Looking to fix my AC

[norville]

Hello All, I have an 86 with factory air that the PO tossed the hoses and pump when the LS swap was butchered in. what can I do do get this working again that somewhat thrifty.. trying to stay under $500ish

I was thinking new factory parts; A 1994 pump that's already setup for serpentine belt and a high mount bracket from Ebay . AC unit hose adapters to the original lines?? I know I'll need a pressure switch to work my electric fans, not sure how this works.

I will not be using the ECM to control the AC. I need to run this off the factory wiring.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...17507&jsn=1024


Any help or direction would be great.

[RustyPile]

Although they will probably work, I don't recommend adaptors for the hoses. Just another place for a leak to develop. Have all new hoses made up to fit properly.

There are two approaches for fan operation in conjunction with an AC system.. One is to use the compressor signal wire to also engage a relay for the fan.. This method cycles the fan along with the compressor regardless of freon pressure.. A better method is to install a pressure switch in the high pressure freon line between the compressor and condenser.. Set the switch to close when freon pressure exceeds about 200 - 225 lbs. At highway speeds the air moving across the condenser will maintain freon pressure below the switch setting, and the fan will remain off.

[norville]

Thanks, that's makes sense and my fans are relayed.

Is the 94 AC unit the correct style or is there a better way to get a serpentine pulley on an AC unit that is plug and play with my lines?

[norville]

I think I saw an sensor adapter that stacks on top of the high side schrader valve..

[norville]

Looking on rock auto, I can get an 89 AC compressor and dryer ect plus the hoses for a reasonable price. It has the 6 rib pancake style compressor does anyone know if this will all bolt together?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by norville

Looking on rock auto, I can get an 89 AC compressor and dryer ect plus the hoses for a reasonable price. It has the 6 rib pancake style compressor does anyone know if this will all bolt together?

Using your own terminology, you stated you have a "butchered in" LS swap.. The '89 model year was pre-LS engines, so I doubt any non-LS application will be a simple bolt-in application.. My suggestion about the hoses still stands.. Get a compressor dated for your LS accessory bracket(s). And then have hoses custom made. Remember, you're mating components from a "modern era" to components designed and manufactured in the '80s...

[LeesTruk]

Norville, I'm doing a similar swap as you, but in an '89 c1500. Also using the R4 compressor and stock wiring. I'm using an ebay purchased mount to put the compressor in the same position as the stock '89 unit so that the stock (but new) lines can be utilized. Make sure you flush your system thoroughly before recharging, and replace all the o-rings. The kit you showed should provide you with all that you need.

Several years ago, I put an LS into an '80 C10 and used the stock , down low, LS AC compressor. I used Tejas Steelworks mounts to move the engine far enough forward to use the compressor without having to cut the frame for fitment, but it also required custom hoses and manifold.

[norville]

Thank you all, this is what I was looking for.

[87chevy.com]

or get a factory LS compressor, it actually will bolt it on and not look out of place and get 2 simple lines made to fit.... or not..

[norville]

I didnt think the stock unit would fit in my frame. I don't have one here to try but multiple posts say it will not without cutting my frame.

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by norville

I didnt think the stock unit would fit in my frame. I don't have one here to try but multiple posts say it will not without cutting my frame.

Before the l83 6l80 upgrade in my 87, it had 5.3 4l60e and the compressor fit zero problem. I dont remember what i did exactly for ac lines, you can search my build... pretty sure i used generic adapters and just crimped ends to hose and bolted it all together. Bought the crimper as it was cheaper and easier to do it myself.... brazing aluminum ac lines is different. The suction line i did notch the frame, but more custom hose can avoid that... even then it was a quarter sized notch. Again, search my build threads to find the fitment pictures.

The l83 was tighter than LS and with my experiences i made it fit with plenty of room, even welded the notch back up

[norville]

It's up and running I did have to get a different hose set as my condenser fitting is a male unit and the one I posted above is for a female. I think I ended up with hoses for a mid 90's truck . It's not ideal but is working for now.

I'm using a trinanry switch to work the high/low pressure switch and the fans.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by norville

It's up and running I did have to get a different hose set as my condenser fitting is a male unit and the one I posted above is for a female. I think I ended up with hoses for a mid 90's truck . It's not ideal but is working for now.

I'm using a trinanry switch to work the high/low pressure switch and the fans.

Where did you install the trinary switch?

[norville]

I got it off Amazon, I think its the same switch from vintage air SW 4085C A/C trinary switch. it was $15