83 Hurst/Olds ,car came with factory air. got the car 10 years ago when I was 16. The AC at the time would blow mild air. I cut the belts off the compressor at the time because it was speed or bust at the time. The condensor was removed. I'm going to buy a new condensor so I can hook up the lines and close the system. The car has headers and it gets HOT in the summer. Suggestions on getting the factory air system working? Compressor still spins with no issue. Condensor to close, belt to drive compressor and then........? Any help would be great.

Thanks -Adam, PA Car #781

 

I'm guessing that it isn't the compressor that "spins", it's the pulley on the compressor clutch. That's meaningless as far as measuring compressor functionality. More to the point, if the system has been open this long, it's HIGHLY unlikely that the compressor will work for any length of time. Moisture has gotten in the system and will cause damage. I'm also betting that since the compressor itself hasn't been turning in ten years, the seals are shot. Spring for a rebuilt compressor at a minimum, as well as a new orifice tube and dryer. Once you get everything connected and closed, run a vacuum pump on the system for an hour or so to get ALL residual moisture out of the remaining parts, THEN add lube and freon.