A/C compressor questions

My a/c compressor is siezed so now its the question of change it out or forget it. So is there any newer substitute compressor I can use or do I have to stick with the original and convert it?

Didn't find any Freon upgrade conversion stickers under the hood so I'm presuming it the original or an early replacement. Have no idea on condition of rest of AC system other than its all there.

RichK

 

Go to a place like Vintage Air and get a Sandon kit. The sandon compressor is much smoother and takes a fraction of the horesepower to run. At the same time you could convert to 134A but personnelly, I'd stick to R12.

http://www.vintageair.com/index.asp

 

I would stick to the original type. I have changed several cars, inc, a 71 Mach, an 82 Fairmont, and every other brand from a Plymouth Hemi to a,.. a,....damn Chevrolet. These changes were associated with a new motor, so I had to get different bracket, anyway. What a PITA.

First, a Sanden ( the compressor of choice) needs a different bracket than stock, and the pulley may be different. If you spin a belt in East Jesus, good luck finding one for your setup.

I am re doing a 73 Comet, and I am going to use a original type, bolt in, and I am changing to the new gas.

All that being said, there is a place in Tampa that sells a adapter set up to use the Sanden in a Ford bracket, for a BB Ford at least. The place is Classic Air or Classic Auto air, or somesuch. I am sure a AOL search will get the name.
Good luck.

 

Hey Mavaholic 134A is available. as far as I know R12 is not. is it still available? and if so where?

 

As far as I know, its not manufactured but is still available. Our refrigeration guys have it on their trucks. They charged my 77 with it last fall after I replaced the heated core.

 

R12 is still available. Incredibly expensive. I have converted all my stuff to 134A. You have to be A/C certified to purchase R12, which I am.
Dan

 

How much is it? and where do you get it from?

 

Autoparts stores have it. I dont know what the price is anymore, havent bought any in a few years. Like I said, I converted all my stuff. R12 is colder but 134A will work nearly as well in a converted system if you know what you are doing.
Dan

 

R-12 is still available and made in Mexico. The US ban on manufacturing it and the $$$$ to import it, Thank You Mr. Clinton, is where the problem is. R-134 has a problem at idle. That's where the 12 systems shine thru. Stop and go traffic doesn't do a 134 system much good. R-12 systems are heavy and bulky which is a draw back. If newer technology made the comp smaller and more efficient, R-134 would go away.

 

I am also certified in A/C

First if you replace your compressor you need to do the following.
1. Replace the Filter Dryer or accumulator depending on the system type.
2. Replace the orfice tube or expansion valve depending on system type.
3. flush the A/c lines with A/c flush or D natured alcohol.
4. Install the suggested amount of oil back into the compressor and filter dryer.
5. If retrofitting to R134a you need to install compatable PAG oil.
6. If retrofitting to R134a you need to install a high pressure cut off switch.
7. Take the time to install some dye to trace leaks.
YOu will only need 80 to 90 percent of the original r12 level if retrofitting.
I jave only seen a few degree difference when retrofitting. Nothing Note worthy 5 degrees. When retrofitted correctly. It sounds harder than it looks but well worth the hassle. Lower cost on future recharges no damage to ozone etc....
Good Luck any questions give me a holler.