FrankOC Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 Converting from r12 to r134. I've replaced the lines, replaced the o-rings, flushed the system, replaced the POA and expansion valves along with the drier. The car car still has the a6 compressor which will need to be drained of oil. Can/should I stay with the compressor or is there a better solution? I do want to keep it fairly stock looking under the hood. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jft69z Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 You've gone this far, I'd seriously consider going with a Sanden compressor. They're lighter, more efficient, use less HP to run, and you won't always be battling the leaking seal issues of the A6 compressor. Paint it black if you want a stock-ish look. You'll be much further ahead in the long run. They do make a S6 compressor that looks like an A6. Made for R12/134a, aluminum, expensive, fits in the factory brackets, available in black for a bit more money. Not sure how efficient it is compared to a Sanden unit, may be worth calling them up. https://www.originalair.com/s6-compressor-new Something else to consider, but more work and money may be to upgrade the evaporator and condenser to the modern 'parallel flow' type. More efficient to work better with R134a, as that refrigerant isn't quite as good at cooling as the R12 was. Here's an example of what parts work well together, and a pretty good description of those parts: Stage 3 kit, includes everything-cond., evap, comp, lines, etc https://www.originalair.com/70-72-monte-carlo-ultimate-engine-compartment-upgrade-kit-134a Stage 2 kit, without evaporator: https://www.originalair.com/70-72-monte-carlo-engine-compartment-upgrade-kit-134a 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leghome Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 I have an S6 compressor and it works great 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jft69z Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 I just called both places to inquire about the internals of the S6 compressor. - Original Air Group said they're all new, but with modern internals. - Classic Auto Air thinks it's a Sanden, and it actually says all their compressors are Sanden on their website description (also on the S6 page) https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/ac-parts/compressors/classic-s6-single-wide-groove-seven-eigths-inch-belt/ Comparing the two on a couple of other sites, shows the S6 requiring PAG46 oil, where the original A6 uses PAG 150, which further suggests it's different inside than the old A6. Old Air Products wouldn't answer the phone, but it looks like their description suggests more efficient operation as well: https://www.oldairproducts.com/product/21-2201hp-compressor-pro6ten-high-pressure-single-groove 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted June 13, 2023 Author Share Posted June 13, 2023 Thanks Joe. I was looking at that compressor from Old AIr Products earlier, that's where I bought the other parts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jft69z Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 23 minutes ago, FrankOC said: Thanks Joe. I was looking at that compressor from Old AIr Products earlier, that's where I bought the other parts. Found this article a few minutes ago too. References that comp. and Old Air Products. https://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/a-c-compressor-upgrade-stock-appearance-modern-design/ Another forum mentioned it has the same front ceramic seal as the A6 (which was problematic), but haven't verified that anywhere else. Doubtful, if it's a Sanden type. You know how them forums are though, full of all sorts of questionable information (mis-info 😁) EDIT: Just got off the phone with Old Air, that gentleman doesn't think it's a Sanden, but it is an upgrade over the A6 internally and he mentioned they haven't had issues with the front seals. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted June 13, 2023 Author Share Posted June 13, 2023 12 minutes ago, jft69z said: You know how them forums are though, full of all sorts of questionable information (mis-info ) 😉 I spoke to sales at Old Air. I asked them which I compressor I would need for a stock AC car, the super heat or high pressure versions, and the guy said I could use either one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted June 13, 2023 Author Share Posted June 13, 2023 Since the existing a6 does not have the switch for super heat, looks like I can go with the HP version. Thanks Joe and Larry for the help, much appreciated. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Peters Posted June 13, 2023 Share Posted June 13, 2023 I sent my original compressor to Old Air Products in Ft Worth Texas to have it completely rebuilt. I liked Old Air Products warranty better than some of the other suppliers. rob 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbolt Posted June 14, 2023 Share Posted June 14, 2023 I know from experience that Old Air Products stand behind their products. I wouldn't buy from anyone else. Not that other companies don't as well, but I have nothing but positive interactions with OAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted June 14, 2023 Author Share Posted June 14, 2023 41 minutes ago, cbolt said: I know from experience that Old Air Products stand behind their products. I wouldn't buy from anyone else. Not that other companies don't as well, but I have nothing but positive interactions with OAP. Good to know. Part is on the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted July 2, 2023 Author Share Posted July 2, 2023 Ready for a vac and charge this week. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jft69z Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Looks great Frank! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willie Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Nice job Frank!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankOC Posted July 3, 2023 Author Share Posted July 3, 2023 And Thank you Joe for the phone support on Saturday! I appreciate you getting me headed in the right direction. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jft69z Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Never a problem Frank, glad to help 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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