I'm converting my 70 Wildcat to R143. I can either have my stock Frigidaire POA valve re adjusted for R134, or put in a POA valve eliminator with pressure switch that turns it into a cycling compressor system like more modern cars. I seem to remember someone telling me that the A6 compressors don't respond well to a lot of cycling. Any thoughts? Anyone have any experience after converting?
I recalibrated my poa on my 67 and used 134a Car blows 37 degrees. Ive also heard that a6 compressors were not designed to cycle.
X3. Shouldn't use a cycle switch with an A6. Updating the POA is $250 compared to the $100 POA eliminator kit, but you need to use a modern compressor with the cycle switch.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences! I'll go with the POA rebuild. Did any of you use the original hoses, or have them redone with barrier hose?
Has anyone had a good experience with the POA update kit from Old Air? I bought one but haven't installed it yet. Flint Rex, I plan to use standard barrier hose so I can re use my original fittings. I rebuilt my A6 compressor and plan to use it too.
Everything on mine is original gm except the expansion valve and all new orings. I do believe the hoses weep over a long period of time a small amount of 134 freon . But for 5 bucks a can at wally it gets 1 can approx every 1.5 years Just easier than going back and changing all the hoses
Yep, the word on the streets is the r134a leaks through the old r12 hoses and requires occasional recharging. No problem since the stuff is cheaper than beer. Often, you end up having to replace one or more hoses due to their age and cracks/damage. If you have to replace any, you might as well get 134a hoses.
I think the POA update kit is the same as the POA eliminator. It just cycles the compressor on and off to keep the system from freezing up. It will work with an A6, but the A6 really wasn't designed to shift on and off all the time, so the compressor's lifespan will likely be reduced.
I know the A6 was used until about 1980 (had a ‘78 Caddy and ‘79 Pontiac with it); didn’t those systems cycle? I know they didn’t have POAs. Patrick
POA is the way to go. My '66 was the year BEFORE the POA design was available. Talked to a local shop owner who worked for Harrison back then and he told me the POA cars were MUCH better than other ways of doing it. Also told me that back then they begged them not to destroy the machine/tooling that made the diaphragms, but they did. He feels today's repros are not as strong as the originals, FYI. Cheers!
POA all the way!!! If your POA works with R12, you can recalibrate it yourself with an air compressor and a hex wrench. Specific instructions are over at www.ackits.com's forums (or were several years ago they were...)