C2 Air Compressor

[William G.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Wayne
My compressor is also a 302 cast with casting date of B-8-5
It also has the round holes. When i took the belt off it was stuck to
the pulleys. Would be hard to believe it was the original belt but car
has not been on the road since late 70s.Will check what markings was on the belt since i save everything.
Thanks for the pic.
BILL

[Mike B.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Wayne,

Again, nice shots! I've got two '65 302s and one '64 302. All 3 are the type you show in the upper part of your photo. No crimp front barrel, clutch w/small round holes, not 3 rectangular cutouts. All 3 have the large 5 3/4" pulley and they have the slot type 440# vent vs. the ones with the hole.

I've got others from '68~'74 that resemble the lower part of your photo. I recently acquired a later 302 that has the metric mount holes. I was going to use my '66 service and shop manuals to take this one apart to see what makes 'em tick, but I noticed there's a few special tools required.

I've seen from your prior posts that you've done this before. My question to you is have you had success restoring one of these 302s where they're operational and don't leak? I'd really like to put one of these '65 compressors on my car.

Mike

[Richard L.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Dick,
I live in the San Antonio area so I called Vintage Air and they are the ones who gave me the name of the person who put in the last seal and the clutch and the seal still spays leaks. I called Antique Auto Air out of the Dallas area and they said they can rebuild it, but I feel kind of snake bit on having it rebuilt again (three times already) so I thought I would try to get some expert advice or references from anyone who might have had some success with their A-6 compressor. So far it just seems to be a money pit. Has anyone heard of a double lipped seal?
Gary

Gary...

Classic Air rebuilt mine several times and it still leaked, or I should say it used to leak because I ended up replacing mine with a new unit...It's not correct but I don't have the car judged anymore either...I also don't have any paint bubbling issues...It was definitely a money pit as you noted. If someone else wants to put the old compressor back on after I'm gone go for it...Can't stand an oil leak of any type...

Rick

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Four years ago I successfully replaced the ceramic seal in the original 1972 A6 in wife's XKE. Refrigerant leak free ever since. Original R12 system ice cold here in Florida summers.

Thread, links & pics below.
Rich

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...essor&uid=4644

[Wayne M.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

....and they have the slot type 440# vent vs. the ones with the hole.

Nice touch, that slotted 440# relief valve.

..... have you had success restoring one of these 302s where they're operational and don't leak? I'd really like to put one of these '65 compressors on my car. ........

Mike -- I got as far as buying the tools (almost 2 complete sets off eBay) and a bunch of original (era) ceramic seal kits, but I'm a long way from getting the air working on my '65 coupe. .

[Mike B.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Thanks Wayne for your response. It looks as though I'll have to become "A6 Compressor Man" ? I just can't see paying the freight to Florida or Texas just to have the thing leak when I get it back. Sooner or later someone will become the expert among us and provide a reliable service for his NCRS brothers and sisters.

[Ray G.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Hello Gentlemen;

Resealing an A6 is not an extremely difficult procedure. If you can restore your Corvette, you can do it. Or ask a professional tool man in your area. He probably knows of a capable mechanic.

Start by reading an overhaul manual from the '60s.

I believe the seals are still available from the General. I bought some in the last year.

Tools? contact a GM technician or retired technician. I was able to buy some online to replace broken tools from the past.

One of the biggest causes of the compressor leaks is lack of air flow over the condensor. Causing the high side pressure to exceed seal limitations.
Make sure there is clean, clear air flow over the condensor AND radiator and excellent fan action. For example the heavy paint used by old time radiator shops restricts air flow.
Anytime these systems are in heavy traffic situations with high ambient heat the high side pressures build quickly.
We use additional pulling fans on any systems running in traffic with temperatures over 90 degrees. Puller fans work the best.
Hope these suggestions help.
Ray

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Bill, Mike or Anyone.....

If you are contemplating replacing the ceramic seal yourself, you are welcome to borrow my tools to do the job. I have the clutch remover/installer tool set, the special snap ring pliers I made, and the special seal remover/installer tool kit. You will have to procure the ceramic seal kit yourself.

All I ask is for you to pay insured shipping both ways and it's yours for the asking. I'd also ask you to plan to borrow for about a week or so maximum as a courtesy. Just PM me with your email and/or phone# and we can make arrangements.

Rich

p.s. My previous post has the link to the repair procedure which I used when I did this some time ago. As Jack and others have mentioned, cleanliness in handling the seal is most important. You must also remember that, by design, the A6 will leak a bit of oil. It keeps the ceramic seal from self destructing. Replacing the felt wick will help, but over time it will saturate. I'm certain that new units will do the same over time.

edit......I just noticed that this thread construction is confusing due to the " More replies below current depth..." syndrome. I hate that!

[William G.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

I quess it doesnt matter if the pulley is a 5" or a 5 3/4" pulley
for a 65 300 h/p.
Some one said that a 4 seasons compressor is ok except that the pulley
is at 2 oclock instead of at 10:00. Why does this matter.
Bill

[John H.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Some one said that a 4 seasons compressor is ok except that the pulley
is at 2 oclock instead of at 10:00. Why does this matter.
Bill

Bill -

It's the electrical connector for the clutch that's at 10:00; the Corvette had the connector at 10, and most other GM cars had it at 2:00.

[William G.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

John
Is a 5" pulley on the compressor ok to use.
A/C DELCO has a new compressor with a 5" pulley.
Will buy it if it doesnt matter what size pulley

Thanks for the reply
Bill

[Wayne M.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

John
Is a 5" pulley on the compressor ok to use.
A/C DELCO has a new compressor with a 5" pulley.
Will buy it if it doesnt matter what size pulley ...

Bill -- the pulley used on a '65 [exc. L76] (up to '68) is a #5914745, Delco 15-216, and is 5.5" dia. (also on some '70s, per GM 1970 catalog). First two pics show this one.

The 5" pulley is #6550750, Delco 15-224, and was used on '69-70 Corvettes (depended on compressor number) The last two pics shows this one.

To change a pulley is no big deal. Notice the pulley "assemblies" include the sealed bearing.

P.S. Michael's clocking comment above is when viewed (standing in front of the compressor).

[William G.]

Re: C2 Air Compressor

Thanks Wayne
Now i understand. If i stand correct the A6 compressor was used
into the 70s so the compressor is the same. The pulley was the only
thing changed, correct?
Bill