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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Keller, TX (DFW)
Posts: 45
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AC Compressor Question
Simple question: How can I tell if my A6 compressor is good?
Detailed question: I'm going through the AC on my 72 c10 with all factory air. I've replaced all vacuum lines, cleaned out every orifice and everything appears to be functioning correctly. (compressor clutch kicks on, kick panel vent opens as designed, blowing through the correct vents, etc.) The system is still R12 and before I make the R12 investment ![]() I placed a set of gauges on the unit and while running both Hi and Low read zero. I also used a HVAC sniffer (very cool tool!) and found no leaks in the system. (I have a vacuum pump and will also pull a vacuum to see if I can identify a leak) Last question, any thoughts on a rebuilt A6 (RockAuto $140) vs a new Delco ($400) I understand the rebuilt A6 compressors tend to leak at the shaft because most have been rebuilt many times.
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"Life is too short to use cheap zip ties" 64 C10 SWB 71 C10 LWB 72 C10 LWB |
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#2 |
Custom Sport W/T
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tarpon Springs,Fl & Annapolis,Md. ....................Quaint drinking villages with a fishing problem
Posts: 898
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Re: AC Compressor Question
It may not be showing any signs of a leak because all of the the R-12 may have said "ADIOS"
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#3 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I would never buy an A6 again. Nothing but bad experiences with them. Look into a pro6ten from old air products. I used one several years ago on a 72 I owned, and plan on buying another when I rebuild the factory AC in my 68. The only reason my current 72 has an A6 is because it worked when I bought the truck, and when I pulled the truck apart for restoration I knew it would work when I recharged it. If and when it bites the dust I will use a pro6ten.
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 2,151
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Re: AC Compressor Question
If the compressor turns, you may not need a new one. Find and fix the source of your leak and then go from there. I would at least change the dryer if not the expansion valve too before I put it back together.
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
All the A6 comps leak from the shaft seal, new or reman. Even back in the day. The oil slinging onto a nicely detailed engine compartment is what guys really cant stand now days. People didn't care about that back then. That's a reason they had a wick installed to absorb some of that oil. But it needs to be changed when saturated or else the oil slinging will begin. Corvette guys love that oil on their fiberglass hoods, lol. There were even some shields that were used back then. A new a6 should have the wick installed but it should eventually start to sling oil after the wick gets saturated. The remans that ive seen haven't had the wick installed. The pro6ten does eliminate this issue. I have a shop and the guys ive sold those aluminum a6 replacements have all been pleased. and they are leass expensive than a new steel a6
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
But to help answer your question. Its a little difficult to test just the compressor while on the truck. Well at least for me anyways. I use to work for a company only does classic car a/c restoration and when we got a compressor in we would bench test it by putting it under load and check how well it sucked and pumped. I guess you could do that on the truck but you would have to disconnect the hoses from it
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vacaville CA
Posts: 490
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I've not had seal leaking problems with the A6, but will admit that it's a problem many hobbyists chase for years. I wonder if the newer replacement seal design is any better? I don't know because, as I said, mine doesn't leak!
Many guys swear by the A6 for it's primary responsibility: Compressing! It's good at that. It's also a HP user and there are certainly newer designs that are lighter and produce less drag. I'm stuck on the O.E. look, personally. Back to the OP's question: As already answered, I'd first interpret a "zero/zero" pressure reading as an empty system. I have a nitrogen bottle and do a test fill with the cheap nitrogen to check such things. Even a low pressure charge of N2 and will give you an indication of a pressure differential, indicating that the compressor is... compressing. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Yea nitrogen is the way to go when checking for leaks.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: AC Compressor Question
If you want an A6, get one from John Deere. They are rebuilt in the USA and last for years. I have yet to see one leak oil either.
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Vacaville CA
Posts: 490
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I've heard of the John Deere option but have not tried it. Can you just walk into the shop and ask for an A6 or do we need a part number?
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#11 |
Keep on Trucking
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Tryon, Ok.
Posts: 44
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Re: AC Compressor Question
You might find this helpful.http://aa1car.com/library/ac98.htm
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Townsend MT
Posts: 1,725
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Order it for a John Deere 4440 tractor or 8820 combine.
