A/C Compressor Question

[68longhorn]

The A/C compressor on my 86swb started making noise recently so I guess its time to replace it. I was looking on advance auto's website and they list a few choices. Its a A4 compressor but they list a heavy and lightweight version. Anyone know the difference?

[Slonaker]

I have seen two different size clutches on them. I suspect that if you ask to see both that will be the difference, but I don't know for sure. My '86 used the smaller type of clutch with the plug at the 9 o'clock position (the only question I was ever asked when getting a replacement).

Do yourself a favor and buy a new compressor, or switch it over to a modern compressor. The auto parts store rebuilds went out on me every summer. I finally paid twice as much for a new one, and it was still going strong 6 or 8 years later when mine was switched over to Vintage Air.

Slonaker

[walka]

I have a Sarden on mine, picked up the brackets from Alan Groves

[68longhorn]

Where would you get a new one? I just want a replacement so I can bolt on and recharge.

[Firebirdjones]

The A4 style (short stubby) is still available new. You can either get them through GM, or Rock Auto sells both a brand new 4 Seasons or a brand new AC Delco. The AC Delco is about $460 and a brand new 4 Season compressor is about $220. 4 Seasons carries a 2 year 24,000 mile warranty.

You can find rebuilds for $150 but I steer clear of those. New is the only way to do it.

[gchemist]

Have you converted to R134? If not, it's time to replace the condensor.

[68Timber]

I've got a long compressor not locked up I'd give you if you were local, but not worth the shipping to see if it's any good. Good luck with it.

[grs]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

The A4 style (short stubby) is still available new. You can either get them through GM, or Rock Auto sells both a brand new 4 Seasons or a brand new AC Delco. The AC Delco is about $460 and a brand new 4 Season compressor is about $220. 4 Seasons carries a 2 year 24,000 mile warranty.

You can find rebuilds for $150 but I steer clear of those. New is the only way to do it.

What is the warranty on the AC Delco.

[68longhorn]

Why do I need to change the condensor? I converted to 134 last year, all I changed was drain the system, pull a vacuum, add the retrofit fittings and recharge with 134. It works great, didn't notice any performance change from the 12 to 134.

thanks for the offer bruiser but its a short style comp.

[Firebirdjones]

No need to change the condensor really. I've swapped all my classic cars and trucks over to 134 with the stock condensors.

It works fine, but what I suspect he means is going with a specific 134 condensor which is more efficient. Reason being, 134 doesn't cool as well as R12. Since R12 worked so well, it didn't need much more than a cheap tube and fin style condensor. 134 needs a better condensor (name escapes me at the moment). Keeping 134 cool is a little more work, and hot 134 raises the high side line pressures, so you can't put as much freon in the system.

This is usually why a 134 converted system doesn't cool the cabin quite as well.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by grs

What is the warranty on the AC Delco.

I just put a brand new ACdelco compressor on my wifes LS1 camaro. Warranty on that is 100,000 miles (can't remember the time limit off hand) but in order to claim warranty you have to show proof of the system being completely flushed (they are concerned about debri obviously) and you also have to show proof that you installed a new Orifice tube. That's it.

[gchemist]

I changed condensors last year. In Texas, you'll feel the difference between condensors. It's great running around in 100+ degree weather and A/C blowing 60 at the vents!! A new condensor is less than $130. Worth every dime to me!!

[rs72z]

What condensor did you use? My cc with ls cools great going down the road not so well idling. I think i am going to try and use the condensor out of the ls and mod the core support.

[Firebirdjones]

Any 134 specific condensor will make a difference. There are universal fit units on the market too. It's just a better made condensor that works more efficiently at cooling the 134 freon.

That's the reason it cools better while moving with the old R12 condensor,,,you are getting more airflow accross the condensor. When idling and if using a mechanical fan, the condensor gets hot, since it's the old R12 tube and fin designed condensor.

If you did an LS swap (as I did in my blazer) swapping over to a dual electric fan setup can help this hot condensor while sitting still issue. I run an Fbody dual electric fan setup on my swap, and it helps while sitting still. I can still feel a difference at the vents once I'm moving, but the difference isn't as severe with electric fans running. The cure all though, is to run a condensor made for 134 freon.

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Any 134 specific condensor will make a difference. There are universal fit units on the market too. It's just a better made condensor that works more efficiently at cooling the 134 freon.

