Almost finished with my Pro6ten compressor / 134a conversion. :)

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by real82it, Apr 13, 2015.

  1. real82it

    real82it Silver Level contributor

    well, my car hasn't had AC on it since I bought it in 1989.

    Back then we just ripped all the AC stuff out because it was heavy and we were tough so we didn't need AC. ;)

    Now I am old and want to drive the family to car shows with cold air blowing....

    So I decided to upgrade to the Pro6ten compressor and convert to 134a.

    I had read in multiple posts and at the vendor sight that the pro6ten compressor was smaller and lighter than the original A6. I was expecting more.....it is only 1/2 inch shorter and weighs about the same as the A6.

    I got the polished version and decided to cut my stock upper bracket to show it off a little. It came out nice. Still plenty strong.
    [​IMG]

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    The front lower bracket and bolted,up without issue. I took some material off the rear and top bracket to clear the aftermarket valve covers to allow tighter clearance and everything to fit.

    Off with the old, on with the new:

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    Flushed the system with denatured alcohol and compressed air at the vendors recommendation. Glad I did, it was pretty dirty and I was able to get the old solidified oil out of there. I also apparently thought it was a good idea to wad up a piece of paper towel and shove it in the supply line at some point.....so glad I checked and cleaned all the lines, or that would have caused some major issues.

    I am just waiting for the high side conversion valve. I will then charge it and hope it all works. Will update in a week or so with status and final pics with the ram air air cleaner on.
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2015
  2. cstanley-gs

    cstanley-gs Silver Mist

    sweet! I need to do this
    Im saving my gift cards for the compressor
     
  3. JB's1971GS

    JB's1971GS Well-Known Member

    Love this setup and the modified bracket ! I am planning to add this to my car as well. What model # is your compressor ? I see your POA and evaporator valve and drier.

    But, what is the part in the package ? Sorry...... just learning my A/C parts.

    Thanks !


    JB
     
  4. real82it

    real82it Silver Level contributor

    The model number is 21-2201SH-POL. I bought it from Old air products. Although I feel like I got a bit of a sales job.....when I called to order the guy on the phone seemed genuinely surprised at the website price and suggested it was an error and should be more.....chrome and polished are the same price on their site right now......I see they are still 390.00. He quoted more before I told him what the website price was. He said MSRP was $700.00 and that "someone was playing around with the prices again"

    I went ahead and bought all the 134a conversion parts from them also. The stuff in the bag is the black tar like sticky stuff that goes on the silver tube around the temp sensor (thermocouple?) for the expansion valve. I know very little about it all also, but can swap parts with the best of them. They suggested I flush the entire old parts with denatured alcohol before installation of new parts.

    I did find old air product reps very helpful.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2015
  5. real82it

    real82it Silver Level contributor

    I had forgotten I had made this install thread about this project. Found it so I will update.

    Longer story here:
    http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?301062-Help-needed-troubleshooting-my-new-AC-system

    Short story: got it working, enjoying the cold air, sorting out some wiring issues. Happy with the compressor so far, but am going to have to install an idle solenoid to kick it up when the AC is on. This has far more to do with my cam selection than the compressor, but I did read some threads suggesting these had very little draw on the idle. I am finding that not to be the case.

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Buickstaged

    Buickstaged The stable - 2204 Combined HP

    Eric, I completed the same task a few years ago. I also had to add a switch on the throttle to speed up the idle - I needed about 300 rpm to maintain idle and brakes. I ran into a few difficulties, and I suggest to check the voltage at the clutch head. If the voltage is less than 12 volts, the clutch will eventually fail. (Don't ask how I know). The clutches are not available as a bolt on package - causes The need to buy the entire compressor. Based on JWs suggestion, I replaced the wiring when I had the motor out. Somewhere in the old wiring harness there was a short somewhere. Since replacing the harness I have had no issues. Best of luck... Ac is the difference between leaving the car in the garage or going for a cruise.. Byron
     
  7. real82it

    real82it Silver Level contributor

    Thanks! Will check my voltage this weekend.
     

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