64 air conditioning compressor leaks
Seals leaking on AC Compressor: I have a factory original early 1964 AC coupe...but the original compressor was long gone...having searched for an original correctly dated core with no luck...I resorted to buying an original rebuilt A6 compressor from a well known Corvette supplier. We are now on our 4th one...all of which have leaked and all of which have been warrantied by the supplier thankfully... but both front clutch diaphragm seal and on one the back seal... have all leaked...we have checked and rebuilt everything from one end to the other...and still they leak. We have used R12 in all. Are there any secrets to stopping the leaks?
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Re: 64 air conditioning compressor leaks
John:
I have heard this same story too many times. Not certain what is up regarding these compressor rebuilders(?). I have heard that they use the older type steel face seal, but I am not certain of this. To do the job correctly you should use a GM or AC DELCO carbon/ceramic seal, part number GM #6599114 or AC #15-2191. Compressor o-ring kits are also available....let me know if you need part numbers for these. With proper tools you can do the repair /rebuild yourself. The Corvette Forum C2 Section has an EXCELLENT tutorial/video on this job in their STICKEY Section at the top of the page. A forum friend of mine put it together. Another alternative is to contact NCRS member Domenic Tallarita (51287) and see if he can help. He has helped others, and is extremely knowledgeable on ac compressor rebuilding. Send him a private message or e-mail.
I purchased the needed tools and do the job myself. You can too. The Chevrolet Service Manual and GM Chassis Overhaul Manual have excellent info on this compressor rebuild etc, including many pictures. Not certain about 1964 model, but all this info is in the 1967 manuals. Info/details/pictures should be the same.
Larry -
Re: 64 air conditioning compressor leaks
John -- original early style A6 compressors are not that hard to find. I picked one up in January at the Pomona swap meet for $40. Correct diameter pulley; clutch hub with 6 holes; swage front case (not crimped); cast 302 back head dated J-1x-3 (October '63); slotted "whistle" relief valve, marked 440#.
Not off a Corvette, but who cares ? Needs to be rebuilt anyway. Try putting an ad in the Driveline.
Started a thread in January on compressor label serial number coding, but never got a response: link
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...194#post599194Comment
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Re: 64 air conditioning compressor leaks
John,
I also have an early 64 a/c car. I had my original compressor rebuilt by Classic Auto Air. It leaked right out of the box. I replaced the seals in accordance with the Corvette Forum "sticky". Classic Auto Air used the older metal seal and it was cracked. I replaced it with the newer ceramic seals. The leak slowed significantly but it still leaks. There are actually two seals. One that is stationary and one that rotates. The two seals must seat against each other in order to form a tight seal. GM stated that it could take up to 8 hours of use before the two seals are seated properly and that a small leak was not unusual. I think it would take me years to achieve 8 hours of use so I'm just assuming that mine will always leak. I purchased a shield to keep the oil from slinging all over the engine compartment.
Caution: If you attempt to change the seals, there are two different sizes. Make note of the part numbers as described on the Corvette Forum instructions. It depends on what year your compressor was built.
JimComment
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Re: 64 air conditioning compressor leaks
Thank you Larry...will check into all you have said. JFLComment
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Re: 64 air conditioning compressor leaks
Thanks Wayne, will do and I also would like to know about the serial number sequencing...that goes on the metal stick on tag right? Any body have any info on how that should be done....the tags of course come blank...Comment
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