That's the reason it cools better while moving with the old R12 condensor,,,you are getting more airflow accross the condensor. When idling and if using a mechanical fan, the condensor gets hot, since it's the old R12 tube and fin designed condensor.

If you did an LS swap (as I did in my blazer) swapping over to a dual electric fan setup can help this hot condensor while sitting still issue. I run an Fbody dual electric fan setup on my swap, and it helps while sitting still. I can still feel a difference at the vents once I'm moving, but the difference isn't as severe with electric fans running. The cure all though, is to run a condensor made for 134 freon.

I have the fans off a 06 truck, i just need to swap to the 06 up radiator, so i will just use the condensor from a 06 also.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by rs72z

I have the fans off a 06 truck, i just need to swap to the 06 up radiator, so i will just use the condensor from a 06 also.

Did an 06 LS truck ever use electric fans?

Because the 6.0 I grabbed out of a truck used a big plastic clutch fan (mechanical) All the 6.0's I've seen have had that. I simply didn't use it though.

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Did an 06 LS truck ever use electric fans?

Because the 6.0 I grabbed out of a truck used a big plastic clutch fan (mechanical) All the 6.0's I've seen have had that. I simply didn't use it though.

car-part shows that they started in 05 on 1/2 tons.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by rs72z

car-part shows that they started in 05 on 1/2 tons.

Ah, that may explain it, you are talking about a 5.3 then if it was a 1/2 ton. My 6.0/4L80E came out of a 2005 3/4 ton HD. I just checked my fathers 05 3/4 ton HD and it's a mechanical fan too. Must be something to do with the heavy duty package?

[primrrd]

Originally Posted by gchemist

I changed condensors last year. In Texas, you'll feel the difference between condensors. It's great running around in 100+ degree weather and A/C blowing 60 at the vents!! A new condensor is less than $130. Worth every dime to me!!

Gerardo,
Where did you get the condenser? Is it made specifically for our squares with r134 conversion?
I was never pleased with the conversion to r134 in my truck. Having driven in a few of these back when they were new, I can attest to the fact that an R12 ac system in one of these squares would freeze you out... you had to mix the air and keep the vents from blowing right at you! I swear you could see your breath (ok..now I'm exagerating) but you get the idea.
Never got too cold with my r134 swap and the several 4 season rebuilt that lasted about 4 months.. I stopped driving the truck daily, so now the ac is not as important, but i do want to get it going right along with new motor that is planned.. I even used the pressure switch, and special orifice tube for r134 conversion back when I did it.
Anxious to hear about it. What compressor did you use? Stock R4, or a sanden swap?

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by primrrd

Gerardo,
Where did you get the condenser? Is it made specifically for our squares with r134 conversion?
I was never pleased with the conversion to r134 in my truck. Having driven in a few of these back when they were new, I can attest to the fact that an R12 ac system in one of these squares would freeze you out... you had to mix the air and keep the vents from blowing right at you! I swear you could see your breath (ok..now I'm exagerating) but you get the idea.
Never got too cold with my r134 swap and the several 4 season rebuilt that lasted about 4 months.. I stopped driving the truck daily, so now the ac is not as important, but i do want to get it going right along with new motor that is planned.. I even used the pressure switch, and special orifice tube for r134 conversion back when I did it.
Anxious to hear about it. What compressor did you use? Stock R4, or a sanden swap?

If you use the r4 get a new one not a rebuilt. The new ones will last years and as you know thr rebuilt not so long.

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by walka

I have a Sarden on mine, picked up the brackets from Alan Groves

OK.That's just a cool looking setup! Is that a propane injection system? RHD is tool cool!

[gchemist]

Part Number: 636420 Ready-Aire - Air Conditioning Condenser for 81-87 trucks. You can order it at parts stores. I'm running the white orfice tube. The accumulator and lines are wrapped in black tar tape. The tape helps control temps from the engine bay.

[gchemist]

The compressor that failed last year. Reason: the orfice tube got clogged. I replaced it with a similiar used compressor my brother gave me. I had new seals installed. Compression was also checked. Nearly two weeks of daily driving, no problems. There is a slight delay of fast cooling when the fans are turned off. Mostly when the engine is turned on the first time of the day. I still plan to close the gap between the condensor and radiator. I need to install a bypass switch for the fans. All it will do is ground the relays to power the fans.