Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » AC compressor install help
| AC compressor install help [message #280864] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 16:24  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Anyone care to share a favorite method for installing the 800 lb @!#*A6 compressor without lifting the body off the frame?
After the successful laps around the block I turned my attention to the dash ac -it was not cooling. Put the gauges on it and found the compressor not compressing. So, this week I procured a compressor locally and removed it this am. (4 Seasons rebuild, circa 1997, r134). I had a case of frosty cool anticipating a recharge anyway.
That is when the fun started.
Getting it out was easy enough, Gravity helped. However, I don't seem to have the hand strength/angle/access to lift and rotate it back the way it came out. Getting creative I tried using straps to lift it up from above, but I did not have anything to secure to. Thinking of using the front half of the engine hoist, but that seems to be overkill.
Any tips?
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: AC compressor install help [message #280865 is a reply to message #280864] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 16:37  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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I forgot to add that I'm trying to do this with one set of hands. I had two sets when the engine went back in, that was much easier.
Joe Weir wrote on Sat, 27 June 2015 16:24Anyone care to share a favorite method for installing the 800 lb @!#*A6 compressor without lifting the body off the frame?
After the successful laps around the block I turned my attention to the dash ac -it was not cooling. Put the gauges on it and found the compressor not compressing. So, this week I procured a compressor locally and removed it this am. (4 Seasons rebuild, circa 1997, r134). I had a case of frosty cool anticipating a recharge anyway.
That is when the fun started.
Getting it out was easy enough, Gravity helped. However, I don't seem to have the hand strength/angle/access to lift and rotate it back the way it came out. Getting creative I tried using straps to lift it up from above, but I did not have anything to secure to. Thinking of using the front half of the engine hoist, but that seems to be overkill.
Any tips?
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: AC compressor install help [message #280868 is a reply to message #280865] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 17:11 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I did it from underneath, hold it up with one hand, get a screw in while tryng to breathe.
It's times like that I wish I exercised more often
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: AC compressor install help [message #280869 is a reply to message #280864] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 17:42 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I go through the wheel well with the wheel off and the liner out. Sumbich is still heavy, but you can get a hand directly under it and hold while you ooooch a bolt in.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: AC compressor install help [message #280872 is a reply to message #280864] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 19:23 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Joe,
An engine hoist would not be overkill. I set a sawhorse across the engine bay and used my Hazard Fright straps to rachet it to elevation and hold it while I juggled in the pivot fasteners.
I would try to explain more. but the light just went out and I am on backup batteries for the housenet.
Matt
Joe Weir wrote on Sat, 27 June 2015 17:24Anyone care to share a favorite method for installing the 800 lb @!#*A6 compressor without lifting the body off the frame?
After the successful laps around the block I turned my attention to the dash ac -it was not cooling. Put the gauges on it and found the compressor not compressing. So, this week I procured a compressor locally and removed it this am. (4 Seasons rebuild, circa 1997, r134). I had a case of frosty cool anticipating a recharge anyway.
That is when the fun started.
Getting it out was easy enough, Gravity helped. However, I don't seem to have the hand strength/angle/access to lift and rotate it back the way it came out. Getting creative I tried using straps to lift it up from above, but I did not have anything to secure to. Thinking of using the front half of the engine hoist, but that seems to be overkill.
Any tips?
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: AC compressor install help [message #280879 is a reply to message #280864] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 20:22 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Thanks for the support
I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the compressor through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll not do that again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying to hold the thing up from underneath.
I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not take the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
I'll hit it again in the am.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280884 is a reply to message #280879] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 21:11 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Joe,
I drilled a hole in the body mount up high and about in line with the middle
of the compressor. Installed an eyebolt in the hole with the
eye on the inside. Tied a piece of 1/4" clothsline to it, then under the
compressor and up through another hole in the lip around the
rim of the hatch hole. It's easy to pull the rope up with both hands,
getting the compressor up in position. I had a stud of the right length
in the front of that big cast bracket,making it easy to slide the compressor
on. It's been 15 years, so I hope I haven't forgotten anything.
Gary Kosier
77PB w/500 Cad
Newark, Oh
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Weir
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 9:22 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org on
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help
Thanks for the support
I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the compressor
through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll not do that
again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying to
hold the thing up from underneath.
I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not take
the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but sometimes you
just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
I'll hit it again in the am.
--
76 Birchaven - New engine, trans, aluminum radiator, brakes, airbags, fuel
lines, seats, upholstery, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were
really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage
center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280886 is a reply to message #280884] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 21:47 |
bdub
Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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http://www.bdub.net/Modern_AC_Compressor_Replacement.pdf
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1658
On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:40 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> Joe,
>
> It's a bit late for you, but maybe someone else will heed: The answer is a
> Sanden compressor or clone. The actual weight savings is 27 pounds. It's
> a very easy conversion, especially if you've got to pull the compressor
> anyway, and offers at lease equal performance.
