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Finally warming up in Canada so time to look at the AC system on my 1985 Sovereign. Looking to replace my very noisy AC compressor and can get a new (not reman) Four Seasons Aluminium bodied A6 (p/n 58096) from Rockauto with a new dryer and Expansion valve, delivered all taxes duties paid for $350 US ($465 CAD). I need to determine if I order the flared or o-ring fit kit.
Same compressor I'm using. Seems fine - although I'm not happy with the performance of R134a so far (pretty much the same as I got with the original A6 so I don't think it's the compressor's fault in my case). For an 85 you will need the o-ring expansion valve.
Hi, found this posted on another thread about fixing / upgrading the AC system ( I'll post the missing thread linking the US product as soon as I find it again ). It can be used to replace R12 or R134a without any other changes to the system. I'm pretty sure this US product is the same as the Aussie version posted below it. It's a mixture of propane / isobutane which cools BETTER, while running at lower pressures which is easier on the compressor and drains LESS HP ! Plus I don't think it requires all the EPA paperwork etc, etc. Just don't smoke if you have to vent the system for repairs. I've not tried it myself yet but will shortly ( HVAC is system dead right now ). I wouldn't be to concerned about it being flammable propane in event of a leak / crash; 1) there's not that much in the system 2) if it does leak under the hood and flame, it will be a quick flash and then gone ( read # 1 ) 2) more worried about 22 gallons of gas in the trunk !
I am thinking of this too as I think my system is low on Freon. Please do a detailed write up if you do this for other's benefit because there's a lot out there on doing this but virtually nothing on how to do it if you aren't hugely familiar with AC. For instance, I know to add through the low pressure valve but not which one of the two identical valves the low pressure is. And what about oil. Explanation of the how's and why's would be immensely helpful.
There's also the issue of getting the right gauge which, according to someone on Amazon is not even purchase able any more the feds having outlawed it.
Before ordering a replacement A6 compressor (new, rebuilt, aluminum, whatever) ask the seller if it's set up for a Superheat Switch or an HSLP Switch (High Side Low Pressure). This is the switch at the back of the compressor. They're not physically interchangeable and the electrical circuit is different...although it's a simple matter to convert one way or the other.
The Series III XJ6 used the Superheat switch until late 1987 model year but some have been converted to the HSLP system.
If you have a 3-prong thermal limiter fuse clipped to the compressor bracket (or dangling nearby), you have the Superheat system
A6 Compressor replacement
