A/C Compressor help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Staten Island New York
A/C Compressor help
When I turn the A/C on in my '77, the compressor locks up. It looks like the clutch is shot. I just had the A/C hoses replaced and had the Dryer resealed (VIR). less then 500 miles ago. It worked fine up until today and now this happened. Is it just a coincidence, that the compressor went. Also are the compressors that Auto Zone or Advance Auto any good or should I get one from a vendor.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
When I turn the A/C on in my '77, the compressor locks up. It looks like the clutch is shot. I just had the A/C hoses replaced and had the Dryer resealed (VIR). less then 500 miles ago. It worked fine up until today and now this happened. Is it just a coincidence, that the compressor went. Also are the compressors that Auto Zone or Advance Auto any good or should I get one from a vendor.
time to upgrade
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/sanden-508
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S...Short_Pump.htm
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If I were you I'd go for one from a local parts store. You can probably find one with a life time warranty and you'll not have any shipping (or core shipping) to deal with plus it's a direct fit.
I've not ventured into the Sanden compressors as far as a replacement for the old A6, but as Slickfx3 stated, they are a great compressor that'll work better than the original compressor but they are not a direct replacement, it'll take some work to install.
I have used the Sanden compressors on AC conversion kits over the years and they are awesome.... we put one on the 69 car we added a/c on and that thing will freeze you out...
As far as re-built units Murray and Four Season's are all reliable re-builders.
Willcox
I've not ventured into the Sanden compressors as far as a replacement for the old A6, but as Slickfx3 stated, they are a great compressor that'll work better than the original compressor but they are not a direct replacement, it'll take some work to install.
I have used the Sanden compressors on AC conversion kits over the years and they are awesome.... we put one on the 69 car we added a/c on and that thing will freeze you out...
As far as re-built units Murray and Four Season's are all reliable re-builders.
Willcox
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
When I turn the A/C on in my '77, the compressor locks up. It looks like the clutch is shot. I just had the A/C hoses replaced and had the Dryer resealed (VIR). less then 500 miles ago. It worked fine up until today and now this happened. Is it just a coincidence, that the compressor went. Also are the compressors that Auto Zone or Advance Auto any good or should I get one from a vendor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
When I turn the A/C on in my '77, the compressor locks up. It looks like the clutch is shot. I just had the A/C hoses replaced and had the Dryer resealed (VIR). less then 500 miles ago. It worked fine up until today and now this happened. Is it just a coincidence, that the compressor went. Also are the compressors that Auto Zone or Advance Auto any good or should I get one from a vendor.
May be the A/C off-on relay..rather than compressor..which is a fairly easy rep fix..Keep us posted..and as for auto parts places..ONCE you determine that a new Compressor is needed see what sort of guaranty they offer ..and compare prices for parts with the A/C shop..Good luck and keep us posted..Jim
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Yes, possibly; Depending on the nature of the failure, you may need to flush they system to remove any debris that may have contaminated the system. Some compressor warranties require a flush to validate the warranty on the compressor.
I would agree with jim in oregon, unless you have all the necessary equipment, it is best to have a reputable shop evaluate the system and determine the cause of the failure first.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Staten Island New York
When the car is running, the pulley on the compressor spins and not locked up. But once I turn on the A/C, it locks up. It makes me believe its the clutch that went. With the car off, I can't turn the clutch. It won't free wheel...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Based on what I'm hearing you say, you are describing a seized compressor. The question then becomes, why did it seize? Did this seizure contaminate the rest of the system?
These are the questions that can best be answered by a qualified A/C service center or technician.
GUSTO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
Matters not - you can purchase them as an assembly.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Good catch Fred... I missed that. If the belt spins when the a/c is off, and then you engage it and it locks up, the clutch is working and the compressor has an issue.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 11,144
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From: Grapevine Tx
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
2016 C3 of the Year Finalist
If it's an A6 compressor, the Pro6Ten compressor (sometimes called an S6) is a direct bolt in replacement. Old Air sells them. Or you can shop around. I'm seriously thinking of doing this. My A6 bogs my engine down to where it won't idle.