C107 450SLC Air Con

[RGNP]

Hi - Has anybody got any suggestions re getting the aircon on 1978 c107 /. 450SLC working - original compressor seized twice - lost interest in repairing it again, any alternatives? I was hoping to put a better compressor in, to be fair aircon in 1970s was probably a bit early for reliability. I am in the SW, any suggestions of people who can help? I use the car in southern europe every year - covering distance at a decent speed with the windows open is like being in a WW1 biplane.
Thanks

 

[alabbasi]

The compressor is a standard GM A6 Compressor and should be available through parts sources, even in the UK as it was also used in Jaguars and Rolls Royce. There is a Sanden version called an S6 which is made from alloy and has the same piston configuration as Sanden compressors. Both should be available from Rock Auto, just check where the sump location compared to yours before buying.

On the subject of sump location. What kind of oil are you using and are you remembering to flush the old oil out before installing new oil? You need to do that even with a brand new compressor so that you have the correct levels added with the correct oil for your application.

 

[RGNP]

Al,
thanks for the response which is very helpful - I had not come across Rock Auto before, very helpful website and took me straight to the options - . To answer your questions re installation, not done by me. Both re - installations were by "specialists" (of sorts). The first time, I think they just did a bad job - the second time was by a reputable aircon specialist familiar with these cars. I think he did a good job - but he did mention the reconditioned compressor (I believe the original one) had a larger pulley clutch air gap than he expected. But I am sure he went through the correct procedure, and I supplied the correct drier. Maybe it was the pulley gap. Perhaps I should give it one more go with a new / replacement compressor, I have a drier - I bought 2 last time. You help has renewed by enthusiasm to stick with correct / original compressor type. First I have to get the old one out! I think I will replace the tensioner pulley as well this time. It looks like the AC Delco one.
Driving in 35+ deg in these cars is quite hard with no aircon. Reminds me of my childhood when cars had no aircon - just very hot families on holiday!
Many thanks for your help and advice, I appreciate it.
Rupert, Axminster, UK

 

[alabbasi]

I think that the A/C will function perfectly well in the UK with R134a (In Texas, not so much as temps hit 45+ degrees C). Sometimes the oil can get really sludgy with time so it pays to blow out the lines and the condenser. There are A/C flushes available but i just use brake clean. There's nothing that you can't do yourself on these cars with the right tools. You should be able to find a vacuum pump and gauge set on Amazon at reasonable cost. Pull a vacuum for a couple of hours and you'll probably be able to suck whatever oil is left in the system out after a flush.

 

[RGNP]

Ok, I think I will give that a go, appreciate your help
Thanks Rupert

 

[Jobsworth]

Probably teaching you to suck eggs, but if converted from R12 to R134a DO NOT use the oil type listed for the car originally. The compressor will seize if oil for R12 is used with R134a. Also, use 80% of the refrigerant weight specified for R12 when charging with R134a

 

[RGNP]

Definitely did not know that, along with egg sucking. Could be what happened, as one organisation rebuilt the compressor, another installed it and maybe that info was not known or considered. Thank you for your advice.

 

[alabbasi]

Time to get the patch

 

[RGNP]

oh yes ........the accolade we all dream of.