| Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121133] |
Wed, 06 April 2011 19:47  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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I have a slow leak in my A/C system that I've been ignoring since Jim K has cheap Duracool. Well it's time to bite the bullet and replace the compressor - it's leaking around the front shaft and doesn't hold a charge like it used to.
Must I be an adventurer if I want to replace it with something more modern? Do the Sandeen compressors really offer something better, cooler, lighter, more efficient?
Should I replace anything else while I'm at it, like the dryer or???
I'll probably do the A/C mods that are listed on Gene's site, but without a sealed system all of those fixes don't really fix anything.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121183 is a reply to message #121166] |
Thu, 07 April 2011 08:08  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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During all the research I've recently done about the A6-Sanden conversion,
I've been impressed by the enthusiasm expressed by 'most everyone for the
A6, even those proposing the change. Most "experts" report that about all
the A6 ever needs is the front seal replaced. They're readily available
(around $30), though many comment that quality, like for most parts, is down
and recommend ceramic seals.
I'll talk about other reasons TO abandon the A6 at Patterson.
JWITIK,
Ken H.
On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 12:35 AM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
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>
> I have been told that the front seal is easily replaceable.
> I have never done it.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121481 is a reply to message #121479] |
Sun, 10 April 2011 21:03 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Larry
I wouldn't consider replacing your A6 compressor with the lighter duty A4 . The A6 is a much better unit even though it is a pain when you have to mess with it. If all yours needs is a front seal if it were me I'd just change it . If you are changing the hoses also a Sanden may be less of a hassle the next time around. I replaced the seal on my A6 once then several years later when it leaked again I needed to replace the compressor as the shaft was bad. If yours is definitely leaking at the seal remove the old seal and look close at the shaft to be sure it isn't damaged ,also wiggle the shaft to be sure the crank bearing is not sloppy before you buy the new seal. The A6 is a tough old workhorse but if you can bare with its weight and bulk it can't be beat.
If I remember correctly even Ford used the A6 on its Lincolns in years past rather then the York compressors that came on the Fords.
Roy
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121652 is a reply to message #121133] |
Tue, 12 April 2011 21:17 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Remember the slogan "Keep your GM car all GM"
I'd replace the seal. I think it's ceramic so cleanliness is very important. I've never had an A6 fail so I'm partial to them and think they are a great design.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121655 is a reply to message #121637] |
Tue, 12 April 2011 21:39 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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It's been so long ago that I don't remember if I pulled it to change it or not. I was real strong in those days ,these days that sucker is heavy. If you don't leave it open for too long you should be OK to purge the system with some refrigerant and pull a decent vacuum then charge it with out replacing the dryer. The humidity isn't too bad in Ca. My coach still has the original dryer & it hasn't plugged up yet (no broken compressor parts) so I never bothered to change it.Some of you may disagree with that thought but A/c service was my occupation for 40 years in LA and a new dryer usually isn't needed on minor repairs.
Roy
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121683 is a reply to message #121133] |
Wed, 13 April 2011 12:06 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Emery, I can't say for sure it has ever been removed prior to me. I remember when I had the compressor out I wanted to relocate that harness do to the difficulty it caused during the compressor removal. It seemed that it could be easily relocated but to my surprise I was not able to relocate. I was thinking the harness should be on top of the compressor but there is not enough slack on the harness. It would be interesting to see how that harness is routed on yours. Can you take a picture?
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: Air Conditioning Compressor Leaking [message #121958 is a reply to message #121479] |
Fri, 15 April 2011 21:42 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| ljdavick wrote on Sun, 10 April 2011 19:21 |
Ken,
I'm eager to hear your take on the A6 to Sanden swap. What were those smaller compressors on the 1980's+ GM vehicles - A4's?
The Sanden seems like such an inexpensive and relatively painless swap that I'm very tempted to try it. Frankly with my vast inexperience, replacing a $30 seal would almost certainly turn out to be more expensive than a compressor swap!
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The radial 4's were absolute junk. The best compressors GM has ever used are the variable displacement 5 cylinder units. Although they have a clutch, during normal operation they don't cycle but rather change displacement on demand. They are smooth, quiet and durable and available on hundreds of thousnads of GM cars.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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