The air conditioner system in your 1997 Chevy Z71 should be cleaned and the filter replaced annually. This service and more complex repairs should be performed by a qualified service technician who is certified by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS). Understanding the components, specifications and potential problems of the air conditioning unit can help you keep it running at an optimum level for the life of your Chevy.
The air conditioner compressor has a natural finish, a 4-groove belt and clutch. The compressor bearing is 1.573 inches in interior diameter and 2.441 inches in exterior diameter and is sealed on both sides. Compressors from 1997 and prior had 6 grooves. The compressor can cause a timing belt to slip and squeal, but air conditioning problems are rarely traced to the compressor. The compressor runs hot and pumps refrigerant through your air conditioning system and must be adequately lubricated with oil designed for 1997 Chevy Z71 air conditioners. Low or contaminated refrigerant, bad relays, fuses, wiring, switches or the control module can also cause your compressor to malfunction.
The condenser in a 1997 Z71 is the parallel type with an aluminum body. The condenser collects filth and oil out of the refrigerant from the compressor through the expansion valve. Sludge can block the expansion valve and if oil cannot flow through the condenser, the compressor does not receive oil and overheats. If the condenser is dirty, flushing the compressor moves sludge through the system. Parallel flow air conditioners are difficult to flush because many tubes are attached to them.
The vented blower motor for the Chevrolet Z71 is 3.25 inches in diameter, 4.31 inches in length, has a 1.31 inch long shaft and requires 12 volts of power. The motor rotates clockwise with the wheel and has one terminal. An inoperative blower motor and fan will cause your compressor to disengage. Your vehicle may have two fans. The main cooling fan is near the radiator and another fan is near the condenser. Both fans operate while your air conditioner is on. If the fans do not operate properly, the compressor may overheat and fail, causing your car's engine to run hot or overheat.
