New R134a system - compressor kaput (what to replace)?

[kapitein]

Hi folks,

Basically as the title says.

12months ago I converted my 86 to R134. Replaced everything in the system, blew out the lines etc, just like you should.

It worked great for 12m, but the compressor leaked oil (slightly) from new around the casing, and this got slowly worse over time. Even with the small oil leak, the system worked great and blew ice cold.

Abouy 6 weeks ago, my E-fans failed (blew a relay) and the car got warm... no other issues with the car after that, but the car was sitting at idle with no flow over the condensor and im guessing it o/heated the AC system and the compressor locked up. Damn!

So I need to replace the compressor - should I also repalce the condensor (again)?

The current (broken) compressor is a 4 seasons HR6 design.
The current condensor is a GPD part (GPD 3642C).

If anyone has recommendations for better quality parts, id love to hear it. Should I replace the condensor again? And if so, is the GPD part OK... parallel flow etc?

Would love to hear some insights... thanks a lot!

 

[dd1990]

Hi folks,

Basically as the title says.

12months ago I converted my 86 to R134. Replaced everything in the system, blew out the lines etc, just like you should.

It worked great for 12m, but the compressor leaked oil (slightly) from new around the casing, and this got slowly worse over time. Even with the small oil leak, the system worked great and blew ice cold.

Abouy 6 weeks ago, my E-fans failed (blew a relay) and the car got warm... no other issues with the car after that, but the car was sitting at idle with no flow over the condensor and im guessing it o/heated the AC system and the compressor locked up. Damn!

So I need to replace the compressor - should I also repalce the condensor (again)?

The current (broken) compressor is a 4 seasons HR6 design.
The current condensor is a GPD part (GPD 3642C).

If anyone has recommendations for better quality parts, id love to hear it. Should I replace the condensor again? And if so, is the GPD part OK... parallel flow etc?

Would love to hear some insights... thanks a lot!

Ac-delco compressors tend to be the best. That being I had a new R4 compressor from acdelco that leaked so I went with a Sanden and never looked back. Also keep in mind the new parallel condenser is smaller so you will have to move all the mounting brackets inward.

 

[CalSgt]

So I need to replace the compressor - should I also repalce the condensor (again)?

I've washed out condensers after a compressor was scattered, and those systems are still running fine. Just flushed with soap and water and blew out with air several times and let it dry in the sun for a day before reassembly. Also ran the vacuum pump on them far longer than just a simple open system recharge to ensure any moisture evaporated out.

 

[kapitein]

Thanks for the replies.

Summit lists a couple of compressors from Vintage Air that resember mine (and list from Summit as being compatible) part numbers 047001-SUQ or 047000-SUR.... does anyone know from experirence if these are compatible?

It seems like my current condensor is already a 2nd gen design parallel flow, so might as well clean it and keep it.

Thanks a lot.

 

[ali_c20]

You can rebuild the old AC compressor.
The ac compressor 047000-SUR Vintage Air sells is a Sanden SD 508 rear exit double v groove / SD5h14 S6630.
Sanden is sold in Europe too and when you buy it here you have the 2 years warranty.
Go to a good auto parts store or to a tractor repair shop.

 

[kapitein]

Thanks for the heads up on the Sanden part number and EU stock... good tip

 

[Olegmbuilder]

I really miss the old R-12 refrigerants. Colder and ran better than any R-134. But I also love my planets ozone layer.

 

[fast 99]

R4 compressors are a notoriously bad design. I make a lot of money replacing them. If a Sanden conversion is available go with that.

These systems are overbuilt 134A will work fine. Blue truck in the avatar was converted this year. Will still freeze you out.

Use 80% of the R12 charge and correct oil.

 

[Finkaire]

R-12 still available, check Craigslist List, a little pricey.
Freeze12 and FrigC are NOT R12, they were replacements