Air Compressor

[Todd L.]

The Air compressor I have on my 74' LS4 is correct as far as I can tell, the jg manual states it should have a foil label that is green and black, the number is 5910740. Where I am confused is with the code number; which is the date code MMDDYS (s=shift) I have 731 for a code number. My car is a 13 Nov build.
It does not look like any numbers are faded. I would post a picture, but don't know how. I also would like to refinish the compressor, is this difficult, can I tear it a part and put it back together and still be operational? Or is it better to send it off.

Todd

[Jim T.]

Re: Air Compressor

Just to replace the front seal in your air conditioner compressor requires special tools. If your compressor was never run low on oil it may not need a rebuild.

[Martin N.]

Re: Air Compressor

TODD-

Jim is correct, you'll need some special Kent-Moore tools to do a tear down of your compressor. My front seal was leaking and the pulley bearing was noisey so while I had the top half of my L-48 apart I replaced those and did a exterior refinish of the compressor and replaced the Green / Black tag. Good Luck on your adventure.

Marty

[Larry M.]

Re: Air Compressor

Agree with Jim.

Unless you know it is bad, I would clean it up and repaint (if needed), drain the old oil and add new oil, and then reinstall it and pressure test the connections. If you feel the seal is bad, buy the tools and replace it at this time.

You may also want to remove the clutch during the cleaning/painting. A special puller and installer are needed, but are readily available and not very expensive. Auto Zone may even have loaners.

The Chevrolet Service Manual has an excellent section on HVAC and the compressor. At least the 1967 Service Manual I have does.

Special refrigerant oil is required. It is called R12 Refrigerant Mineral Oil, 500 viscosity. NAPA sells it. I am sure others do as well. NAPA part # TEM209500.

A-6 compressor oil capacity is about 6 fluid ounces. Don't overfill.

If you still want to send it out, I can supply some rebuilders. Also listed in the archives. Just let me know.

Larry

[Harmon C.]

Re: Air Compressor

The Air compressor I have on my 74' LS4 is correct as far as I can tell, the jg manual states it should have a foil label that is green and black, the number is 5910740. Where I am confused is with the code number; which is the date code MMDDYS (s=shift) I have 731 for a code number. My car is a 13 Nov build.
It does not look like any numbers are faded. I would post a picture, but don't know how. I also would like to refinish the compressor, is this difficult, can I tear it a part and put it back together and still be operational? Or is it better to send it off.

Todd

Todd
I would say with 731 as all you can read was you car built in 1973? If it was the 73 with the one as the shift could be correct if some numbers are worn off. If you have a late 72 build I doubt it is original.