Hi-
I have an 86 245 that I bought from the 2nd owner last fall. He said he didn't know why the AC didn't work, but pointed out that the reciever/dryer had been unplugged. I've been happy with the car all winter long, but summer in Philadelphia is fast approaching, so today I panicked and tried to learn about my car's AC system. I came away with a few questions.

1. I plugged in the reciever/dryer and turned on the AC, and the idle speed went up a little. Does this mean that the compressor is working? Does this indicate that there's some coolant in the system?

2. The owner's manual indicated that I would be taking my life in my own hands if I opened any part of the system myself, and should have a mechanic do that part. I would think that if the AC hasn't been running for >5 years (as the previous owner states), most/all of the coolant would be gone and this wouldn't be an issue. Should I have someone else drain the system if I think there's some R12 left?

3. I know that condensation leaking into the passenger footwell can be a problem with these systems. I stuck my head under the passenger side dash, and saw a pipe covered in suspicious tarry waterproofing material. After removing some trim, I saw that there was quite a bit of A/C hardware that someone had plastered with layers of gummy, tarry crap in what I can only assume was an attempt to stop a leak. After cleaning most of it off, I identified the expansion valve, which looks moderately corroded. Below this is a U-shaped piece of copper tubing that is also corroded. Does this have a name?

Basically, I'm going to wait for a warm day to see if anything works. If it does, I know I'll have to address the leak/corrosion near the passenger footwell. How do I do this? Will I have to yank the compressor? I don't plan to charge the system myself, but I would like to do the rest. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kurt