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Mesa AZ (Near Phoenix)
Posts: 2,302
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Re: AC Compressor Question
bump to find my way back. Gonna check those parts out.
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"Life is too short to drive a boring vehicle". Later, Wayne ![]() |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Keller, TX (DFW)
Posts: 45
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Re: AC Compressor Question - UPDATE
Thanks for all the great ideas.
I have found the source of the leak. A pinhole on the condenser near the hi side fitting. I found it with a Nitrogen charge plus soapy water. After 36 hours pressure went from 165 pounds to 80. The condenser is aluminum, I assume better to replace than repair?? Can someone suggest a good quality OEM style condenser? I've priced them between $65 (eBay) and +$200 (LMC). I also have a spare condenser that someone gave me. I'll pressure test that in the off chance it is good. Then flush... (suggestions on what to flush with?) Finally back to my original question, once I have non leaking system, how do I test my compressor to see if it is properly compressing. All I can tell at this point is that it is kicking on (clutch spinning) when it should. Concerned about the efficiency...
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"Life is too short to use cheap zip ties" 64 C10 SWB 71 C10 LWB 72 C10 LWB |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: pasadena,TEXAS
Posts: 880
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Subscribed
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1971 Cheyenne SWB 402BB, 700R4, 3.73 posi, PS, PB, A/C, Tilt, Tach "Wanda" Don't argue with idiots, People watching may not be able to tell the difference... There's someone in my head........But it's not me...... cheap tricks thread great info here!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Are you using r12 or 134a? If r12, then an oe style tube and fin condenser is fine. But if you are going with134a then you want to use a parallel flow condenser
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: pasadena,TEXAS
Posts: 880
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Where is the best place to get a parallel flow condenser?
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1971 Cheyenne SWB 402BB, 700R4, 3.73 posi, PS, PB, A/C, Tilt, Tach "Wanda" Don't argue with idiots, People watching may not be able to tell the difference... There's someone in my head........But it's not me...... cheap tricks thread great info here!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394 |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I am still trying to source a factory bolt in parallel flow cond. But for now if I had to use one I would simply buy a universal that is the same dimensions. I can make then factory drier and lines work with it. Ive made custom bolt in pf condensers for a 68 chevelle, 72 442( they have since started manufacturing one) and a 71 GTO.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
Posts: 3,852
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I installed this universal condenser (26x16) on my Suburban. I bought the largest one that would physically fit because I'm running front and rear air. I had to trim the latch support a little. I used the factory brackets with some spacers. Since the lines to not come out at a 90degree angle like the OE condenser, I had to extend the lines. I could have made the 3/8" line but I didn't have the tools for the 1/2" line. The welding isn't pretty but it's holding.
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
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#20 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
Quote:
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#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Upper Sandusky Ohio
Posts: 72
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I work on John Deere equipment, DO NOT get one from deere, expensive and it seems half of them leak out of the shaft seal before its even out of the box(they have a nitrogen charge from reman) If you want to get one for a Deere I recommend going through www.apairinc.com , they have good quality and cheaper than going though the John Deere dealer
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88 Crewcab Dually 5.9 Cummins, 5306 Eaton 6-speed, converted 4x4 w/52's up front, 90 front clip(parting out) 1986 ElCamino (needs motor) 1970 C30(future service truck for my ag-equipment repair business) 1970 CST10(parting out and partial donor for the '70 C30) 2000 GMC 1500 ext cab sb, z71, 5.3 loaded auto Last edited by 78customdeluxe; 07-26-2015 at 02:53 PM. Reason: wrong address |
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#22 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I believe old air products carries one that bolts in.
__________________
1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
I have seen some pics of it but not sure that's a pf condenser. It looks to have cylindrical tubes resembling the original tube and fin style, although smaller looking in diameter. Havent called them to confirm
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Euless, Tx
Posts: 431
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Re: AC Compressor Question
This is a direct fit parallel flow condenser just haven't been able to confirm who makes it. And Old Air Products does not look like this at all
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
Posts: 3,852
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Re: AC Compressor Question
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
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