AC Compressor

[fast400]

So after a totally extensive resto $$$, everything was renewed, replaced, or repaired except for the AC compressor which looked clean, so I decided to keep it. Well after a nice new charge of R12:yes: and a couple months of ice cold ac, I noticed that is leaking oil...no longer cooling either.
I've just ordered a new Delco unit with the clutch/pulley. My question is, does the clutch/pulley have to be swapped, or can I go with the new 'different' pulley/clutch?

 

[Jan Larsson]

Welcome to the club :-(

You can keep the clutch pulley .. pulley is the only thing that is different and as far as I've been told it was for clearance issues only (with the belt tensioner I suspect) .. also to swap the pulley over you need some special tools to remove and install it ..

BUT do keep the original compressor as you can't get hold of that pulley at all these days.

 

[fast400]

Jan,
Do i have to swap the original clutch, or is it an originality thing?

 

[Jan Larsson]

It's only the pulley that have a unique part number the clutch etc is the same as many other GM compressors ... however with today's replacement compressors (oh get a brand new one and not a rebuilt unit) I can't be 100% sure if they changed something or not but I would be surprised if they did and you can just swap the pulley out and use everything else from the new compressor.

Take some pictures when / if you do the swap and let us know if there's any issues / problems doing it.