A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dman535 · 07-22-2016, 02:07 PM

The Mrs. 71 GMC has factory air. The system is working but loosing its charge. I took a look at the compressor and it looks like the nose is all oily. The compressor is not original as it has an r134 compatible sticker on it. Any other diagnostic work to do before replacing this unit? Any recommendations on what to replace it with?

**leddzepp** · 07-22-2016, 02:52 PM

Buy a pro6ten replacement. Rebuilt a-6 are junk and will leak.

davepl · 07-22-2016, 02:57 PM

My rebuilt unit is also leaking, I have a mist of oil being thrown off of the front hub.

The pro6ten looks interesting - it's not the same as stock but it's a bolt-in, and if you painted it black and added the decals, would likely pass as original to most casual observers.

It has been important to me to keep the truck stock, but I think I'm up against a hard reality here with reman compressors and R-134. Am I correct that R-134 is a smaller molecule and will leak more easily than R-12?

The Pro6Ten seems to run around $425, but I found this unit on Amazon for $249, brand new GM A6:

https://smile.amazon.com/Four-Season...=a6+compressor

Any downside to this cheaper unit? It's also free shipping which helps.

dman535 · 07-22-2016, 06:12 PM

In doing some reading online - seems the A6 i known to weep oil around the front seal. How does one determine if this is indeed the problem, I guess I should do a dye load and make sure nothing else is coming out.

I like that 4 seasons unit, exact bolt up unit.

**leddzepp** · 07-23-2016, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Am I correct that R-134 is a smaller molecule and will leak more easily than R-12?.

Bingo. I went through 4 rebuilt stock A-6's before I grew a brain and got a pro6ten (which is probably the same unit on Amazon). No more front seal leaks after that, but it still didn't cool properly even after all the usual steps of converting. I just went with R-12 on my next factory AC truck and have NO problems with leaks and it blows snowballs in 115 degree heat sitting still. Ive read hundreds of threads on this board over the years about R-134 converting and the reviews are all over the place. I have never read one single thread about any problems whatsoever when using R-12.

jjzepplin · 07-23-2016, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

My rebuilt unit is also leaking, I have a mist of oil being thrown off of the front hub.

The pro6ten looks interesting - it's not the same as stock but it's a bolt-in, and if you painted it black and added the decals, would likely pass as original to most casual observers.

It has been important to me to keep the truck stock, but I think I'm up against a hard reality here with reman compressors and R-134. Am I correct that R-134 is a smaller molecule and will leak more easily than R-12?

The Pro6Ten seems to run around $425, but I found this unit on Amazon for $249, brand new GM A6:

https://smile.amazon.com/Four-Season...=a6+compressor

Any downside to this cheaper unit? It's also free shipping which helps.

Now that looks like a good deal. I would buy it if I had a V belt system still. Only one left...BWAHAHA

**chewychevy67** · 07-23-2016, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

My rebuilt unit is also leaking, I have a mist of oil being thrown off of the front hub.

The pro6ten looks interesting - it's not the same as stock but it's a bolt-in, and if you painted it black and added the decals, would likely pass as original to most casual observers.

It has been important to me to keep the truck stock, but I think I'm up against a hard reality here with reman compressors and R-134. Am I correct that R-134 is a smaller molecule and will leak more easily than R-12?

The Pro6Ten seems to run around $425, but I found this unit on Amazon for $249, brand new GM A6:

https://smile.amazon.com/Four-Season...=a6+compressor

Any downside to this cheaper unit? It's also free shipping which helps.

Can you use the original hoses that mount to the compressor with this one or do you need to change the metal part?

dman535 · 07-23-2016, 12:28 PM

One of the comments in the reviews says it uses original hoses.

**leddzepp** · 07-23-2016, 12:48 PM

It uses the OEM hoses.

**Bob B.** · 07-23-2016, 01:13 PM

I used a pro6ten on a friend's '72 El Camino with very good results. Hoses all fit just fine, brackets lined up, no problems. And it's A LOT lighter!

