A/C Compressor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75sierraclassic · 05-28-2010, 10:30 AM

My A/C compressor (axial log type) has been leaking oil out the shaft seal for about 4 years now. I have to top off the oil and refrigerant (r134) every summer. I'm to the point that I just want to buy a new compressor now. LMC Truck sells them for around $320 or I can get one from GM for $420. Anybody have experience with the LMC compressors or have a recommendation for a forum vendor who may sell one?

RandyP · 05-28-2010, 12:40 PM

Are the LMC ones remans or are they new aftermarket? I'd rather have a reman for something like that, or the new OE. Usually you can get remans from the dealers as well, saves a few $$.

gchemist · 05-28-2010, 02:56 PM

With compressors, I always go new. Rebuilds can last but in Texas heat, they don't last as long.

swb85 · 05-28-2010, 03:50 PM

I bought a reman from Oreily's 3yrs ago when I switched to r134a and it's still going strong....

Pyrotechnic · 05-28-2010, 04:01 PM

The problem is those old ones weren't built with R134a in mind. It's a smaller molecule and it requires tighter clearances to keep it in. Also, I had a brand new one of those compressors that slung oil..and that's with R12. Every truck I've seen with the log style compressor has that oil streak on the underside of the hood.

PRUNEDA · 05-28-2010, 04:19 PM

I've bought from an auto parts store and from the dealer. I've had better luck with the new dealer pump, if you know the GM part number you can check prices www.gmpartsdirect.com. You can also check at www.rockauto.com. I've ordered from both places and they have good prices and customer service.

tucsonjwt · 05-28-2010, 06:52 PM

All old style axial compressors I have had on my square bodies threw oil. My current one appears to be OEM Frigidare and is still working and not throwing a lot of oil - converted to 134A. When that current compressor finally dies, I am going to buy a replacement style. My local AC shop installed one just recently, so he does not know about long term durability, but he said it matched up with the pulleys and plugs corrrectly.
They call it an S6 compressor. I will look for a good internet price.
http://www.s6compressor.com/products.html

OleBlue79 · 05-28-2010, 11:16 PM

I just bought a remanned A6 compressor from OReilly's for $120.00. A new one was $400.00 with the same waranty.

75sierraclassic · 05-31-2010, 10:43 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. I've got hoses and and a vacuum pump, so I'm going to charge the system myself. With this capability, I may just try a cheap reman. If it dies in a year, its not too hard (or expensive) to replace it and recharge.

This leads to another question. I've been looking at upgrading to a serpentine system from a 90"s camaro or similar. Would this be better with the radial style compressor for 134a?

OleBlue79 · 06-01-2010, 09:51 AM

I honestly don't think it matters. The only benefit would be that the new axials are around the same price as a remanned A-6. If you convert to Serpentine you have have to get a water pump that rotates backwards form the one with the v-belts.

f.monroe · 06-01-2010, 12:02 PM

Search the web for a pro6ten . A sanden compressor designed to run on 134 and is suppose to be a bolt on replacement for the A-6.I am looking in to one if I can find a condensor for 134 that will fit my truck . I would like to replace both at the same time. Less than $400.

davepl · 08-25-2014, 07:55 PM

This is an old thread, but the closest to the topic I could find.

When you buy a reman compressor these days, it comes with oil in it (how much I don't know, but it sprayed when I took the plug out of the back to install the lines).

How would I know whether that oil is compatible with R-134a though?

Just call me Sean · 08-25-2014, 08:56 PM

Yes it's compatible.

**hatzie** · 08-25-2014, 09:25 PM

A/C oil is hygroscopic. The compressor has been on the shelf for several weeks at best.
I usually drain and refill with a known pedigree fresh and dry oil.

Just call me Sean · 08-25-2014, 10:07 PM

Every new compressor I've picked up was vacuum sealed, when I pulled the line caps it sucked air in. I seem to remember big labels saying "YOU MUST ADD OIL" on them though. I would at least drain it to see how much is in there.

gchemist · 08-26-2014, 07:29 AM

Hey, who's our contact for Vintage Air?? I received some $$$ for my birthday yesterday! I was thinking of spending the cash on a new Saden compressor. San Antonio is less than 1 hour drive to go get parts. I need a 508 with serpentine rear connection for straight bolt on.

**hatzie** · 08-26-2014, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Every new compressor I've picked up was vacuum sealed, when I pulled the line caps it sucked air in. I seem to remember big labels saying "YOU MUST ADD OIL" on them though. I would at least drain it to see how much is in there.

I'm just untrusting when it comes to parts that'll cost me a bunch of time and aggravation to replace.

davepl · 08-26-2014, 02:55 PM

Mine arrived under pressure, not vacuum. I know because it shot oil into my eyes when I uncapped it. The dryer was shipped under vacuum.

Anyway, I went out and pulled 29" of vacuum. A vacuum will pull any moisture (it lowers the boiling point well below room temp).

I did have a big "add oil" sticker, but there was some in it.

Just call me Sean · 08-26-2014, 03:38 PM

Yes they come with some in it, but not all. If it says add oil you'd better add oil.

MountainGoat1966 · 08-26-2014, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Yes they come with some in it, but not all. If it says add oil you'd better add oil.

If you add oil to the compressor, go through the vacuum and charge proceedure, where does the oil go so it isn't sitting in the cylinders as a liquid not a vapor as the compressor is designed to pump?

You can't compress a liquid.

I always understood the accumulator gets the oil, then when freon is charged, it picks up the oil to lube the compressor.

