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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) => Topic started by: JohnnyPopper on August 22, 2019, 05:09:51 pm

Title: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 22, 2019, 05:09:51 pm

Tried to post this in the 'heating A/C section but there is no 'new topic' tab on that page... ?

So the clutch blew out, and I am thinking before I replace it to ask the brain trust here if anyone recommends an alternate brand(s) that will bolt up, and maybe not take as much energy to run.

It's a single cab and this monster freezes you out, same huge FRIGIDAIRE GM used for years.

Any help is always appreciated! 

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: Rapid Roy on August 22, 2019, 06:12:01 pm

This is the one I am going to use when my old A6 plays out. If you have the A6, this might possibly be a good replacement.

https://nostalgicac.com/a6-to-sanden-conversion-kit.html

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 23, 2019, 12:22:52 pm

Thanks Roy! I'll check them out.

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: Smokehouse on August 23, 2019, 12:48:56 pm

what about the one that is the same size as the a6 but it's the new style is it any count? i thought about going that route because all the brackets supposedly fits the same direct bolt in. 

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: 75gmck25 on August 24, 2019, 05:51:52 am

The direct replacement is the Pro6Ten, which appears to be a Sanden that is repackaged to bolt in just like the old A6.  Its been around a while and seems to have good reviews.

The advantage of using the Nostalia Air Sanden conversion is that you get a smaller bracket package, and its mounted all to the outside of the valve cover.  The stock A6 brackets (built like a tank!) include a piece that goes over the valve cover and bolts to the intake, which is a PIA if you need to replace valve cover gaskets or check the valve clearance.   However, the Pro6Ten also gives you a stock GM appearance, which may be what you want.

I used a Sanden compressor and brackets from Vintage Air; however, I was already using custom hoses because I had converted to a parallel flow condenser.

Bruce

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 24, 2019, 03:10:03 pm

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I there any info on whether the Sanden(s) use less horsepower?

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: 75gmck25 on August 27, 2019, 06:54:16 pm

I've got my idle speed set fairly close to stock (about 750 RPM in Drive), and it idles fine when the Sanden A/C compressor cycles on.  It does not seem to take a lot of power.  I'm also running off manifold vacuum, and I think the extra vacuum advance helps with idle stability.

Bruce

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 27, 2019, 11:44:59 pm

the a/c section you talked about trying to post in is in the tech section. cant post questions in there. you did good by posting it here

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 28, 2019, 06:15:45 pm

Mystery solve, no posty in techy section! Thanks Irish, I thought it was just me all along...

Thx 75gmc, that says alot. When the A6 come on at idle you KNOW it, right?

Title: Re: A/C Clutch blew out, are there alternative compressors? 1978 K-10
Post by: roundhouse on August 29, 2019, 06:55:49 am

I wouldn’t bother changing the entire compressor if it blows cold

I’d just replace the clutch
   Just see if you can find one that’s made in North America and not made of chinesium by communists

I think it Takes a special tool to pull the clutch off though