C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

[Ed S.]

Can someone provide the part number & source(s) where I can obtain the
"upgraded" ceramic seal kit for a 1966 air conditioning compressor?

I've tried my local Delco distributor and searched the GM restoration parts
website with no luck.

Thanks,

Ed
NCRS #?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

Ed-----

As far as I know, GM or Delco does not make a conversion kit for these old axial compressors. I would check with a specialty A/C outfit like Old Air Products or Vintage Air. Both make complete retrofit kits for earlier Corvettes, but I think that they also have parts and supplies for servicing original systems and converting original systems to R-134a. I'm sure that you can find both companies with a web search.

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

Joe,

I originally posted this question from memory...went back and checked the archives, and Jack Humphrey had a 6/30/03 post stating that Delco had offered the ceramic seal kit very late in the A6 compressor lifecycle. I was hoping one of the NOS vendors might still have a few of the ceramic kits left.

My understanding was that no "conversion" was required to utilize this kit, and that it was a drop-in service replacement for the original bronze/steel seal kit. However, that may be an incorrect assumption.

Thanks as always for your help.

Ed

[Mark G.]

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

There are also aftermarket suppliers of A6 front ceramic seal kit. The last one I bought was from an independent Delco dealer on Galveston Island at the 2001 National Convention and I think the price was something like $24. Pros and cons:

(1) The Delco kit came WITH replacement absorbant felt to line the front shaft cavity while the aftermarket kit I got from Pep Boys didn't have the felt.

(2) There were no instructions in the Delco kit (relies on your having appropriate shop manuals) but the aftermarket kit had a nice phamphlet with it showing the assy process.

(3) The aftermarket kit was LESS money (about half the cost of Delco).

(4) Neither kit mentioned the 'extra' parts included.... Items that look like
metal washers. Turns out these are 'carriers' for the ceramic seals allowing you to 'handle' them without getting bearing surfaces marred/contaminated by human finger contact!

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

Joe - I have put two of these in A6 compressors, one on my pickup and one on an old Buick. I belive the part Mark mentions and Jack describes is the part I purchased...it did have the felt and the metal carriers to avoid touching the seal itself. It worked great and was a permanent solution...Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 - A/C Compressor Cermaic Seal Kit

Forgot to mention part number 12323914 and I bought it through GM channels...Craig