BTW, the front seal on an A6 is ceramic, and is actually supposed to 'weep' a bit of oil to lubricate itself. It should not leak enough to need recharging often.

F.A.A.benny · 07-23-2016, 01:55 PM

If you are paying $425 for a pro6ten then you are overpaying. They can be had for around $300. Heck, Old air sells them for $345. On a side note, the Pro6ten is just a catchy name that Old Air Products chose and I must say it sticks in peoples' minds. The Pro6ten is actually an S6 manufactured in China for Sun Air Products. Sun Air does not sell to the public. Old Air is just a vendor for sun air. I have bought that compressor for as little as $225(a little over vendor prices).But you have to know someone/get lucky to get those prices. In my opinion, I believe the jury is still out on these compressors because I have personally seen them fail at the clutch with just three yrs of them being on the car. I have heard about this happening to others as well. This actually happened to a car that does the power tour so maybe the compressors' clutch doesnt hold up to serious extended cross country drives. Not a big deal if you don't do long drives I guess. But just something to think about. Now sandens, although not a bolt on, are tried and true as well as steal A6s. To help with the misting of the oil on an a6, you could use a double lip seal instead of the ceramic one.

davepl · 07-23-2016, 01:57 PM

My factory-rebuilt unit has thrown a solid spray on the hood and all around, and that's in about 100 miles. If I drove it 10,000 miles and there was 100X as much oil, my post would answer itself, but:

Is that likely my freon leak too? Or will they leak oil but not freon?

I have a slow freon leak (R-134) and suspect the pump, but don't know if an oil leak always means freon leak too. If heavy oil leak can mean slow freon leak, then that's probably my issue.

Not sure how hard to push them on finding other leaks when I take it in to have this new pump installed. I guess as long as it doesn't leak after, that's all I care. But I need to find a place with the sniffer, they seem very sensitive.

We'll find out how that Amazon pump fits and works, as that's the one I ordered.

My truck was already converted to R-134 by a PO, but I changed from the coil condensor over to a parallel plate system (I think anyway, it looks like it).

F.A.A.benny · 07-23-2016, 02:01 PM

You may want to make sure the poa valve was also recalibrated for 134a

davepl · 07-23-2016, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.A.A.benny

You may want to make sure the poa valve was also recalibrated for 134a

I'd need a seance for that, unfortunately...

**chewychevy67** · 07-23-2016, 03:40 PM

Can you still get a brand new not remand original style a6 compressor? Just curious what the cost would be if you can get them and if they would last longer than the reman ones?

davepl · 07-23-2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

Can you still get a brand new not remand original style a6 compressor? Just curious what the cost would be if you can get them and if they would last longer than the reman ones?

See the Amazon link above - claims to be a new, not reman, GM A6. I don't think it's made by GM though. But it's new, not remanufactured.

F.A.A.benny · 07-23-2016, 04:37 PM

Yes, steel A6 compressors are still available. They are available from a variety of places. You could even buy one from your local auto parts store. Typically they will last longer because all parts are new.

07-22-2016, 02:07 PM	#1
dman535 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 42	A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking The Mrs. 71 GMC has factory air. The system is working but loosing its charge. I took a look at the compressor and it looks like the nose is all oily. The compressor is not original as it has an r134 compatible sticker on it. Any other diagnostic work to do before replacing this unit? Any recommendations on what to replace it with? Attached Images

07-22-2016, 02:52 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking Buy a pro6ten replacement. Rebuilt a-6 are junk and will leak. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-22-2016, 02:57 PM	#3
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking My rebuilt unit is also leaking, I have a mist of oil being thrown off of the front hub. The pro6ten looks interesting - it's not the same as stock but it's a bolt-in, and if you painted it black and added the decals, would likely pass as original to most casual observers. It has been important to me to keep the truck stock, but I think I'm up against a hard reality here with reman compressors and R-134. Am I correct that R-134 is a smaller molecule and will leak more easily than R-12? The Pro6Ten seems to run around $425, but I found this unit on Amazon for $249, brand new GM A6: https://smile.amazon.com/Four-Season...=a6+compressor Any downside to this cheaper unit? It's also free shipping which helps. __________________ 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

07-22-2016, 06:12 PM	#4
dman535 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 42	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking In doing some reading online - seems the A6 i known to weep oil around the front seal. How does one determine if this is indeed the problem, I guess I should do a dye load and make sure nothing else is coming out. I like that 4 seasons unit, exact bolt up unit.

