Hi Folks, Our 70 Wildcat has a compressor with a blown seal in it. The previous owner removed the belt as to not waste any power or to have the compressor spinning with a blown seal. The question is, what is the best option to fix this? Should we see about getting a replacement compressor? Should we see if there is a way to fix the seal/rebuild it? I am real green horn when it comes to classic car. My wife and I would love to hear your opinions on this. Thank you, Mick
There will likely be more to fixing the AC than replacing the seal or compressor. The system is 42 years old and it has been "down" for an unknown length of time. You "might" get lucky and install a new compressor, receiver/dryer and charge the system and have it work. However, it rarely goes that way. Rubber seals and hoses harden and deteriorate, the oil gets contaminated with moisture, valves stick from contamination amd non-use, the receiver/dryer is about 32 years past due for replacement if original. The list could go on, but you get the idea. Resurrecting the AC in a 40+ year old vehicle can get expensive if done right. Your Wildcat uses what is known as a POA/TXV refrigerant loop, which hasn't been used since the late 70s. Finding a shop that knows how to service the system, if you cant do it yourself, can be a challenge. Most shops have never seen one. I'm certainly not trying to discourage you, but many folks don't know what it takes to do the job correctly and end up with a reliable AC system. Here is the minimum that I would recommend: -Disassemble and solvent flush the lines and heat exchangers (watching for signs of corrosion in the used solvent) -Repalce all of the rubber seals in the system (cheap, and necessary due to the above disassembly). -Drain and "oil flush" the compressor then install the necessary amount of fresh oil. (it has an oil sump, like your engine) -Replace the leaky shaft seal with a modern neoprene seal (the original is a multi piece ceramic seal and prone to leaking) -Remove and test the POA valve and Thermostatic Expansion Valve. Calibrate the POA for the refrigerant that you plan to use (likely R134a) -Replace the receiver/dryer (it's a wear item, much like your engine oil filter). -Evacuate and charge the system. If the original A6 compressor is not too worn, the neoprene shaft seal will work just fine. If there is play in the shaft, the compressor will need to be replaced. In recent years, my experience has shown that the quality of rebuilt and even new A6 compressors is falling badly. They tend to be plagued with shaft seal leaks shortly out of warranty. I've started replacing them with a compressor called a Pro6ten. It's basically a modern compressor that is made to bolt directly in place of the A6 with no modifications. Just a suggestion. There could be more to the job depending on what you find during disassembly, but that should get you started. Good Luck
http://www.classicautoair.com/ Try these guys for all your A/C needs. If you need it they will have it.
Isrx101 is right on the money as well as Brizs' suggestion for Classic Auto Air. Replacing just the seal is equal to gambling when you do not have a system that was recently functioning. Classic Auto Air can rebuild your original compressor and test various other components. They are the only ones I know of that still rebuild the A6 compessors in the US. There have been many complaints with the rebuilds or replacements you get from across the ocean and these are typically what you get at the chain auto supply houses. The warranty is useless on these because the labor is so costly as well as refrigerant if you have to replace. Classic Auto Air has always been very helpful to me on the phone and can answer any questions you have so don't hesitate to call and explain your situation.
