Air conditioner compressor overhaul

[Kurt G.]

The compressor on my '72 is starting to throw a little oil onto the hood, so I'm guessing it's time to get the seals replaced. Does anyone know of and recomment a source for overhaul. My compressor is original, with the square valve body on the back and I don't want to take/send it to someone who will destroy the originallity of the compressor. Thanks.

[Jack H.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Well, this 'used' to be a service commonly available from local machine shops and A/C service centers. But, in today's era of massive scale auto parts rebuilders and their centralized reverse assy lines, few local shops still dabble in compressor rebuild because they simply can't compete. You can call around to machine shops and A/C repair shops in your neck of the woods to see who does what though.

But, you CAN do the job yourself. It's the front bearing/seal that's the Achilles' Heel of an A6 compressor. Very often, replacing it will solve problems for a LONG time to come.

The bearing seal components are available from most major auto parts stores and there are two forms of the 'kit': (1) sintered metal, and (2) ceramic. Most A6 compressors came from the factory with the metal bearing/seal and that's what wears out causing the compressor to throw refrigerant oil...

Toward the end of the A6's effective life, the bearing seal was improved and based on ceramic components. These are LONG lasting!

You'll need some special tools to R&R the compressor's pulley/clutch and remove/install the bearing/seal, but these aren't very expensive and most major autoparts stores have these for sale too.

While the job 'can' be done with the compressor installed (on car), decent access is a (*&^. So, most bite the bullet and pull the compressor to do the front seal change out on the bench. Your copy of the CSM (Chassis Service Manual) should provide a decent, step by step, description of the compressor front seal change process...

Last, the BIG 'opps' factor when installing a ceramic seal/bearing is cleanliness! Never, touch the ceramic parts with your hand (wear clean plastic gloves) as grease and dirt embedded in your skin will contaminate the clean ceramic surfaces...

[Larry M.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Kurt:

There are three options:

1. Buy the tools and do it yourself. Tools will run about $100 to $150. They can be kept forever and used anytime you have issues.....and/also can be loaned to others in the local Chapter. The Chevrolet Service Manual and Overhaul Manual should have all the procedures.

2. Search the Yellow Pages and find a local Automotive AC shop that has some of the older guys still working there, that remember the A-6 compressor and have the necessary tools.

3. Send to Old Air Products in Dallas for rebuild/seal replacement. They seems to have the best reputation for this work. Also consider Classic Auto Air in Florida. They also do this work, but seem to have more mixed reviews lately on the quality of their work. I am sure both can do an excellent job if you call and discuss and follow-up. Just "google" the names for phone numbers and websites.

For what it's worth......I personally chose Option 1 and purchased the tools. However, any of the three will work just fine.

Larry

[Bob H.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Hi Kurt

As you likely know, the front seal is the typical problem and I understand many times it leaks from sitting and not running on a regular basis.

I had a hard time finding anyone that even has the tools to replace the seals anymore, let alone getting them to do it.

I was able to buy a ceramic seal kit from Carquest. I then talked Dewey Hendricks, of Dewey's Just Vettes into replacing it for me.

I doubt he will provide a guarantee but he would probably do it for you. The seal replacement solved my 67 problem. He can be reached at 407-884-7155

[Terry M.]

The Driveline. Get it, and install it when the car is not being judged. That oil will soak through the fiberglass of the hood and make bubbles in your paint.

[Bill C.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Kurt,

If you decide to rebuild...

A ways back I nabbed a NOS A6 rebuild kit made by Frigidaire. It has the ceramic seal and all good parts.

You are welcome to it - I think I paid $20 for it....

Good luck with the AC ----

[Steven B.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Kurt, Old Air in Ft. Worth does rebuilds and has a very good reputation. Check out their web site for services and you can search on Corvette by year for parts, many NOS.

Steve

Phone Number: 817-531-2665
Fax Number: 817-531-3257
E-mail Address: chill@oldairproducts.com
Old Air Products
8744 Forum Way
Fort Worth, TX 76140

[Roberto L.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

[quote=Terry McManmon (3966);448592]

[Dick W.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

The technology, of todays cars, has evolved to the point that technicians cannot learn to repair all systems. The training time for one person would be astronomical. Today everyone is a specialist. Large dealerships have techs that do nothing but diagnose driveablility problems, transmission specialists, electrical specialists, etc. While I know that the technology has passed me by, I enjoy the sophistication of todays vehicles. 100k before tune ups, I do not miss changing plugs and points, overhauling carburetors, doing valve jobs at 75k, or overhauling an engine before 125k. I realize that I am seriously on the backside of my career in the automotive industry.

I have been involved with the auto/diesel program, either as an instructor or now as on advisory committees, at our local community college for over 40 years and am amazed at what is taught today. The level of education amazes me. The entry level tech that leaves that 2 year program has the skills to be light years ahead of me. I taught electrical systems in the mid '60's and now laugh at how elementary the course was. Today they probably learn more about electrical systems in one week that they did then in a semester.

[Jack H.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Ah, Don Luis is with us again! The weather must be turning NICE now down 'south' in Buenas Aires...

[Terry M.]

Re: Air conditioner compressor overhaul

Dick is absolutely right about the technicians of today, at least the good ones. The suggestion to try to find an "old timer" is also a good one. I just hope you don't turn into Diogenes.