>
> Somewhere I've got a slide show I presented at a rally some years ago; I
> thought I'd posted it to GMCMHPhotos, but can't find it. I"ll try to do
> that soon.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:22 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the support
>>
>> I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the
>> compressor through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll not
> do
>> that
>> again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying to
>> hold the thing up from underneath.
>>
>> I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not
>> take the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but sometimes
> you
>> just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
>>
>> I'll hit it again in the am.
>>
>> --
>>
> _______________________________________________
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com
www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280887 is a reply to message #280879] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 21:40 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Joe,
It's a bit late for you, but maybe someone else will heed: The answer is a
Sanden compressor or clone. The actual weight savings is 27 pounds. It's
a very easy conversion, especially if you've got to pull the compressor
anyway, and offers at lease equal performance.
Somewhere I've got a slide show I presented at a rally some years ago; I
thought I'd posted it to GMCMHPhotos, but can't find it. I"ll try to do
that soon.
Ken H.
On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:22 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
> Thanks for the support
>
> I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the
> compressor through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll not do
> that
> again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying to
> hold the thing up from underneath.
>
> I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not
> take the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but sometimes you
> just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
>
> I'll hit it again in the am.
>
> --
>
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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: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280888 is a reply to message #280886] |
Sat, 27 June 2015 21:54 |
GMCWiperMan
Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Hey, thanks, Billy! I'd forgotten you posted it for me.
Ken H.
On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 10:47 PM, Billy Massey wrote:
> http://www.bdub.net/Modern_AC_Compressor_Replacement.pdf
>
> http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1658
>
> On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:40 PM, Ken Henderson
> wrote:
>
>> Joe,
>>
>> It's a bit late for you, but maybe someone else will heed: The answer
> is a
>> Sanden compressor or clone. The actual weight savings is 27 pounds.
> It's
>> a very easy conversion, especially if you've got to pull the compressor
>> anyway, and offers at lease equal performance.
>>
>> Somewhere I've got a slide show I presented at a rally some years ago; I
>> thought I'd posted it to GMCMHPhotos, but can't find it. I"ll try to do
>> that soon.
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:22 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks for the support
>>>
>>> I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the
>>> compressor through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll not
>> do
>>> that
>>> again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying
> to
>>> hold the thing up from underneath.
>>>
>>> I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not
>>> take the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but
> sometimes
>> you
>>> just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
>>>
>>> I'll hit it again in the am.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280895 is a reply to message #280887] |
Sun, 28 June 2015 05:20 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Ken, I saw that post last week where you recommended the sanden because of the weight. I thought about it all day yesterday... 
Just wait till I have to pull this rebuilt A6 to return it...
Normally I heed your advice, but I'm behind schedule and over budget. Anything from applied is a week away, and I wanted to be driving this thing Saturday afternoon with some semblance of ac. The local place had the A6 for $130. Now I know why. The counter guy even remarked on how heavy it was. He opened iup the box in the store to make sure it was a compressor and not a starter...
Live and learn.
Ken Henderson wrote on Sat, 27 June 2015 21:40Joe,
It's a bit late for you, but maybe someone else will heed: The answer is a
Sanden compressor or clone. The actual weight savings is 27 pounds. It's
a very easy conversion, especially if you've got to pull the compressor
anyway, and offers at lease equal performance.
Somewhere I've got a slide show I presented at a rally some years ago; I
thought I'd posted it to GMCMHPhotos, but can't find it. I"ll try to do
that soon.
Ken H.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
[Updated on: Sun, 28 June 2015 05:22] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280911 is a reply to message #280888] |
Sun, 28 June 2015 12:25 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
The newest and greatest thing from Sanden is their
so-called Enhanced SD7 compressor. For our application
it looks like #4616 is correct. You still need to flush
out the poisonous oil and refill it with mineral oil.
Gary Kosier
77PB w/500 Cad
Newark, Oh
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 10:54 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help
Hey, thanks, Billy! I'd forgotten you posted it for me.
Ken H.
On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 10:47 PM, Billy Massey wrote:
> http://www.bdub.net/Modern_AC_Compressor_Replacement.pdf
>
> http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1658
>
> On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:40 PM, Ken Henderson
> wrote:
>
>> Joe,
>>
>> It's a bit late for you, but maybe someone else will heed: The answer
> is a
>> Sanden compressor or clone. The actual weight savings is 27 pounds.
> It's
>> a very easy conversion, especially if you've got to pull the compressor
>> anyway, and offers at lease equal performance.
>>
>> Somewhere I've got a slide show I presented at a rally some years ago; I
>> thought I'd posted it to GMCMHPhotos, but can't find it. I"ll try to do
>> that soon.
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:22 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks for the support
>>>
>>> I pulled something in my right arm last week when I pulled on the
>>> compressor through the wheel well trying to tighten the belt. I'll
>>> not
>> do
>>> that
>>> again - pry bar is easier. But it really handicapped me today trying
> to
>>> hold the thing up from underneath.
>>>
>>> I finally jacked it up to get more room in the wheel well, but did not
>>> take the wheel off. Was tiring not to take it back apart, but
> sometimes
>> you
>>> just gotta bite the bullet I guess.
>>>
>>> I'll hit it again in the am.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #280973 is a reply to message #280910] |
Mon, 29 June 2015 06:26 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jon,
I can't correlate that number with anything! It came from
http://www.remcoair.com/fr/climatisation/catalogue-produits-climatisationkysor/compressors.pdf,
but now that link takes me to a French version of their web site. When I
proceed to the English version, it's still of no help. Nor does going to
the home page. They seem to have completely revised the site, eliminating
the good information I found there for the presentation. Sorry 'bout that!
If I couldn't find anything in a junk yard, I'd be inclined to contact Jim
K. for his "plug'n'play" version.
Ken H.
On Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 1:27 PM, Jon Payne wrote:
> Hi Ken,
>
> Looked over your presentation, lots of good information there...thanks.
> So the AC compressor that you mention should fit exactly is PN 1401025.
> Which
> is the model?
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/5607/Sanden_Compressor.PNG
>
> --
>
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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: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #281020 is a reply to message #280973] |
Mon, 29 June 2015 17:37 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Update:
Sunday spent 3 hours sweating and swearing, but it is in.
Getting it into position took 15 minutes, thanks to you guys. I ended up hooking one side of a ratcheting strap to the top of the open engine cover, and the non hooked other end tied to the compressor just behind the front mount (I did not think the hook would come out once the thing was bolted in). Once positioned correctly it came up nicely. A set of straps needs to be added as a must have tool. A prop rod secured to the hatch and engine opening ledge makes this safe (I, of course, just leaned the hatch back against the dash - not for the safety conscious).
The three hours spent sweating and swearing happened when I tried to get the front pivot bolt back in. I wiggled it, jiggled it, jacket it, prayed for it, and then damned it. Ended up going to Lowes and getting a 5/16" four inch bolt and through bolting the stupid thing. If the 5/16 gives way and the thing comes loose, I'll just torch the coach where it comes to rest. The gloves are off...
Tonight we charge it and see if it cools. Woo hoo.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #281042 is a reply to message #280895] |
Mon, 29 June 2015 20:26 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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Joe Weir wrote on Sun, 28 June 2015 03:20
Just wait till I have to pull this rebuilt A6 to return it...
Normally I heed your advice, but I'm behind schedule and over budget. Anything from applied is a week away, and I wanted to be driving this thing Saturday afternoon with some semblance of ac. The local place had the A6 for $130. Now I know why. The counter guy even remarked on how heavy it was. He opened iup the box in the store to make sure it was a compressor and not a starter...
Joe,
Nothing is overkill with these things. Heavy stuff in awkward positions is just plain Heavy!
You mention starters. When I replaced mine a while back I thought it was heavy and awkward. I held it up and started the first bolt. Like a silly fool I was feeling around (lying on my back) for the other bolts. As blood drained from my arm, I suppose I quit pushing up as hard... after all one bolt was secure. Then the sucker came down. Missed my head by about 2". I lay there for a while pondering about how I need to think, think, think.
So using something to help you get the compressor in is a good idea.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] AC compressor install help [message #281844 is a reply to message #281074] |
Fri, 10 July 2015 18:04 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Update:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I managed to get everything in and charged up.
True to form, the rebuilt compressor lasted less than 24 hours. It was a Murray 57089 from O-reilly's, and the clutch gave out (doesn't lock up or let the pulley spin free).
I did have about 40 minutes of glorious Ice cold air.
New dryer, expansion valve, seals everywhere (several of them were mangled badly when installed last.) The seals looked so bad I re-installed the old compressor mistakenly thinking my vacuum leak could easily have been the lines.
That was 4 hours I wish I could have back. On the bright side I am getting much faster at wrangling the 38 lb compressor in. I should be really fast with the 15 lb unit on the way.
"If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all..."
Heh.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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