JRG440

This sunday, I am buying a 1995 Caprice that is quite well optioned (caprice classic) and one of the main options is that it was equipped with the Tow Package. This gives the car a 140 amp alternator, cop rear suspension including 2.92 posi, trans and oil coolers, cop rear breaks, and automatic air leveler in the rear.

I've been looking for a Buick Roadmaster with this option for a long time, but never could find one. I know they were a rare option on the Roadmasters, but my question to those in the know, how rare was this option on the caprices?

Before anyone asks, I'm paying $2,000 for it, and it has 144,000 miles on all stock equipment, and it runs just as well as my 64,000 mile 1994 LT1 Roadmaster. All power options work, but needs a little help in the cosmetic department. Has hail damage, and can stand a re paint, plus has a A/C issue that I will sort out the moment I pull it in my driveway.

Anyone think this was a good buy?

WyrTwister

No idea if it is a good buy . What kind of A/C issue ?

God bless
Wyr

JRG440

Well, I wound up buying the car....and I am quite happy with how it runs and performs. I believe the AC is leaking out the evaporator core. I filled it up with UV dye and I don't see any evidence that it is leaking under the hood. So that leaves only one place.


I've already pulled out the access panel (drip pan) and replaced the bypassed heater core. I'm surprised how well buttoned up the evaporator core is, and I just didn't see the need to replace it right now considering we are late September, and summer is officially over next week. So, this will be a job for about March of 2016.

WyrTwister

Did the A/C still have a small amount of pressure inside ? Enough to prevent the entry of air & moisture ?

Our 91 caprice was a R12 system . Is your system R12 or R134a ? I converted ours to R134a . Also had to replace the R4 compressor , orifice tube & accumulator .

God bless
Wyr

JRG440

There was a tiny bit in the system yes. The capacity is 28 ounces and I put in 1 and 1/2 cans (12 oz.) in the system before it blew ice cold (I figured what the hell, nothing to loose) It kept a charge for about 2 weeks. I'm on can #2 now. I just am nursing it to the end of the season until the heater is required. Come March I'll dive into it seriously and get it fixed correctly.

JRG440

oh, and it's 134a

WyrTwister

Any evidence it is leaking around the front compressor seal ?

I have used the UV die & it helped . Wearing the yellow plastic glasses helped . Using the little UV flashlight , it worked best after several days . Trouble shooting worked best at night .

God bless
Wyr