Rebuilding the air conditioning system
Spent the week end auguring with myself.
Do I replace the compressor with a similar A6 AC Delco unit
or go to the newer aluminum bodies such as this:
Arguments are:
Restore to original . . . The old A6 design has been around for 35 years and is still manufactured new for certain applications, mostly heavy equipment. It weighs 37.5 pounds but I have the original mounting hardware and it is original. As a radial compressor it has 11 cubic inch displacement per revolution.
Modify to new aluminum bodied compressor to save half the weight but will not be as original. Displacement is 6.7 cubic inches per revolution but can be upgraded to match the A6 output with a smaller diameter belt pulley. Mounting hardware would have to be modified.
In order to move on I made the decision to restore to original with the A6 compressor.
Ordered new compressor, expansion valve, receiver/dryer and condenser.
Then I began the debate on replacing the 34 year old hoses. At 25k miles and in storage for more than 24 years the hoses are surly not 'worn out'. After a number of discussions with people whose opinion I respect the decision path is to reassemble all the new parts and vacuum it down and see what happens. The local NAPA store is only a few miles away, I have a vacuum pump and we can work through what works and what does not.
Now, what coolant gas to use? As this is complete start over I can go to a R12 replacements, propane or similar or the conservative R134a solution. The objective being an one time AC install that I do not have to think about again.
What say you?