggest problem is once you get into the comfort control system in most cases you will need to be spending 800-1000 dollars --on parts to be replaced --doing the job yourself -with some understanding what must be done first and the skills to get that done
Yes --bringing this system back to life with very old parts to make it reliable again will take some doing for the mechanically inclined among us

A genteman named --Clovis --has written a thread on this site that is extremely helpful in getting an understanding of what must be done the costs involved ( where to located the parts needed ) and may give you the encouragement you just need to attack the task


There is a -Search engine -on the top of the home page to access the library here

Enjoy