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Replace compressor or keep...???

alchemist_bobtilton on Tue July 20, 2010 9:52 PM User is offline

Year: 1995
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Impala SS
Engine Size: 396
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Country of Origin: United States

Back in 2008, my compressor hose assembly had a hole rubbed in it by the upper control Arm (very common problem and occurrence on GM B and D bodies). Anyway, I'm just getting around to replacing the hose assembly and since I lost a decent amount of oil at the time, planned on doing a thorough flush w/DuraFlush. Also bought an orifice tube and another accumulator. Here's my question. Since the system has been sorta open for a couple of years, and since it's a PITA to change out the hose because I have shorty headers on my car, should I plan on replacing the compressor too? I've had the car since 2004 and believe the compressor is original to the car. What do you all think?

emsvitil on Tue July 20, 2010 10:14 PM User is offlineView users profile

I'd just drain and replace the oil

plus

Replace the shaft seal...........

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Ed
SoCal

bohica2xo on Tue July 20, 2010 10:32 PM User is offline

Is this an engine swap, or did you mean to type 5.7l / 350 cid?

The OEM compressor was an HD6. This compressor is also known as a "belly leaker". The replacement is a Seltec / Valeo unit, for about 225 bucks, complete with new clutch.

Your compressor is 15 years old, with some time open to the elements. Depending on where you live it could be locked up solid right now. I would replace it, along with the accumulator & hose set.

The alternative (if you have the tools) is to split the case, replace the O ring, and then pull the clutch & replace the shaft seal. This requires a clutch puller, a seal puller, a shaft protector... And you still have a 15 year old compressor.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

Chick on Tue July 20, 2010 10:45 PM User is offlineView users profile

I agree with Bohica, I've used the Seltec / Valeo on a 95 Caprice with the LT1 and it works great.. Not a lot of room to work on the rear of that compressor, I only want to do it once...

-------------------------
Chick
Email: Chick

---------------------------------------------

Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

alchemist_bobtilton on Wed July 21, 2010 7:37 AM User is offline

Thanks everyone. Since I was going to have to take the compressor off anyway to drain out the old oil, figured maybe going with the new one would be best. You're right, only want to do this ONCE. I've done it already on wife's 96 Roadmaster Wagon w/LT1. But with that one, the old HD6 compressor yacked its guts into all my lines.

Bohica,
I've technically got the LT1 block, stroked, to give it 396 c.i. so from outward appearance, everything looks the same on the block. Has the LT4 intake and heads on top.

Cussboy on Wed July 21, 2010 8:47 AM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: alchemist_bobtilton
Back in 2008, my compressor hose assembly had a hole rubbed in it by the upper control Arm (very common problem and occurrence on GM B and D bodies).

Ever wonder why Japanese vehicles caught tup and surpassed Detroit?

alchemist_bobtilton on Wed July 21, 2010 2:28 PM User is offline

Yeah I know. But still, I don't give a rat's petute what the GD japs make or made, I will only buy American Made, rear wheel drive, V8 powered machines. And hell, I'm not even that old! Watch the movie "Patton" sometime and you'll get the fever too.

My favorite quote from "Patton":

Reporter: "General Patton, I hear that you read your bible regularly."
Patton: "Every GD day"

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