A-6 A/C compressor experts
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 13
From: Hollywood, Florida
A-6 A/C compressor experts
A buddy gave me his old A6 that was working fine before he removed it from his car a year ago. What is recommended to do to refurbish the comperssor?
It spins fine, the clutch looks and feels good, but it has been "open" for a year.
Is there such thing as a rebuild kit? If not, is it just a matter of changing bearings or seals?
ALSO---this compressor has an electrical terminal on it, under the suction/discharge ports. I think this is a superheat switch. My current compressor doesn't have this terminal on it. Will this compressor actually work on a system not set up for that switch???
I will not buy another rebuilt unit, and don't have the $300 or so to buy a new one.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. :cheers:
It spins fine, the clutch looks and feels good, but it has been "open" for a year.
Is there such thing as a rebuild kit? If not, is it just a matter of changing bearings or seals?
ALSO---this compressor has an electrical terminal on it, under the suction/discharge ports. I think this is a superheat switch. My current compressor doesn't have this terminal on it. Will this compressor actually work on a system not set up for that switch???
I will not buy another rebuilt unit, and don't have the $300 or so to buy a new one.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: A-6 A/C compressor experts (shoptek)
Without proper tools and some knowledge, I would not attempt to rebuild this unit. You should inspect it closely for signs of leakage from the front seal under the clutch. If it turns free, the clutch looks good and it is clean inside, just flush it out and install with fresh oil. If you see signs of oil leaks under the clutch, then you might have the front seal replaced.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: A-6 A/C compressor experts (shoptek)
Marc... You need a special tool set to overhaul a compressor. SOME of them are available from Auto zone's tool rental program.You could take the compressor to an A/C shop and have them put a new shaft seal in. That doesn't require dis-assembly other than removing the clutch, just a special tool for both. It would be pretty dheap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Area Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: A-6 A/C compressor experts (shoptek)
Been away from the A-6 for some time now, but if you have the head from your old one just take the four nuts off and switch them that's the only difference in the two, a lot of times the coil will be in another position but that means nothing. The only things that make a difference inside are the races on each end of the shaft and the shoe discs on the bearings riding on the pistons they are computer generated tolerances so make sure you get those back the same way they came off. I'm not sure where to get parts for them now but they are easy to work on, I think White bought the patents from GM and are still building them for replacements. The A-6 is the most rebuild-able compressor ever made.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: A-6 A/C compressor experts (shoptek)
I do a lot of these and have the tools. The compressor you have almost certainly needs the front seal, and I always replace the hub bearing as well. The bearing and seal kits are avilable from NAPA (seal kit about $12.00 and the bearing is $25.00). Use the ceramic type. The rest should be fine. if yours doesn't use the overheat switch (started in '73 on the C-3), just leave it unhooked. I use only ester type oil (as opposed to PAG) because it is compatible with any residual mineral oil in the system. Most A/C shops can do this work if they have been around a while for a reasonable price. It takes me about an hour to do the whole job.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 13
From: Hollywood, Florida
Re: A-6 A/C compressor experts (shoptek)
Thanks everyone for the info.
I'll probably take it to one of the 3 reputible AC shops I know of and get a price. I wanted to do it myself (for the knowledge), but i really don't see getting special tools for a (hopefully) one time job :yesnod:
I'll probably take it to one of the 3 reputible AC shops I know of and get a price. I wanted to do it myself (for the knowledge), but i really don't see getting special tools for a (hopefully) one time job :yesnod:
