news2me

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.

slickfx3

time to upgrade

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/sanden-508


http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S...Short_Pump.htm

news2me

Ttt

0Willcox Corvette

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

71 Green 454

The same thing happened to my '71 and I purchased a compressor from NAPA. No problems.

news2me

I'm going to stay away from the box stores, like Auto Zone or Advance. They carry off brands. My local mom and pop parts house, will have a name brand like AC Delco.

news2me

Do I need to Vacuum and Flush out the system. Or just put the new compressor, a few cans of Freon and oil????

jim in oregon

Sounds like you have done some fix up yourself/? Unless you have the proper tools-gauges etc..might be best to take your '77 to a reputable A/C shop and have them assess what is the root problem and give you an estimate..Assume your '77 had factory air, and still runs R12 OR has it been upgraded to R134A coolant?
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

GUSTO14

Yes, you will need to vacuum the system after installing a new compressor, if for no other reason than to insure the system is sealed.

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

news2me

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...

GUSTO14

What do you mean it locks up? Does the belt start to slip and squeal, does the engine stall?

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

Hammerhead Fred

Sounds more like your compressor is locked up.
Matters not - you can purchase them as an assembly.

0Willcox Corvette

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.

F4Gary

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.