A6 compressor shaft seal replacement

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by lsrx101, Aug 5, 2007.

  1. lsrx101

    lsrx101 Well-Known Member

    Here's a tidbit that a lot of folks aren't aware of. I like to pass it along to guys who have A6 compressors in their cars.
    There is a double lip neoprene shaft seal available that will backfit to the A6 compressor. It solves the problem of the old type ceramic/carbon seal seeping oil and getting it all over your hood, inner fender, etc. It's also more reliable than the mechanical seal for refrigerant retention.
    The part numbers are ACDelco# 15-30948 or, GM# 2724954 The seal is actually for newer HR6 and V5 compressors, but works great in the A6.

    Tom


    Go to autoacforum.com and do a search for .a thread titled "GM A-6 Compressors, Rebuilt?" There is an illustration that shows a cutaway of the A6 seal area and tells where to install the seal. It actually fits into the area where the seal "seat" used to sit.
    You remove all of the old seal components, install the oring into the seal bore, install the seal, then install the snap ring. You'll only use those 3 parts from the new seal kit.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2007
  2. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    Tom, is the A6 compressor the standard use 71 compressor? I would like to try those seals as I am sick of oil spitting all ocer my overflow bottle as you say. Even after it was rebuilt.
     
  3. lsrx101

    lsrx101 Well-Known Member

    Yep. The A6 is the standard GM compressor that was used through the 60s and 70s. The old carbon or ceramic seals were designed to seep a small amount of oil to lube the mechanical seal. As the original cores have aged throughout the years, those seals have become problematic on rebuilt compressors.
    I've used the neoprene seal on quite a few of them with really good results. (I didn't figure out that the seal would work myself, the info was passed on to me).
    Let me know how it turns out.
     
  4. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    Thanks, just put it on the parts to buy list.
     
  5. lsrx101

    lsrx101 Well-Known Member

    New info added to original post.
     
  6. nailheadina67

    nailheadina67 Official Nailheader

    Now I discover this......after changing mine out twice and it still spits oil. :af: Changing that seal isn't something the average DIY mechanic can do unless he has the special tools for the job. I don't think that tool set is something that can be rented either. And the things are so heavy the shipping would be too costly to send to one of us guys here on the board to do for someone either.

    Do you know if a new aftermarket a-6 comes with this seal or does it come with the older ceramic style? :Do No:
     
  7. lsrx101

    lsrx101 Well-Known Member

    That's the biggest frustration with A6s, the oil stripe on the hood, fender, etc. even after seal replacement. It wasn't an issue when these were "used cars", but now that they are "classics" folks don't like it. Harrison/Frigidaire designed the seal to bypass some oil to keep it lubed. They claimed that any amount was ok as long as refrigerant wasn't detected. They can leak a lot of oil and no refrigerant, I couldn't even begin to explain how. Most of the A6s that I see these days are leaking refrigerant too.

    AutoZone in my area rents the seal puller, installer and protector in a kit. (You don't use the installer with the new seal). They have the clutch plate remover/installer too. The tools can get pricy, about $80 for all if you buy them. (It might be worth it to some folks, just to solve a problem).The actual replacement is easy and within the ability of most DIYers. It's kind of like a hub seal, only smaller.

    I don't know of any new or reman A6 compressors that come with the neoprene seal. AFAIK, they all come with the ceramic mechanical seal. The neoprene seal isn't an "official" replacement, but it's being widely used in the repair sector. Manufacturers will likely start using them eventually to cut down on warranty returns.
     
  8. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    Lucky me. X GM mechanic has a narly set of tools and can do it for me.
     
  9. hal

    hal Well-Known Member

    I know its an old thread , but i found it , i did it , and now my ac works great in my '65 sporty .So i just wanted to say thanks for a great forum .

    I picked up the seal ( it came with the tool to slide it into place ) for $18.00 at my local parts house .
     
  10. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    Just want to add, make sure the front bearing is in good shape. No seal will seal with a worn or loose front bearing.
     

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