Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

amphicar770 on Fri July 09, 2010 3:21 PM

Year: 1968
Make: Olds
Model: Cutlass
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R12
Country of Origin: United States

Hi All,

I am getting ready to overhaul the original A/C system on my 1968 Olds Cutlass Vista Cruiser.

I have a rebuilt compressor which I picked up at Autozone a while back. However, a lot of discussion that the rebuilds tend to be hit or miss in terms of longevity.

I see that FourSeasons offers a new, not rebuilt A6, which they list as part #58089 which I can pick up for about $400. The only potential glitch is that while this shows as a match for lots of late 60's, early 70's GM products, they do not show it as a match for the 1968 Cutlass. Instead, they show rebuild part #57092.

Is there any significant difference from one year to another? Do you anticipate that I would have any problems using the new one described? Would fittings and electrical connections remain the same?

Thanks.

Mike

GM Tech on Fri July 09, 2010 3:41 PM

differences are pulley sizes, connector locations, switch inserted in rear head-- other than that they are all the same...

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

TRB on Fri July 09, 2010 3:45 PM

I think the internals are different with the FS compared to the APCO.

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HVargas on Fri July 09, 2010 4:30 PM

Here are the differences of the two compressors you listed:

Four Seasons - 57092
Type: Compressor Reman /GM A6
Belt Type: Single Groove
Belt Width: 7/16"
Coil Clock: 2
Coil Type: Spade
Manifold Block w/ O-Rings
Mnt. Dist. To Groove1 Midpoint: 1.95"
Mount: Standard Threads
Pulley Dia.: 5.12"
Switch: Superheat

Four Seasons - 58089
Type: Compressor New /GM A6
Belt Type: Single Groove
Belt Width: 7/16"
Coil Clock: 2
Coil Type: Spade
Manifold Block w/ O-Rings
Mnt. Dist. To Groove1 Midpoint: 2.00"
Mount: Standard Threads
Pulley Dia. 5"
Switch: Superheat

So other than the pulley being just a touch smaller on the new one and being placed 0.05" closer to the radiator, they are pretty much the same on the outside.



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CCWKen on Fri July 09, 2010 6:01 PM

The pulley size will only run the compressor 2.3% faster than spec. That and a new belt might be needed. I'd be more concerned with the .050" pulley offset. That can wear a belt pretty fast. Even throw it at high speed. You might be able to adjust the mounts a little and get that .050" back though.

-------------------------
Ken Kopsky

Custom Car Works
"Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools."

amphicar770 on Sun July 11, 2010 9:51 PM

I was just looking at ACKits.com and see that they list a model 20-10405 which is also a new A6 unit. What are the specs on that? Perhaps it is an even closer fit?

amphicar770 on Mon August 09, 2010 5:15 PM

Thanks. Bottom line is that I would like to order a new (not reman) compressor for my 1968 Olds Cutlass Vista Cruiser. Is there an appropriate unit available?

Thanks.

Mike

GM Tech on Mon August 09, 2010 6:57 PM

There are people out there that will put your shell on a new gut pump--so that you have your original part numbers and date codes showing for the compressor-- this is for those who are very particular to having the OEMparts on their classic cars...

-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

amphicar770 on Tue August 10, 2010 2:25 PM

Would you know what companies offer this service? Would swapping out the shell introduce some of the seal problems which seem to plague the rebuilt units? Thanks.