103 degrees out here in Portland, Oregon.... nothing like cruising around in the '72 Skylark without the AC working (I just pulled the carpet and sound deadening material out in prep for a replacement so it's even hotter!). I need a quick cheap fix for a compressor replacement. Sounds like a bearing is going out on the original, clutch doesn't engage and I'm not sure what else. I'm definitely not an AC guy. I want to throw in a basic reman and am getting confused here while looking at the online parts sources. Beyond the obvious such as pulley size and number of grooves, what's the scoop on the superheat switch? Factory Air Part # 57089 comes up as a correct A6 style compressor for the Skylark, but it doesn't mention the superheat switch. Ready Aire Part #2106 comes up as also a correct A6 compressor but it does mention the superheat switch... I'm seeing lot's of other part numbers with varying options.. Not sure I really understand the significance of the superheat switch. I just want the AC to work at this point. The model number of the original factory compressor is 5910789. Thanks for any help!
It may take a bit longer but have your original rebuilt. Either www.oldairproducts.com or another I cannot remember will do fine. One is in TX the other FLA. It will eliminate all guessing.
Thanks Copper. I definitely think that's the best option for me ultimately. In the short term I am looking for a reman that I could get working within the week. I was hoping to drive it from Portland to Boise with my three boys ages 5 to 10 the first week of August. I know it's an additional expense to do it right the 2nd time.... but... Thanks again.
Try a NAPA store. They are pretty good finding correct part #s. A bit more expensive than say autozone.
+1 on NAPA. The reman A6 compressors available from the chain parts stores are mostly terrible. Be especially wary of Four Seasons, Murray, and Ready Air brand compressors. The Factory Air compressors (available at Advance in my area) seem to be OK, but I haven't used many of them. A Brand New A6 is available for about $300-325 and a direct bolt on Sanden compressor is available for about $350. Just tossing out all the options. The only real difference in the superheat compressor is the hole in the rear for the switch. You can use that style compressor and leave the switch disconnected. I've seen reman compressors with a plug installed in place of the switch. Remember that later A6 comps used metric mounting bolts. They swap right in, you just need the right bolts. I've seen remans that come with the proper bolts right in the box. There are 2 words that don't really go together, Cheap and AC. Cutting corners almost always leads to disappointment and additional expense. Has your AC worked recently or has it been down for a long time? If it's been down for quite a while, it's very doubtful that slapping on a new compressor will do the job.
I just went thru my a/c on my 64 riv..... when you are working on an old rig, it is best to go back to the basics and ck out the whole system:Smarty: ,,, flush, reseal, replace the expansion valve, replace the drier assembly,the suction throttle valve will have to be eliminated, or rebuilt/recalibrated,,,, you will need to set it up for 134r,,,, change the oil, fittings ect,,,, then when all the mechanical work is done, vac the system down for an hour and then test it for leaks by waiting for 15 mins or so to see if it holds the vacume....then recharge.... With an old car, if you dont do it right the first time you will have to go back into the system multiple times....dont ask me how I know, but I know :Brow: :Brow: :laugh: :laugh: First I put on a compressor,then the suction throttle valve did not work ,no cool,ou: ,,,then I fixed that and the expansion valve did not work,because it was plugged with sludge/trash ect,,,, after removing and flushing/blowing out the evaporater,,,,then I installed a new expansion valve from Advance,no coolou: ,,,,discovered that I had installed the wrong valve for 134r.... no cool,,, ou:then I got the right expansion valve and , viola, [yep I know that is a musical instrument,,,,but that is what a old mechanic I knew used to say] :laugh: the blasted thing cooled and good.... You must have a expansion valve that is calibrated for 134 and the system must be clean inside or the expansion valve will clog up quickly,,,the system is not designed to work with trash in it....and wont.....:Brow: :Brow:
