1. Collision Procedures

Whenever a car equipped with 1953 Buick Air Conditioner is involved in a collision or wreck, it should be inspected as soon as possible by a competent automobile 1953 Buick air conditioning serviceman.

Prolonged exposure of any part of the 1953 Buick Air Conditioner system to atmosphere results in the entrance of air, moisture and dirt. This, as we all know now, causes internal damage which cannot readily be seen.

The following steps should be taken:

  1. Remove the drive belts; cut them off, if necessary. Install “winter” belts.
  2. Close both the “high” and “low” side shut off valves at the compressor.
  3. lnspect the condenser, receiver, compressor, mounting brackets, dehydrator-filter, conditioning unit, all connecting lines, and all controls to determine the extent and nature of damage.
    1. Because of the construction of the con­ denser, no repairs should be attempted such as soldering, welding or brazing. If the vapor passages in the horizontal tubes or return headers or manifolds have been damaged in any way, the condenser should be replaced with a new one.
    2. The receiver should be replaced if there is any evidence of its having sustained sufficient damage to fracture any of the welded joints.
      It should also be replaced if it is damaged so as to disturb the internal liquid tube outlet, which extends nearly to the bottom of the receiver shell.
    3. The compressor should be removed from the mounting brackets and tested by “turning over” the shaft by hand. Examine the pulley before using to be sure there are no cracks. It may be possible to re-use the compressor, if it does not show evidence of external damage and shows nor­ mal reaction when the shaft is “turned over” by hand, and provided the following steps are first performed:
  • Release any pressure remaining in the compressor.
  • Remove the high pressure relief valve.
  • Pour out the oil into a clean glass container and examine it for any foreign substance such as dirt, metal particles, etc. If any of these are present, the compressor should be replaced.
  • If the oil is clean and free of any harmful substances, replace the oil with 16 ounces of 525 viscosity Frigidaire oil.
  • Evacuate the compressor by following the Evacuating Procedure. Introduce Freon-12 vapor at cylinder (room) temperature and pressure. Leak test all fittings, connections, and give special attention to the shaft seal to make certain it does not leak.
  1. The dehydrator-filter should be replaced if any lines were broken or the system was ex­ posed to the atmosphere for an undetermined period of time.
  2. The conditioning unit in the trunk space should be examined for damage if the wreck involved the rear or either side of the car. It may be necessary to remove and replace or process the entire unit if it has been damaged or exposed to the atmosphere.
  3. All connecting lines and flexible joints should be examined throughout their entire length for damage. If they are damaged in any manner, replace them with new lines. Do not attempt any straightening or repairing.
  4. Check all controls and connecting wires for damage, replace with new parts where needed.

The extent of damage to any or all of the components and the length of time the system has been exposed to the atmosphere will deter­ mine the replacement of parts and processing that will be required.

The greater the length of time that the sys­ tem has been exposed to atmosphere, the greater will be the chances for air, moisture, and dirt to enter and damage the system.

Every case may be entirely different so it is not possible to establish a hard and fast procedure to follow each time. Good practices and good judgment must be used to determine just what steps should be taken in each specific instance.

New parts should be used wherever needed so as to be assured of the proper operation of the system.

  1. Checking a New Air Conditioned Car

Upon receiving a new 1953 Buick Air Conditioner equipment, the following checks are important and should be followed:

  1. Check to see that the low pressure and high pressure hand shut-off valves are open. Also the receiver valve being open.
  2. Check to see that compressor belts are in­ stalled properly. Short belts during the winter season and Ionger belts (over compressor pulley) during air conditioning season. When Ionger belts are in place, check for proper belt tension which is 3/8″ deflection between the water pump and compressor pulleys.
    NOTE: The compressor belts are selected in pairs and must be replaced as such.
  3. Operate unit with air conditioning switch “ON” for ten minutes at an engine R.P.M. of 1600-1700 and observe cooling effect at the outlets-make necessary corrections.
  4. Check sight glass to see if unit has sufficient “Freon-12” charge.
  5. Leak test complete installation if there is evidence of “Freon-12” leaks. Determine leak and make necessary repairs.
  6. If there is evidence of oil leak, check compressor to see if unit has proper oil charge. Otherwise, do not open system.
  7. Check solenoid valve to see if it will open and close by operating the control “On and Off” switch (with ignition “ON”).
  8. Check conditioning unit blowers to see whether they are operating and running in correct directions.
  1. Preparation for Continuous Cold Weather Operation

When cooler weather sets in and temperatures are expected to remain below 45° above zero, the following procedure should be under­ taken:

  1. Remove compressor belts and install winter driving fan belts.
  2. Close outside air intake ducts.
  1. Preparation for Warm Weather Operation

To start the air conditioning unit when season calls for more cooling, proceed as follows:

