Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

79vetter on Sun July 10, 2011 7:24 PM

Year: 1979
Make: Chevy
Model: Corvette
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R12

Just another story about a part that doesn't fit.
I bought a NEW R4 compressor a couple of years ago and this was to be the weekend that a/c worked for this first time since I have owned the car...nope...
When mounting the new compressor and then pulling it back so that the belt is tight, I noticed that the mounting hole on the comp. is now past the mounting bracket "opening" to mount it. After staring at the back of the compressors for an hour I finally discovered that the front of them is where the problem lies. The rounded pulley part (front) of my old compressor is larger than the new one - so now my new compressor requires more stretch (pull back) to get the belt tight - which throws the mounting hole past the available space in the bracket opening for mounting.
If you look closely there are also some minor subtle differences between the 2 compressors perhaps not worth mentioning.

I am thinking about options to remedy this:

1) Try to find a shorter belt
2) Try to exchange the compresor (pia)
3) Modify the mounting bracket (pia)

Has anyone else ran into this too?

bohica2xo on Sun July 10, 2011 7:29 PM

Find a shorter belt. Not that big a deal - even the chain parts stores should have what you need.

The good news is the smaller pulley will increase idle speed output.

B.

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"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.

TRB on Sun July 10, 2011 7:29 PM

If the belt lines up. Get a shorter belt and be done with it. Smaller pulley will make the compressor spin a little faster. But doubt it will be much of an issue.

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

TRB on Sun July 10, 2011 7:33 PM

Brad you type to fast!


Also just noticed. You joined in April and I in July of 2002. Yet I created the site.

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

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Turbofiat on Tue July 12, 2011 1:18 PM

I don't want to sound dumb but I've never seen an A/C compressor that short before. But I'm also not a GM man but rather into Fords when it comes to American cars.

What's the size on this compressor (diameter and length).

I have another A/C project I'm working on and if the compressor doesn't clear my turbo, I'm going to have to do some relocating. But this compressor may work just fine.

This will be a subcompact so a Corvette compressor maybe overkill. Do they make smaller compressors like this for 4 bangers?



Edited: Tue July 12, 2011 at 1:19 PM by Turbofiat