replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gene_champ · 07-07-2012, 02:26 PM

this is on a 92 k1500. original compressor, converted to 134 10 years ago. always worked great and run quiet. a/c quit blowing cold suddenly. black particles in the orifice tube. guess it is 'black death'. can i still get a harrison or other good r4 compressor? if not, is there a kit or something to mount a sanden or similar replacement? is the condenser hopelessly plugged with the black particles, or can they be flushed out good and still be used?

**hatzie** · 07-08-2012, 09:01 PM

The condenser is done. You'll never get that black crap out of it. It's a good time to put in a high efficiency parallel flow condenser.

Probably the lines are finished.
With the system open you're putting in a VOV and new dryer...

The evaporator is probably protected by the orifice valve filter but you'll need to thoroughly flush it. If any of that crap is left in the evaporator it will destroy your new parts pretty quick. If there are any doubts replace it...

Ester oil is a better choice than PAG as it will not pick up water as quick. Dump any oil in the new compressor and re-fill with good new dry oil. Adding a UV dye to the oil isn't a bad idea.

I usually sweep a new system with dry nitrogen, CO2, or argon from my welding tanks.

mountie · 07-09-2012, 07:57 AM

When I was living in Southern California, it didn't matter when my A/C blew up. Moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida in the beginning of this year, ...now it's an issue. I'm going to put in a complete new A/C system.

Is there a better alternative than a Harrison, etc? I want my A/C cold!! But more important, reliable!!

ChevLoRay · 07-09-2012, 07:46 PM

My '96 AC Compressor took a dump. Replaced it with a new one from Delphi....same as the old one.

Maybe the Harrison unit you have is the same as the Delphi that I have. Without seeing yours, I can't say.

gene_champ · 07-09-2012, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

My '96 AC Compressor took a dump. Replaced it with a new one from Delphi....same as the old one.

Maybe the Harrison unit you have is the same as the Delphi that I have. Without seeing yours, I can't say.

so what is a good compressor. a reman. 4 seasons, new 4 seasons if i can find one, new delphi, or cwi.? also new condenser is $110.00. no one heard of a parallel flow. is it a replacement, or off a newer pickup that will work on this?

thanks.

**hatzie** · 07-09-2012, 10:02 PM

Google "parallel condenser" the first hit I got is ackits page explaining what they are and why they are better than the tube & fin or serpentine units. Higher eficiency should cut head temps and pressure along with better cooling.

I'm unaware of any "factory fit" parallel condensers. If you'd prefer not to rework hoses and mounts... You could just use a '96+ GMC R134 condenser with a variable office valve.

ChevLoRay · 07-09-2012, 10:05 PM

My Delphi was new....in the box. Sent it to my son, when he was in CA, with my truck.....in '02. He brought it back with his household goods when he separated from the USAF in '07...still in the box. I had it installed that summer. This past month, I had to replace the Shrader valves in the fill/charge system. Pulled a vacuum, and recharged the system. Gets downright cold.

It's all about the dollar. How much you want to spend for what you want to use. Is the Delphi better'n any other unit? It's new. The original compressor lasted 7 years. I hope this one lasts 7 years, too. Would another brand or an reman out-last it? No way to know, in my opinion. Too many variables. I HOPE that the new Delphi was a better choice. My mechanic cousin swears by them.....and it was his recommendation.

bionichicken · 07-12-2012, 08:11 PM

My 1994 has had only one compressor change with exact factory unit. Did a 1 can 134a fill today as it was low. Nice and cool now. May have schrader valves replaced this fall. I don't drive the old girl very much but she has been good to me. 288,000 miles on original engine and trans. 1994 K1500 Ext Cab Z71 with every option you could buy on it. Whoops....no fog lights. But they are going on this fall.

07-07-2012, 02:26 PM	#1
gene_champ Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: IA Posts: 60	replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? this is on a 92 k1500. original compressor, converted to 134 10 years ago. always worked great and run quiet. a/c quit blowing cold suddenly. black particles in the orifice tube. guess it is 'black death'. can i still get a harrison or other good r4 compressor? if not, is there a kit or something to mount a sanden or similar replacement? is the condenser hopelessly plugged with the black particles, or can they be flushed out good and still be used? __________________ 1949 chevy 3100, 5 window 1992 chevy k1500, extended cab, short box 5.7l 1996 chevy k1500, extended cab, long box 5.7l 2001 chevy impala ls 3.8l 1965 honda s90

07-08-2012, 09:01 PM	#2
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 5,050	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? The condenser is done. You'll never get that black crap out of it. It's a good time to put in a high efficiency parallel flow condenser. Probably the lines are finished. With the system open you're putting in a VOV and new dryer... The evaporator is probably protected by the orifice valve filter but you'll need to thoroughly flush it. If any of that crap is left in the evaporator it will destroy your new parts pretty quick. If there are any doubts replace it... Ester oil is a better choice than PAG as it will not pick up water as quick. Dump any oil in the new compressor and re-fill with good new dry oil. Adding a UV dye to the oil isn't a bad idea. I usually sweep a new system with dry nitrogen, CO2, or argon from my welding tanks. __________________ 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.

07-09-2012, 07:57 AM	#3
mountie Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bradenton, Fla. Posts: 1,100	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? When I was living in Southern California, it didn't matter when my A/C blew up. Moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida in the beginning of this year, ...now it's an issue. I'm going to put in a complete new A/C system. Is there a better alternative than a Harrison, etc? I want my A/C cold!! But more important, reliable!!

07-09-2012, 07:46 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? My '96 AC Compressor took a dump. Replaced it with a new one from Delphi....same as the old one. Maybe the Harrison unit you have is the same as the Delphi that I have. Without seeing yours, I can't say. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-09-2012, 10:02 PM	#6
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 5,050	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? Google "parallel condenser" the first hit I got is ackits page explaining what they are and why they are better than the tube & fin or serpentine units. Higher eficiency should cut head temps and pressure along with better cooling. I'm unaware of any "factory fit" parallel condensers. If you'd prefer not to rework hoses and mounts... You could just use a '96+ GMC R134 condenser with a variable office valve. __________________ 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.

07-09-2012, 10:05 PM	#7
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? My Delphi was new....in the box. Sent it to my son, when he was in CA, with my truck.....in '02. He brought it back with his household goods when he separated from the USAF in '07...still in the box. I had it installed that summer. This past month, I had to replace the Shrader valves in the fill/charge system. Pulled a vacuum, and recharged the system. Gets downright cold. It's all about the dollar. How much you want to spend for what you want to use. Is the Delphi better'n any other unit? It's new. The original compressor lasted 7 years. I hope this one lasts 7 years, too. Would another brand or an reman out-last it? No way to know, in my opinion. Too many variables. I HOPE that the new Delphi was a better choice. My mechanic cousin swears by them.....and it was his recommendation. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-12-2012, 08:11 PM	#8
bionichicken Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: AR Posts: 25	Re: replacing a harrison r4 a/c compressor? My 1994 has had only one compressor change with exact factory unit. Did a 1 can 134a fill today as it was low. Nice and cool now. May have schrader valves replaced this fall. I don't drive the old girl very much but she has been good to me. 288,000 miles on original engine and trans. 1994 K1500 Ext Cab Z71 with every option you could buy on it. Whoops....no fog lights. But they are going on this fall.



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