Factory A/C compressor

[northerngmc]

I am working on getting the factory air working again in my 1968 C20.

I bought the truck one year ago from a board member who had recently purchased it as well. The A/C belt was off and the seller said he had put the belt back on and it would not work.

So I ordered a new dryer and o-rings. I picked up a POA valve here on the parts board that is a Classic Air 134A. I also have the 134A valve ends.

My plan was to take it to the local A/C shop and have them remove what R12 still exists, then replace the parts I bought, and have them recharge with 134A.

So I have been thinking, what happens if the compressor is shot? Why should I pay to have the system charged twice? I think I am going to bite the bullet and buy a new compressor while I am this far.



So here is my question, what compressor do I need for a factory A/C system?

[leddzepp]

If you buy a rebuilt factory compressor (A/6) I can guarantee you the front seal will leak in a small amount of time. I went through 4 of them My suggestion is to buy a new pro6ten compressor from Old Air products. They are brand new units, work more efficiently than the original A/6 AND they bolt right up to the factory brackets. They are pricey at $350 plus shipping, but they work and will not leak. I was very pleased with mine.

Do you not already have a condensor? Is it missing? You can get a factory replacement from any of the major vendors (LMC, Brothers, etc)

[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Do you not already have a condensor? Is it missing? You can get a factory replacement from any of the major vendors (LMC, Brothers, etc)

I meant compressor and have changed my original post.

So here is my question, what compressor do I need for a factory A/C system?

[67c10rustbuket]

A6 is the GM model number, just a replacement comp from any parts store no matter what part number they call it is an "A6", not sure if you are wondering about what compressor to use because you are going with 134A or what, the reman compressors from autozone or whoever have a small amount of oil in them but i dont know if thats an issue with either freon you use. there is a specific oil to the old freon and the new freon also the compressor , like PAG 60, 80, 100 for 134A. I was told the oil in a reman compressor is universal but as being employed in HVAC for 12 years thats not what ive been told in the industry. if you are using R134A then i would drain the new compressor and add the correct amount of oil that is recommended for that specific compressor model and freon. Im not sure exactly what your asking though

[northerngmc]

I live in a small isolated community in the middle of nowhere. Go to goggle maps and type in Fort Smith NT........ About 700 miles north of Montana!

I don't have a NAPA, or an Autozone or really anything. So I am ordering a compressor online and having it shipped to me.

One garage in town is equipped to work on A/C units but they don't stock parts and didn't want to order me a compressor.

So I am looking for information on what to order. A6 is a great start. Are the remans really that bad?

And possibly where online to order?

[67c10rustbuket]

Gotcha ,out in the woods. I have ZER0 experience with reman compressors, i've always been lucky enough that the one it came with worked fine. Just make sure what you buy has a lifetime warranty, then again a life time warranty isn't much good if you have to have the system dumped and charged repeatedly. thats what the other guy was saying about the old air brand comp being good quality. Can anyone else recommend a good reman compressor ???

[leddzepp]

the last NEW a/6 i priced was $850. if you buy a new, not rebuilt you will be good. the reman. a/6 suck, period. the front seal will evetually leak and will blow oil all over your engine compartment. if you are lucky enough to have an original a/6 that still is working, by all means keep it and just have it serviced.

the pro6ten sold by old air is the way to go for upgrading a factory a/c system. it is part number 21-2201. it is also called an a/10 compressor. it is the same one brothers carries. call old air products.
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[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

if you are lucky enough to have an original a/6 that still is working, by all means keep it and just have it serviced.

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IS there a way to know it works or doesn't without charging the system?

I have no idea how long the belt is off or why it is off.

