A/C compressor options
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On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: SouthEast Texas
A/C compressor options Cliffs:
R4 compressors keep leaking
Need input on whether to switch styles or look down other avenues.....
Long version:
A little over a year ago, I swapped an 01 Ls1 into an 86 Chevrolet S-10 single cab. I daily drive this think about 50-60 miles each day, and plan to continue to do so.
The truck originally came with manual steering, no A/C whatsoever and manual brakes. I converted the steering and brakes over to power, then bought a donor truck for the A/C components. The only used components I used were the Evaperator box and controls. The rest were bought new/reman such as the compressor, condenser and dryer.
I figured I would just mimic the original A/C system that would come with the truck and go back with an R4 style compressor using R134.
Onto the issue......Ive been through both a reman oreilly special compressor and recently went through a brand new A/C Delco compressor. They are not blowing, but leaking around where the cases bolt together. I could keep adding refrigerant, but Im looking for a permanent solution.
Ive tried two style mounts, both manual tensioned style, and spring loaded style. Im about to the point that I want to switch to a different style compressor. Are Sanden style compressors better or more reliable/efficient? Are there better options? It will not be run through the LS computer.
R4 compressors keep leaking
Need input on whether to switch styles or look down other avenues.....
Long version:
A little over a year ago, I swapped an 01 Ls1 into an 86 Chevrolet S-10 single cab. I daily drive this think about 50-60 miles each day, and plan to continue to do so.
The truck originally came with manual steering, no A/C whatsoever and manual brakes. I converted the steering and brakes over to power, then bought a donor truck for the A/C components. The only used components I used were the Evaperator box and controls. The rest were bought new/reman such as the compressor, condenser and dryer.
I figured I would just mimic the original A/C system that would come with the truck and go back with an R4 style compressor using R134.
Onto the issue......Ive been through both a reman oreilly special compressor and recently went through a brand new A/C Delco compressor. They are not blowing, but leaking around where the cases bolt together. I could keep adding refrigerant, but Im looking for a permanent solution.
Ive tried two style mounts, both manual tensioned style, and spring loaded style. Im about to the point that I want to switch to a different style compressor. Are Sanden style compressors better or more reliable/efficient? Are there better options? It will not be run through the LS computer.
Last edited by RebelRider; Dec 30, 2018 at 12:38 PM.
The Sanden style compressor is simple and hearty. Two styles to consider are the SD508 and SD7. The SD 7 is the smallest of the two and will cool the cab easily. You will have two problems, first is mounting. The Sanden will not fit in the mount you have now and second, it's a stand alone unit that's either on or off with no real ECU input. This means when your nose starts running reach over and turn the A/C off for a while.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 102
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From: SouthEast Texas
The Sanden style compressor is simple and hearty. Two styles to consider are the SD508 and SD7. The SD 7 is the smallest of the two and will cool the cab easily. You will have two problems, first is mounting. The Sanden will not fit in the mount you have now and second, it's a stand alone unit that's either on or off with no real ECU input. This means when your nose starts running reach over and turn the A/C off for a while.
The R4 doesnt use ECU input either. Does the Sanden use a standard cycle switch also?
Sanden 508 LS1 Camaro A/C Air Conditioner Compressor Bracket Kit LS LSX AC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XPBYD1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FtqkCbBT0WY92
The Sanden is a simple 12V clutch, fixed displacement.
One other consideration, is your current system set up for R12 or R134a?
You really don't need the ecu controlling it, just the request and thermostat.
One other consideration, is your current system set up for R12 or R134a?
You really don't need the ecu controlling it, just the request and thermostat.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: SouthEast Texas
Edit: I should have mentioned, the current set-up is stand alone and not run through the ECU.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 102
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From: SouthEast Texas
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The pressure setpoint for the compressor and the fans with the trinary are considerably different. You'll find that the fans come on only when needed. Also with the high pressure compressor turnoff, you'll definitely want the fans on. With the airflow at hiway speed, they don't run nearly as much.
My current setup is 2 fans, one controlled by the ecu (low setpoint) and the other controlled by the trinary and/or a variable temp switch(high setpoint). I used to have the ecu control the high setpoint but that can trigger a cel with the trinary also feeding it.
Works great.
My current setup is 2 fans, one controlled by the ecu (low setpoint) and the other controlled by the trinary and/or a variable temp switch(high setpoint). I used to have the ecu control the high setpoint but that can trigger a cel with the trinary also feeding it.
Works great.
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: SouthEast Texas
The pressure setpoint for the compressor and the fans with the trinary are considerably different. You'll find that the fans come on only when needed. Also with the high pressure compressor turnoff, you'll definitely want the fans on. With the airflow at hiway speed, they don't run nearly as much.
My current setup is 2 fans, one controlled by the ecu (low setpoint) and the other controlled by the trinary and/or a variable temp switch(high setpoint). I used to have the ecu control the high setpoint but that can trigger a cel with the trinary also feeding it.
Works great.
My current setup is 2 fans, one controlled by the ecu (low setpoint) and the other controlled by the trinary and/or a variable temp switch(high setpoint). I used to have the ecu control the high setpoint but that can trigger a cel with the trinary also feeding it.
Works great.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: SouthEast Texas
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: SouthEast Texas
Vintage Air
https://www.vintageair.com/instructi.../11086-VUS.pdf
Cant find classic, but its somewhere there.
https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/trinary-switch/
https://www.vintageair.com/instructi.../11086-VUS.pdf
Cant find classic, but its somewhere there.
https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/trinary-switch/