07-23-2016, 12:28 PM	#8
dman535 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 42	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking One of the comments in the reviews says it uses original hoses.

07-23-2016, 12:48 PM	#9
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking It uses the OEM hoses. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-23-2016, 01:13 PM	#10
Bob B. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,363	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking I used a pro6ten on a friend's '72 El Camino with very good results. Hoses all fit just fine, brackets lined up, no problems. And it's A LOT lighter! BTW, the front seal on an A6 is ceramic, and is actually supposed to 'weep' a bit of oil to lubricate itself. It should not leak enough to need recharging often. __________________ 1967 GMC CM-2500 Camper Cruiser, 351E V-6, NP 435 4 speed, Dana 60, and factory A/C. 2012 GMC K-3500 WT regular cab, 6.0L Vortec, 6L90.

07-23-2016, 01:55 PM	#11
F.A.A.benny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Euless, Tx Posts: 431	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking If you are paying $425 for a pro6ten then you are overpaying. They can be had for around $300. Heck, Old air sells them for $345. On a side note, the Pro6ten is just a catchy name that Old Air Products chose and I must say it sticks in peoples' minds. The Pro6ten is actually an S6 manufactured in China for Sun Air Products. Sun Air does not sell to the public. Old Air is just a vendor for sun air. I have bought that compressor for as little as $225(a little over vendor prices).But you have to know someone/get lucky to get those prices. In my opinion, I believe the jury is still out on these compressors because I have personally seen them fail at the clutch with just three yrs of them being on the car. I have heard about this happening to others as well. This actually happened to a car that does the power tour so maybe the compressors' clutch doesnt hold up to serious extended cross country drives. Not a big deal if you don't do long drives I guess. But just something to think about. Now sandens, although not a bolt on, are tried and true as well as steal A6s. To help with the misting of the oil on an a6, you could use a double lip seal instead of the ceramic one.

07-23-2016, 01:57 PM	#12
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking My factory-rebuilt unit has thrown a solid spray on the hood and all around, and that's in about 100 miles. If I drove it 10,000 miles and there was 100X as much oil, my post would answer itself, but: Is that likely my freon leak too? Or will they leak oil but not freon? I have a slow freon leak (R-134) and suspect the pump, but don't know if an oil leak always means freon leak too. If heavy oil leak can mean slow freon leak, then that's probably my issue. Not sure how hard to push them on finding other leaks when I take it in to have this new pump installed. I guess as long as it doesn't leak after, that's all I care. But I need to find a place with the sniffer, they seem very sensitive. We'll find out how that Amazon pump fits and works, as that's the one I ordered. My truck was already converted to R-134 by a PO, but I changed from the coil condensor over to a parallel plate system (I think anyway, it looks like 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

07-23-2016, 02:01 PM	#13
F.A.A.benny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Euless, Tx Posts: 431	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking You may want to make sure the poa valve was also recalibrated for 134a

07-23-2016, 03:40 PM	#15
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,551	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking Can you still get a brand new not remand original style a6 compressor? Just curious what the cost would be if you can get them and if they would last longer than the reman ones?

07-23-2016, 04:37 PM	#17
F.A.A.benny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Euless, Tx Posts: 431	Re: A/C Compressor - works..but I think its leaking Yes, steel A6 compressors are still available. They are available from a variety of places. You could even buy one from your local auto parts store. Typically they will last longer because all parts are new.



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