**hatzie** · 08-26-2014, 04:32 PM

Oil charge is roughly 1/2 the recommended oil charge in the dryer and 1/2 in the compressor. The big heavy '70s Harrison A6 "log" has an oil sump drain and fill plug. The Sanden does as well. You don't add oil through the intake port on either.
The '80s Harrison R4 is a different animal.
All this info should be in the GM service manuals except the Sanden compressor.

Just call me Sean · 08-26-2014, 04:55 PM

I always add the oil in one of the ports, haven't had any troubles with it. You do have to turn the compressor shaft a few times by hand after it's on to distribute the oil, so the oil doesn't make it lock up.

05-28-2010, 10:30 AM	#1
75sierraclassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 186	A/C Compressor My A/C compressor (axial log type) has been leaking oil out the shaft seal for about 4 years now. I have to top off the oil and refrigerant (r134) every summer. I'm to the point that I just want to buy a new compressor now. LMC Truck sells them for around $320 or I can get one from GM for $420. Anybody have experience with the LMC compressors or have a recommendation for a forum vendor who may sell one?

05-28-2010, 12:40 PM	#2
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: A/C Compressor Are the LMC ones remans or are they new aftermarket? I'd rather have a reman for something like that, or the new OE. Usually you can get remans from the dealers as well, saves a few $$.

05-28-2010, 02:56 PM	#3
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: A/C Compressor With compressors, I always go new. Rebuilds can last but in Texas heat, they don't last as long. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

05-28-2010, 03:50 PM	#4
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: A/C Compressor I bought a reman from Oreily's 3yrs ago when I switched to r134a and it's still going strong.... __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

05-28-2010, 04:01 PM	#5
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: A/C Compressor The problem is those old ones weren't built with R134a in mind. It's a smaller molecule and it requires tighter clearances to keep it in. Also, I had a brand new one of those compressors that slung oil..and that's with R12. Every truck I've seen with the log style compressor has that oil streak on the underside of the hood. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

05-28-2010, 04:19 PM	#6
PRUNEDA '87 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 632	Re: A/C Compressor I've bought from an auto parts store and from the dealer. I've had better luck with the new dealer pump, if you know the GM part number you can check prices www.gmpartsdirect.com. You can also check at www.rockauto.com. I've ordered from both places and they have good prices and customer service.

05-28-2010, 06:52 PM	#7
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: A/C Compressor All old style axial compressors I have had on my square bodies threw oil. My current one appears to be OEM Frigidare and is still working and not throwing a lot of oil - converted to 134A. When that current compressor finally dies, I am going to buy a replacement style. My local AC shop installed one just recently, so he does not know about long term durability, but he said it matched up with the pulleys and plugs corrrectly. They call it an S6 compressor. I will look for a good internet price. http://www.s6compressor.com/products.html

05-28-2010, 11:16 PM	#8
OleBlue79 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 127	Re: A/C Compressor I just bought a remanned A6 compressor from OReilly's for $120.00. A new one was $400.00 with the same waranty.

05-31-2010, 10:43 PM	#9
75sierraclassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 186	Re: A/C Compressor Thanks for all the input guys. I've got hoses and and a vacuum pump, so I'm going to charge the system myself. With this capability, I may just try a cheap reman. If it dies in a year, its not too hard (or expensive) to replace it and recharge. This leads to another question. I've been looking at upgrading to a serpentine system from a 90"s camaro or similar. Would this be better with the radial style compressor for 134a?

06-01-2010, 09:51 AM	#10
OleBlue79 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 127	Re: A/C Compressor I honestly don't think it matters. The only benefit would be that the new axials are around the same price as a remanned A-6. If you convert to Serpentine you have have to get a water pump that rotates backwards form the one with the v-belts.

06-01-2010, 12:02 PM	#11
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: A/C Compressor Search the web for a pro6ten . A sanden compressor designed to run on 134 and is suppose to be a bolt on replacement for the A-6.I am looking in to one if I can find a condensor for 134 that will fit my truck . I would like to replace both at the same time. Less than $400. __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State ! Last edited by f.monroe; 06-01-2010 at 12:12 PM.

08-25-2014, 07:55 PM	#12
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: A/C Compressor This is an old thread, but the closest to the topic I could find. When you buy a reman compressor these days, it comes with oil in it (how much I don't know, but it sprayed when I took the plug out of the back to install the lines). How would I know whether that oil is compatible with R-134a though? __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

08-25-2014, 09:25 PM	#14
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: A/C Compressor A/C oil is hygroscopic. The compressor has been on the shelf for several weeks at best. I usually drain and refill with a known pedigree fresh and dry oil. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

08-26-2014, 07:29 AM	#16
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: A/C Compressor Hey, who's our contact for Vintage Air?? I received some $$$ for my birthday yesterday! I was thinking of spending the cash on a new Saden compressor. San Antonio is less than 1 hour drive to go get parts. I need a 508 with serpentine rear connection for straight bolt on. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

08-26-2014, 02:55 PM	#18
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: A/C Compressor Mine arrived under pressure, not vacuum. I know because it shot oil into my eyes when I uncapped it. The dryer was shipped under vacuum. Anyway, I went out and pulled 29" of vacuum. A vacuum will pull any moisture (it lowers the boiling point well below room temp). I did have a big "add oil" sticker, but there was some in it. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible



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08-26-2014, 04:32 PM	#21
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: A/C Compressor Oil charge is roughly 1/2 the recommended oil charge in the dryer and 1/2 in the compressor. The big heavy '70s Harrison A6 "log" has an oil sump drain and fill plug. The Sanden does as well. You don't add oil through the intake port on either. The '80s Harrison R4 is a different animal. All this info should be in the GM service manuals except the Sanden compressor. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

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