[leddzepp]

if the belt is off, that is a good indication it is locked up (no good) grab ahold of the whole assembly and see if yo can turn it...not just the front pulley (the clutch allows the pulley to slip and turn freely)

the only way to see if it leaks is to put a vacuum pump on it and see if it holds for abouit 15 mins. then charge it with freon. even if vacuum holds initially, i have still seen the system leak under pressure (charged)
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[leddzepp]

if either of the hoses are off, chances are it has been long exposed to the elements and is done.
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[mrein3]

I usually check them with the hoses off the back. You can plug the holes with your fingers and turn the very front of the compressor. If it makes compression you're in good shape. One hole will suck and one will blow.
You also need the pulley that the belt rides around in to spin freely.

I wouldn't worry about it being open to the elements. There is approximately 5-6 ounces of oil in there which usually keeps the internals in ok shape.

If I lived in the middle of nowhere I'd consider a cheap harbor fright evacuation pump and doing the job myself.

I would purchase a new receiver/dryer and all new o-rings for the system.
Flush out all the old oil.
Replace all the oil with oil that works with R134a.
Install receiver/dryer.
Evacuate system with new $100 vacuum pump.
Fill with R134a.

This way if you do lose your front seal or any other of the many things that could go wrong you're well equipped to fix it your self.

Before you start spend a little time over on
http://www.autoacforum.com/
Automotive AC systems really aren't that complicated and it never hurts to add another skill to your bag of tricks.

I don't work for Harbor Freight or Autoacforum

[northerngmc]

I took a look today and the compressor spins freely (not just the pulley but the compressor).

And I pressed the valve open and the system still has pressure.

So, would you replace the compressor?

[stsalvage]

They have a all New A10 all alum compressor that is quieter and puts more cycles of Air into your cab and its easyer on Gas milage and it will bolt up to the same brackets as the A6

[leddzepp]

sounds like all you need to do is slap a belt on it and go, if the system is still hooked up and under pressure.
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[northerngmc]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

sounds like all you need to do is slap a belt on it and go, if the system is still hooked up and under pressure.
Posted via Mobile Device

The previous owner tried that and it did not work.

[67c10rustbuket]

i would slap a belt on it and fire it up, if the freon pressure is to low you can jump the pressure cycling switch. put a gauge on it if you have one. if the comp clucth engages and runs without excess noise then keep the comp and have it converted when your done replacing whatever you need. those old compressors can last a long time as long as they have adequate oil in the system.

[67c10rustbuket]

your pressure is probably too low, find the pressure switch, disconnect it and plug a jumper wire into the plug. the comp clutch should engage and spin the comp.

[short-t]

I am the previous owner of the truck. When I put the belt on the truck the clutch would engage but was slipping to the point where it couldn't turn the compressor. I would see if your local shop can fix/replace the clutch Assy before you do any other work to the system. Greg
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[TacBlade]

Originally Posted by stsalvage

They have a all New A10 all alum compressor that is quieter and puts more cycles of Air into your cab and its easyer on Gas milage and it will bolt up to the same brackets as the A6

Who has this, as I am looking for one? Thanks!!!

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by short-t

I am the previous owner of the truck. When I put the belt on the truck the clutch would engage but was slipping to the point where it couldn't turn the compressor. I would see if your local shop can fix/replace the clutch Assy before you do any other work to the system. Greg
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I agree.

Originally Posted by TacBlade

Who has this, as I am looking for one? Thanks!!!

See post number 7 above.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

the last NEW a/6 i priced was $850. if you buy a new, not rebuilt you will be good. the reman a/6 suck, period. the front seal will evetually leak and will blow oil all over your engine compartment.

I buy reman A/6 compressors from John Deere and I've NEVER had one leak. Yet.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Put a belt on it & hook gauges to it. If it has excessive pressure it might have to much freon or its not getting enough air through the cond. If the pressure is OK it mmay need a new clutch. This can be done without discharging the system with the right special tools.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

I buy reman A/6 compressors from John Deere and I've NEVER had one leak. Yet.

that is a down right miracle. are you using r-12 or r-134?
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[Wrenchbender Ret]

I never buy new or reman. A-6 comps. Used ones are a dime a dozen & practically always good.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

that is a down right miracle. are you using r-12 or r-134?

R12 and R134 in tractors and R134 in my pickup.