Compressor Rebuild 1985

[Joe C.]

The compressor front seal has been leaking since the car was new, but now it has gotten to the point that I have to add freon every year.

Is this a job that I can do myself or is it important to send it to an expert.

I am one who does everything himself, and have a good amount of tools, although no press.

Who is the Corvette expert with C4 (?) compressor rebuild.

Also, is it important to replace the receiver/dryer core when opening the system to fresh air?

[Jim T.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe I have been doing some reading about replacing the oil seal in my 1985's GM service manual. The front seal can be replaced with the compressor on your 1985 if you have the special tools to remove the old seal and O-ring and install the new parts. It is pretty much the same procedure to a front seal replacement on the earlier A6 compressors. You have a accumulator that contains the desiccant just like the receiver/dryer in C3's. You have an orifice tube in your 1985's system that controls the R12 going into the evaporator that can become clogged restricting the flow of coolant affecting the performance of the system.

[Larry M.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe:

The compressor should be an R-4 type. Not certain there are any experts to send it to anymore. Not that hard to do yourself, but I don't think you can do the best job without removing it from the car and working on a bench. Tools can be purchased for about $150 or perhaps borrowed from a friend that has some. There are videos on how to do this job for the A6 compressor which is similar and takes the same seal. There may also be videos about the R-4 as well.

In my opinion, the desiccant bag in an accumulator/drier has a finite life. It is also good for about 1 teaspoon of water for its lifetime. You might get away with pulling the compressor and sealing everything up tight while you change the seal, but it also might not be a bad idea to replace it after all these years. I have done it both ways over the years.

A few days ago you asked about replacing the desiccant in a receiver-drier (C2 and early C3 cars). There are folks doing this, like I told you. However, I am not certain if anyone is doing this service for an accumulator-drier............in my mind they are different pieces. But you could call them and ask.

I am not certain that the compressor replacement seal quality is as good as it once was...........it seems more folks are having issues with the replacements, but maybe that is because the equipment is also wearing out. I dunno.

One can of refrigerant per year is not that bad, but today we expect no leaks for 100,000 miles.

Larry

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe:

The compressor should be an R-4 type. Not certain there are any experts to send it to anymore. Not that hard to do yourself, but I don't think you can do the best job without removing it from the car and working on a bench. Tools can be purchased for about $150 or perhaps borrowed from a friend that has some. There are videos on how to do this job for the A6 compressor which is similar and takes the same seal. There may also be videos about the R-4 as well.

In my opinion, the desiccant bag in an accumulator/drier has a finite life. It is also good for about 1 teaspoon of water for its lifetime. You might get away with pulling the compressor and sealing everything up tight while you change the seal, but it also might not be a bad idea to replace it after all these years. I have done it both ways over the years.

A few days ago you asked about replacing the desiccant in a receiver-drier (C2 and early C3 cars). There are folks doing this, like I told you. However, I am not certain if anyone is doing this service for an accumulator-drier............in my mind they are different pieces. But you could call them and ask.

I am not certain that the compressor replacement seal quality is as good as it once was...........it seems more folks are having issues with the replacements, but maybe that is because the equipment is also wearing out. I dunno.

One can of refrigerant per year is not that bad, but today we expect no leaks for 100,000 miles.

Larry

Larry,
I have a few pullers and maybe can adapt one to pull the clutch from the compressor. After that it's easy. Located a front seal kit. Now for finding where to rent a vacuum pump.

Still have to source old fashioned mineral based compressor oil................not PAG oil as used in R134a and newer systems.

EDIT: Looks like NAPA has it.

Probably will replace front seal and leave the dryer/accumulator alone.

[Jim T.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe did you replace your compressors front seal without using the seal remover/installer special tools? I used a vacuum pump from Auto Zone when I did compressor, accumulator, and orifice tube replacement on another type vehicle.

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe did you replace your compressors front seal without using the seal remover/installer special tools? I used a vacuum pump from Auto Zone when I did compressor, accumulator, and orifice tube replacement on another type vehicle.

Jim,

I haven't done anything yet. I might just get a new compressor. They're cheeeeeeaup. Put a yeller sticker on it and WALLA-WALLA...............I'm in NCRS heaven.

Nobody I've called will guarantee the front seal replacement because they claim that the shaft seal is often pitted.

What I MIGHT do (over the winter) is buy/return the tools from Autozone, and buy a front seal kit (including the seal protector) ONLY if the shaft looks good. Tear it down, which MUST include pulling the pulley as well as the clutch. This enables inspection of the shaft. So far it hasn't cost me anything except time. If the shaft looks OK then I'll order and replace the seal and ceramic assembly. If the shaft looks bad then I'll pull the compressor and replace with a new one. Of course, then the receiver/accumulator/dryer must be replaced, as well as removal/inspection/cleaning of the orifice tube. Will have to buy/return a vacuum pump to Autozone to evacuate. I have 6 - 14 oz cans of R12. I have to buy some compressor oil (mineral...........not PAG).

I also intend to call Dom T and see what he tells me.

[Robert B.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

I just did this job on a 1986. It was not really very difficult at all. Replaced with the new Teflon seal. I bought the full tool kit from Ebay. I did manage to break the ceramic seal extractor, or maybe it came with a crack. Different story. Anyway, as I say, it was simple. But it does seem that I am still slinging a little oil so I may have to bite down and replace the compressor.

[Ed D.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe,
I have a vacuum pump that you can borrow
Ed

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Joe,
I have a vacuum pump that you can borrow
Ed

Thanks Ed!
I'll keep it in mind when I get there.

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

I just ordered one of these:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=0&Nr=AND%28wpn_tl_name:Engine+%26+Drivetrain,wpn_cat_name:Heating\%2C+Air+Conditioning+%26+Components,wpn_scat_name:A%2FC+Clutches\%2C+Compressors+%26+Components,part:A%2FC+Compressor%29

Can you guess which one?

[Jim T.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Did you buy a new AC Delco for over $300.00?

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Did you buy a new AC Delco for over $300.00?

The one shown on the website for $265.86.

[Robert B.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Next time try Rockauto, I bought a AC Delco for under $150.

[Joe C.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

Next time try Rockauto, I bought a AC Delco for under $150.

I thank you very much! I will now get a rebate of $86.79 on my order from USAutoparts.net.

I have tried RockAuto many times in the past and have been frustrated by their small inventory for my 1965 Corvette, so I have stopped relying on them. I am happy to know that they have a much wider selection of parts availability for later model Corvettes in their inventory.

[Robert B.]

Re: Compressor Rebuild 1985

I thank you very much! I will now get a rebate of $86.79 on my order from USAutoparts.net.

I have tried RockAuto many times in the past and have been frustrated by their small inventory for my 1965 Corvette, so I have stopped relying on them. I am happy to know that they have a much wider selection of parts availability for later model Corvettes in their inventory.

Did you really get a rebate? If so I am so glad to have helped.