Air Compressor Gets HOT
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Air Compressor Gets HOT
The factory original air compressor on my C3 '72, Stingray got very hot even though the air conditioning was working normal. No noise from the clutch, and it would click on and off properly when turned off. The clutch was hot to the touch and the middle of the compressor very warm. It became hot enough to bubble the paint on the outside of the hood.
The air compressor has been converted to 34.
What tests should I make on the compressor?
Thanks
The air compressor has been converted to 34.
What tests should I make on the compressor?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,672
Likes: 2,477
From: Indiana
Not sure of details of the 135a conversion...but maybe?
- never added correct oil for 134a? Pretty sure 134a will not suspend mineral oil to lubricate compressor , do you know details of course conversion?
- check pressures with gauges...maybe over filled? 134a i think requires less material than r12..
got an ir gun? They are cheap..see what it says..
- never added correct oil for 134a? Pretty sure 134a will not suspend mineral oil to lubricate compressor , do you know details of course conversion?
- check pressures with gauges...maybe over filled? 134a i think requires less material than r12..
got an ir gun? They are cheap..see what it says..
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,711
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
This obviously is much too hot. I think lubrication is one important possibility as described above, but I find it hard to believe that it was cooling the car if it was the wrong lubricant. Certainly possible that there is no lubricant. Rather than guessing, here’s a pretty good link for diagnosing A/C issues, albeit for imports. Won’t cover the conversion issues though.
https://mdhmotors.com/ac-compressor-...gnosis-repair/
https://mdhmotors.com/ac-compressor-...gnosis-repair/
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
134a requires PAG oil, instead of mineral oil. The two oil types WILL NOT MIX...or, specifically, should not be mixed. Some folks drain the mineral oil, but don't clean/purge the system. They'll put some ester oil in with the new PAG oil, hoping that the residual mineral oil will not cause any problems. If you still have mineral oil in to lube your compressor, you have a problem.
