AC compressor on a 72 k10

[Michael D]

The AC compressor appears to have failed, squealing when ever turned on. I have checked and tightened, replaced and retightened the belt too many times for that to be the issue.
My question is what are my options to get the AC working again here in Arizona?
I know ZERO about AC systems. Trying to find a similar compressor as shown is another issue but is this type capable of running R132. I was told by the previous own it is running R12.
Its been over 100 degrees here everyday so driving the truck is not an option until I get this fixed.
K10 350 / 350TH

[leddzepp]

I have been down this road before. If you are keeping a factory system with factory components stay with r12. Switching to r134 your system will not cool, especially in Havasu. If you want r134 you will need at a minimum to change your condenser to a parallel flow style.

[Michael D]

ok, so if I went to an AC shop can R12 be used or is it something Id have to try to figure out and do on my own?
thanks BTW

[jeffahart]

I put this in(link below) a couple years ago. I finally gave up on the stock replacements. I use R134a. I ran the truck when it was 117 here a few days ago. After awhile it gets so cold you cant stand it. I used this on the recommendation of Ledzepp. but I do use the R134a conversion. Parts above is all I did for the conversion, besides the fittings for the High/low ports. Take this link to an AC shop. They can evac and install. You will have cold air.

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...3_246189_34477

Good luck!
j

[Michael D]

thanks for the link. I' need to find a tech I trust to use everything I would buy but that is another issue, lol.

[leddzepp]

Use the kit Jeff linked above. I used it on my 68 3 years ago and AC is still blowing cold. The newer style compressor is far more efficient than the original A6 and will fit your factory hoses and brackets. I also agree that you should take it to a shop if you’ve never worked on AC. I do my AC work on all of my vehicles old and new, have all the proper tools and a stockpile of r12 and r134 to use for whatever the system calls for. Good luck, it’s hotter in Havasu than here in SoCal!

[derotoreut]

I have a 132a converted compressor that I used on my 70 K10 with no problems whatsoever. I'm selling the entire factory AC system in the classifieds http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=811212. However not really interested in breaking up the system though at this time. Good luck.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by Michael D

The AC compressor appears to have failed, squealing when ever turned on. I have checked and tightened, replaced and retightened the belt too many times for that to be the issue.
My question is what are my options to get the AC working again here in Arizona?
I know ZERO about AC systems. Trying to find a similar compressor as shown is another issue but is this type capable of running R132. I was told by the previous own it is running R12.
Its been over 100 degrees here everyday so driving the truck is not an option until I get this fixed.
K10 350 / 350TH

Before you go replacing stuff, try getting the AC belt tight. When you think it is tight, make it tighter. When I converted to R134a my 390 pound gorilla buddy happened to be over. I had him lean on the pry bar and the squeal went away.

If that fails, that kit is attractive. For another $100 for a vacuum pump at Harbor Fright you can do the swap yourself. I used cheap hardware store paint thinner to clean my condenser and lines. It looks like that kit has all the rest of the stuff. Back in the day we cracked open the line by the POA and let the R12 out - but this is now illegal. Once the system is open, you can put the paint thinner in the lines and blow it out with compressed air. Bolt everything together, evacuate the system with the vacuum pump. At -30" Hg the water in the atmosphere that got trapped in your lines will boil out. Turn the pump off and leave it for 20-30 minutes. If the same negative reading is on your gauges, fill it with R134a and you're done.

If it doesn't hold that negative pressure, you got a leak. Tighten everything again and evacuate again.