GM A6 Compressor Clutch Coil Question

[Dennis H.]

Hi, I have a GM A6 Compressor with the Clutch Coil plug on the wrong side. I need to rotate the clutch coil plug from the 2 o'clock position to the 10 o'clock position when looking from the front to aft. This is on my 1965

How do I go about doing that?

[Richard M.]

Re: GM A6 Compressor Clutch Coil Question

Dennis,

Is this a connected working A6 or out of the car.You can do this without purging the system, but if it's out of the car you may want to consider more while you're in ther. See the link below I found some time ago about rebuild of the A6.
You need to remove the clutch using a special remover tool, lift off the coil pack, rotate it, then reinstall the clutch using a special installation tool. Sounds like it may have spun on the bearing a bit. If you're going to go through this, it may be a good time to replace the clutch, and if you have a press, even the bearing. GM still sells them both and not very expensive. I own C1's, but we have a 72 XKE which uses the A6. I've partially rebuild it a few times, new inner seal and clutch, etc.

If you don't have the clutch tools, you're welcome to borrow mine for cost of postage. If you're thinking about the seal, I have the seal tools too.

Rich

Part1:

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/7954_air_conditioning_compressor_rebuild/index.html

Part2:

http://www.hotrod.com/howto/7975_air_conditioning_compressor_rebuild_2/index.html

[Dennis H.]

Re: GM A6 Compressor Clutch Coil Question

Thanks Rich

This compressor was rebuilt a few years ago and never installed, looks like the tech got his 10 vs 2 o'clock position mixed up. I have a complete A6 compressor rebuild tool kit I picked up off ebay several years ago just in case I ever needed it, looks like I do now.

Dennis

[Wayne M.]

Good instructions in '64 & 65 Shop Manual

Quite simple if you have the tools. Remove clutch; remove pulley; remove C-clip snap ring holding the clutch housing (you'll need correct snap ring pliers #26); pull off coil housing, rotate and reinstall at correct clocking. It interlocks with the comressor head in one of 3 positions. Not necessary to purge refrigerant from system, but working room will be a little tight with the hood on and the receiver/dehydrator on the inside rad support.

.

[Jim T.]

Re: GM A6 Compressor Clutch Coil Question

Rich did you attempt to change the front seal with the compressor mounted in the car or did you always remove it? Did your compressor come with a ceramic seal or the steel one? If your compressor came with a steel seal and you changed to the ceramic seal, what was the difference in the operation of the compressor? I have read that the ceramic seal is what one should use. I have also read that the same type of seal should be reinstalled. I have also read that you are not to touch the seal with your fingers. I want to do a seal change one day.

[Richard M.]

Re: GM A6 Compressor Clutch Coil Question

Hi Jim, Just noticed your question....for some reason I don't get notified via email any longer????

So I need to ask why change the seal. If it's because it's weeping oil, it's supposed to, otherwise the seal would self destruct.

Yes it was ceramic. but you really need to take it out of the car. You must purge the R12 anyways, so a few more bolts to get it out will be a easy task. Not sure how they fit on the C2s but I recommend you remove it.

The A6 in the Jag used ceramic originally. It's a 1972 compressor. One thing to keep in mind to reduce further oil slinging, is to clean or replace the felt wick inside the seal housing. You have to remove it to get at the seal. I tried to locate a replacement but could not so I cleaned it with solvent.

Yes you must not touch the face of the ceramic or get any scratches on it. If you scratch it it's junk. I bought a nos GM seal kit from a ebay GM parts seller about a year ago. About $20.

fyi, checkout this thread on the ac forum. Good info, with a nice pic of the seal and housing.

http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=20&threadid=8294

they also talk about a double lip seal to reduce oil slinging.

Rich