86 AC Compressor removal?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 1
From: Niagara Falls ON
That is a surprise to me. I just removed my compressor a few weeks ago and there is a 15mm bolt down there. I had no idea that this was a replacement bolt. I assumed it was original. Apparently someone else has done some work on my 1986 ac long before I owned it. Now to find an original, correct bolt for that position!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
Hey guys, want to re-open this... I'm doing this job now to get to those fuel lines. The flexible part of the lines rubbed, busted and need replacement, are under the bracket which needs to come off. My problem... the Torx bolt is out, which wasn't too hard, and everything is super loose, but because of the fuel lines, I don't have enough wiggle room to pull the assembly forward to take out the crazy long rear bolt hitting the valve cover. Doesn't seem as if anyone else was complaining about this... anyone can give me a clue here?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
here's another pic of that bolt.
it's been about 18 years ago when I first encountered that booger. frickin' FSM does not give any clue about the bolt - must have fought that for a day or two. anyway, before I realized it had a torx head, I did buy a 15mm, 6 point, 1/4" drive socket to get it out. the 1/4" drive socket was a thinner wall than a 3/8" drive, and I was able to get it in there to remove the bolt. not 100% sure, but it seems there was a notch cut into the compressor pulley, that you had to align with the bolt hole. the second time removing that bolt was a piece of cake!
it's been about 18 years ago when I first encountered that booger. frickin' FSM does not give any clue about the bolt - must have fought that for a day or two. anyway, before I realized it had a torx head, I did buy a 15mm, 6 point, 1/4" drive socket to get it out. the 1/4" drive socket was a thinner wall than a 3/8" drive, and I was able to get it in there to remove the bolt. not 100% sure, but it seems there was a notch cut into the compressor pulley, that you had to align with the bolt hole. the second time removing that bolt was a piece of cake!
Last edited by Joe C; May 26, 2014 at 09:08 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,363
Likes: 2,733
another tip to remove T45b bolt on bottom of ac pulley
Another NOOB tip for the T45 bolt removal under the ac compressor pulley...
SPIN THE PULLEY AND FIND THE TWO LITTLE NOTCHES.
FEEL THE t45 BOLT HEAD AND FEEL ONE FLAT EDGE. LINE THEM UP. IT WILL MAKE SENSE ONCE YOU LOOK AT IT. It only comes out that way.
USE YOUR IPHONE OR SMARTPHONE WITH THE FRONT FACING CAMERA AND ITS LIKE A MIRROR. IT WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT SEES AND TAKE A PICTURE.
im not yelling....just stressing ^^^ for any other NOOBS like me....
If you are like me, a noob, who wants to work on their own classic vette......but have never done anything like this....give yourself a full day and a half for this job. As in all of Saturday, and from 10 till 5 on sunday LOL. Ask me how I know.
That might sound nutz...but I would be prepared for this. I understand now why mechanics take so many hours to get a job done!!!
For me, my leaks were from both sides of the water pump on the oval shaped gaskets. LOL. Parts cost: $3 Labour cost, 1.5 days hahahha.
All good.
SPIN THE PULLEY AND FIND THE TWO LITTLE NOTCHES.
FEEL THE t45 BOLT HEAD AND FEEL ONE FLAT EDGE. LINE THEM UP. IT WILL MAKE SENSE ONCE YOU LOOK AT IT. It only comes out that way.
USE YOUR IPHONE OR SMARTPHONE WITH THE FRONT FACING CAMERA AND ITS LIKE A MIRROR. IT WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT SEES AND TAKE A PICTURE.
im not yelling....just stressing ^^^ for any other NOOBS like me....
If you are like me, a noob, who wants to work on their own classic vette......but have never done anything like this....give yourself a full day and a half for this job. As in all of Saturday, and from 10 till 5 on sunday LOL. Ask me how I know.
That might sound nutz...but I would be prepared for this. I understand now why mechanics take so many hours to get a job done!!!
For me, my leaks were from both sides of the water pump on the oval shaped gaskets. LOL. Parts cost: $3 Labour cost, 1.5 days hahahha.
All good.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
I made the mistake of using a T-40 instead of a T-45 and ended up destroying the Torx bolt. Fortunately I was able to get it out with Vise Grips:
I couldn't find the correct bolt so I replaced it with a hex socket bolt from the local hardware supply company.
I couldn't find the correct bolt so I replaced it with a hex socket bolt from the local hardware supply company.
