Killed another A6 compressor

elcamino74guy · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:14 am Post subject: Killed another A6 compressor

GRRRRRRRRRR.

I have zero luck with A6 AC compressors. I drive my Elky like maybe 1000 miles a year and still have bad luck with these particular compressors. Now I have a front seal leak and of course the front bearing (not the clutch bearing either) has started to scream once in a while.

The first time I heard it I thought I had unconsciously done a burnout but then it hit me that I was still in park..... Poke Tounge

Anyway, I'm sick of this but live in AZ so I have to fix it (Again). It seems like I have to replace a compressor every 5years or so. Not very fair considering thats about 6000 miles over the past 5 years. But enough of that, what needs to be done must be done.

Now, The question is this. I have the belt off, the compressor wiring disconnected so that I wouldn't blow compressor chunks into my AC lines when it finally did die. I try to head off these kinds of things...

Has anyone here done a conversion from the A6 to the Sanden or Pancake style compressor? I already have done the 134 conversion and the lines are newer teflon lined. Condenser and evaporator are fine and the unit was still blowing cold air it was just the periodic screaming that worried me.

I am guessing that the AC line junction block won't fit the back of a different compressor. But what about fitting the new brackets and such. I know that MArch makes kits but there's got to be a better way than to spend a bunch of money on anodized brackets and chrome compressors. I can make turnbuckle type brackets if need be.

I have a 4th gen so were talking mostly 70's technology with the exception of a high pressure switch wired into the clutch circuit when I did the 134 conversion. It's basically an 80's S10 setup.

By the way, When I did the conversion everything was replaced except the condenser which was cleaned and pressure tested.

I just don't trust the A6 anymore so any insights appreciated.

Cool

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74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007

2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!

Mrapii · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear about your problems with the A6 compressor. I've had nothing but good luck over the years with this compressor and even now I have two vehicles with A6 compressors. It's big, ugly and heavy but many old time AC guys consider it one of the best compressors GM ever made. As far as lines and fittings for the Sanden conversion I would contact Old Air or Vintage Air for the appropriate fittings and lines. Good luck.
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

vrooom3440 · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 1:29 pm Post subject:

For brackets I would check out Alan Grove Components:

www.alangrovecomponents.com[/url]
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elcamino74guy · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:11 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, I've heard the A6's are supposed to be bulletproof but most people don't get more than 4 years out of one in AZ.

I installed this one new and dry when I did the 134 conversion but it may be that it just isn't quite the right compressor for this refrigerant. I know it's harder to compress 134 than R12. I already had to change the AC clutch on the compressor about 2 years ago. It was caused by my clutch fan failing which allowed too much head pressure in the compressor. That's probably where the problem started.

It may also be partly my fault because I only drive this thing on weekends and the air isn't turned on that much. That means I'm probably not ciruculating the lubricant as much as it would like to be.

I was even turning it on in the winter months every few weeks just to try to circulate the refrigerant and coolant. It was a very cold 30 miles but I thought it might help the longevity. I do the same thing with the heater in the summer to keep the heater core from developing any leaks. That's almost harder to bear than the AC in the winter when it's 110 and you turn the heater on full blast.

Thanks for the links. I'll check it out. Very Happy

_________________
74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007

2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!

engineer · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:35 pm Post subject:

compressor should always be prefilled with oil and shaft turned at least a dozen times before mounting. Run AC even in winter, but move the temperature control to heat \ hot. Compressor still comes on, and circulates but you will not be frozen. mounting block for A6 bolts up to late model compressors with no change needed escept for o rings. so using a later compressor is no problem.

elcamino74guy · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 11:51 pm Post subject:

THanks for the advice. Compressor was bought "dry" and then prefilled and rotated as you described in your post. I got a dry one because I knew the R12 oil and the 134 oil didn't mix. I knew of some cases where someone reused a condenser during the conversion without cleaning it out and ended up with jelly like stuff in the lines. I guess the 134 oil isn't compatible with linseed oil.

BTW, The horrible sound I was hearing turned out to be belt slippage on my new chrome alternator's pulley.

Compressor seems fine now with a new belt on it and a little "roughening" on my Alternator pulley.

I guess we are all subject to an attack of the stupids now and again.. Smile

It just really sounded like it was coming from the compressor but it wasn't especially after I cut the AC belt and still heard the sound after a mile or so of driving. You'd think the dim headlights at the traffic light would have been a hint!

Smile

_________________
74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007

2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!

79Elky · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject:

I dunno about back in the '70s; but at least during the '80s, running the defroster would turn on the compressor so the AC/heater would put out dry air to help evaporate condensation on the windshield. Try it and see.
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Yea, though I am forced to crawl through valleys of SUVs and riceburners, I fear no evil, for torque and positraction art mine. Mine eight rods, eight pistons and tripower, they comfort me. For therein lies mine power, and glory, and salvation, forever.

engineer · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 2:21 pm Post subject:

1970-72 set up did not turn on AC compressor in defrost mode. only in AC modes.

elcamino74guy · Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 10:31 pm Post subject:

Mine does turn on the compressor for heat and defrost. It just doesn't seem to be working as hard as it does when I have the Cold AC on.

Smile

_________________
74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007

2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!

Ehlien · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:03 am Post subject: Hoses

Is it critical to change hoses when you convert from R12 to 134a??
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elcamino74guy · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:41 pm Post subject:

Yes it's critical on many levels. First if your AC hoses are over 5 years old they need to be replaced. I've asked this of a few different AC guys and there's no question about it.
Second, R134A requires the hoses to have an inner coating of teflon because 134A can migrate past a standard hose made for R12. They are also a bit heavier hose to accomodate higher pressures present in a 134A system. Make sure your AC compressor can handle the extra strain as well. You can have your AC hoses rebuilt using your old end fittings and new hose between them by the way. Also be sure to get new O-rings for the manifolds and get the system completely flushed out including the condenser. Have to replace the Accumulator too.

Good luck with the project!

Mine worked great and blew ice cold for 5 years before my A6 compressor froze up today.

Funny how your message coincided with my AC going out. Shocked

_________________
74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007

2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!

Mrapii · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 11:07 pm Post subject:

I sure hate to disagree but I have to relate my experiences with R134A conversions. I have done many, many conversions using the original hoses and on some vehicles with well over 10 years on the conversion the original hoses are still working just fine. Just based on my personal experience.
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

MEvang · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:01 am Post subject:

I'll have to agree with Mrapii, changing the hoses is not even recommended during a conversion. Obviously if the hoses are in poor condition it would be wise to replace them, but other wise it is not a necessity to replace hoses. Plus having someone "rebuild" them could be more costly then simply replacing them. Of course is no replacement are available then you have little choice.
Mike
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"That the automobile has practically reached the limit of its development is suggested by the fact that during the past year no improvements of a radical nature have been introduced." (Scientific American January 2, 1909).

Ehlien · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:00 am Post subject: AC

Good feed back thanks much! Sounds like you could go either way.
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Two tone blue , 350 CI, 1982 Caballero formerly from the great state of OK.
Start the restoration!