  1. Check all parts of unit for trace of oil, which might indicate a leak.
  2. Install compressor belts and check for proper belt tension.
  3. Operate unit for ten minutes at 1600-1700 engine R.P.M.
  4. Check sight glass to see if unit has sufficient “Freon-12” charge.
  5. Leak test complete installation.
  6. If leak is found, check compressor to see if unit has proper oil charge.
  7. Check solenoid valve to see if it will open and close by operating the “On and Off” switch.
  8. Open outside air intake ducts.
  9. Check conditioning unit blowers for correct operation.
  10. Check the conditioning unit outlet air temperature differential with the “outside” temperature.
  1. 1,000 and 2,000 Mile Inspections

Make the following checks at 1,000 and 2,000 mile car inspections:

  1. Check unit for any indication of leaks.
  2. Check sight glass for proper charge of “Freon-12.” This should only be done after running unit for ten minutes with an engine R.P.M. of 1600-1700.
  3. If there is an indication of an oil leak, check compressor for proper oil charge.
  4. Tighten compressor bracket and check belt tension.
  1. Care of the Vacuum Pump

The vacuum pump should be a part of every servicing dealer’s equipment. It has been de­ signed for the purpose of evacuating air from refrigeration installations which are being prepared for refrigerant charge.

The vacuum pump is compact and complete.

It consists of the efficient Meter-Miser unit, starting relay, capacitor, extension cord, connection for gauge, and a handle for ease in carrying.

Since this pump is light in weight and port­ able, it is adaptable to many uses, either in the shop or on the user’s premises.

The following are precautions to be observed in the use of the rotary vacuum pump:

  1. Check oil Ievel frequently, by use of the “high” and “low” screws on the side of the pump. The oil Ievel should never be above the top screw nor below the bottom screw.
  2. Change oil every 250 hours of pump operation. The oil should be drained from the pump by removing the pump top and laying the pump on its side with the discharge oil trap “up.” Hold the rotor firmly in position to prevent its coming out while draining the oil.
    CAUTION: Should the rotor and eccentric come out of position, it will be necessary to exercise extreme care to insure proper replacement and prevent damage to the pump. Grasp the rotor in the finger holes and slowly rotate the rotor until the eccentric is properly aligned and allow the rotor and eccentric assembly to drop gently into place. Should the rotor tend to bind, do not force it into position. Refill the pump with 28 oz. of Frigidaire 75 viscosity oil. This oil is available through Kent-Moore Org. under Frigidaire No. 5416935.
  3. DO NOT USE AS AN AIR COMPRESSOR, because the pump will not be properly lubricated under such usage.
  4. KEEP SUCTION AND DISCHARGE FITTINGS CAPPED when not in use. It is suggested that a small amount of 75 viscosity oil be drawn into the pump to insure protection of internal parts during periods of disuse.
    NOTE : lf pump should /ail to start and it is determined there is current up to the unit, remove the top and turn the rotor by hand to relieve a possible temporary stuck condition. Naturally, make certain the electrical line is not plugged in during this check.
  1. Preparation for Moving the Engine

Should it be necessary to remove the engine from any of its mountings the “High” and “Low lines out of the air conditioning compressor must be removed. Proceed as follows in removing the lines:

  1. Remove the protective caps and shut off the high and low pressure valves at the compressor.
  2. Loosen the bolts on the hand shut-off valves on the compressor about 5/16″, then tap the valve out to free it from the “0” ring and flange opening. The valve should come back firmly against the bottom of the holt heads.
  3. A momentary release of vapor should be expected as the “0” ring leaves the boss on the casting. If vapor continues to escape, it would indicate one of two things: either the shut off valve is not tight or the spring loaded automatic valve in the body is not seating properly. In the latter case purge the compressor body at the high side gage connection by use of a gage adapter or suitable tool.
  4. Complete the removal of bolts and valves from the compressor. Protect the openings in the compressor and the hand shut off valves. (Clean aluminum foil is suggested.)
  5. Upon reinstallation use new “0” rings and valve flange gaskets.
  6. For easier installation apply Frigidaire oil to the “0” rings and gaskets before fitting the valves into the sleeves in the compressor.
  7. After securing in place open the shut off valves, then cap.
  1. 1953 Buick Air Conditioner Serial Numbers

Serial numbers are affixed to three components of the 1953 Buick air conditioning unit.

Whenever it becomes necessary to replace or report on these parts, a reference should be made to their respective number.

Positions and numbers are given as follows:

  1. The serial plate on the air conditioning compressor started with the following number, 10MB001, located on the upper portion of the shell between the “high” and “low” connections for the test gages.
  2. The serial plate on the cooling unit was located on the end plate until No. 10QB504, when it was changed to outside front and center of duct assembly.
  3. The serial plate on the condenser started with the following number, 10PB001, located on the liquid outlet end of condenser assembly.