C2 Factory A/C Question

[Bruce Boatner]

I finally broke down and took my 1964 factory a/c coupe to a shop to leak test my a/c system after noticing absolutely no movement in the the sight glass. The shop just called and told me the compressor was leaking. I know for a fact that the previous owner had replaced the compressor just before I bought the car less than a year ago. I had him save the old compressor in case it was original, but it looks like a rebuilt job as well.

My question is, are the "A6"? compressors notorious for leaking? The shop I am using seems reputable, but one never knows. Is there a source for a more reliable compressor, or are these things like batteries where one can last forever and another only a few months?

Thanks guys!

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

Most places I've know have had at least a 1 year warranty on the compressor if new. If a rebuild, it may be only 3 months. Did the previous owner leave you any paperwork on the compressor?

[William C.]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

The A-6 is probably the finest, most reliable A/C compressor in the world. In Addition to GM, they were the choice of Rolls Royce among others.

[Allan Wicklund]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

I've been taking back to original the A/C on my 67 coupe. I recieved a reply here a few weeks back from a fella who reported 15 years of trouble free use with an A-6. Please post your remedy when found.

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

Usually when there is a leak there are some signs of leakage IE: oil staining on the compressor the underside of the hood, near the connections. Did you notice any staining? Did he use a dye to determine if this is the only leaking point? I had my my 67's system re-charged with Autofrost after changing all the soft hoses, and it blows fairly cold, at times on the most recent Road Tour to the National we had too turn the fan down because it was too cold.

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

Bruce - As Clup and other have said the A6 is almost "bullet proof," but if they sniffed it and found it leaking you could have them show you. The front seal is a potential weak point. Be thankful it's not the evaporator core or something else that requires "open heart surgery." Pete

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

agree with clup and pete: the a-6 will last two or three lifetimes longer than the radial compressors. have had a 64 365 ac coupe since 69 and the comp is bullet-proof. have had to replace the condensor and evaporator and valves but the comp is "catepillar" quality. mike

[Bruce Boatner]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

Thanks everyone for your input.

Just a little history, when I first looked at the car the a/c did not work. The former owner agreed to have the a/c fixed before I bought the car. The repair ended up being a 2 month long nightmare. At one point, the former owner lost his temper and "kidnapped" the car from the shop before the work was completed. He had to crawl back to the shop when he realized little things like the fan were still at the shop and not in the car. When all was said and done the a/c worked reasonably well. However, I imagine there was a little bad blood. Could be the shop used the cheapest POS compressor they could find out of spite.

Hopefully, my "new" compressor will be bullet-proof and trouble free for years to come. As much as these things weigh, you would think they would be durable!

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Factory A/C Question

Bruce - Good luck with the new one. Sounds like boat anchor for the old one with it's history. Pete