M_D_H

I've got a 1985 12a S that I'm slowly working on restoring, one of the next items on the list is getting the A/C working again BEFORE it gets hot again down here in Texas.
I purchased the car with the AC already not working, I was told by the PO that the compressor needed to be replaced, but that everything else worked previous to the bearings going out.
Tested everything else, and it seemed to work fine, the compressor is unplugged from power, and after an long period of time sitting, I figure it's not even worth plugging it in to try it.
Went looking online for a new compressor unit, and that's where I ran into issues... I can't seem to find an exact match to my unit, I'll include some pictures for reference.
My compressor has the high and low pressure lines coming out of the back of the unit, and also has the fittings on the body of the compressor as well, towards the middle. None of the compressors I see online have the fittings on the body, which would seem to make it impossible to fill the system, there aren't any fittings for recharging anywhere else in the system that I can see.

Has anyone run into this issue before? The only other compressor I found anywhere that looked the same was a used part off a junkyard car, and I'm not so sure I want to try a used compressor.

Maybe this compressor is an aftermarket replacement, or was a dealer installed option or something strange like that?

1985 12a A/c compressor from the top

Label on the side of the compressor... Converted to 134a, or aftermarket pump maybe?

dmc83RX

Your compressor is similar to the original on my 83. I had to have custom hoses made when I replaced it a few months ago.

M_D_H

That's where my mind was starting to go, too. New houses shouldn't be too bad though, if that's the only problem.

SKYDRIFTER350

it's the hoses, Man.... They are what have the special fittings... perhaps You could go to a real pro a/c guy & he can fab up something from another car set-up.... but if I was You... Id just but a new OEM hose & compressor... get a new dryer too.... $13.00.... & You will need to get some A/C oil for the system too, after is has sat so long with nothing inside of the system... I just did an A/C job on my car..... You will need a vacuum pump to evacuate, dry, & create a negative pressure in there so the system will accept the freon... I kept mine vacuumed up for at lease an hour... its a good way to test the integrity of Ur system too. from the negative pressure inside the system, the residual water will boil off, at room temp, due to the nature of 'Boyles Law',,, that way, Ur system will be free of water before You add Ur freon & oil. When I did mine, I borrowed the vacuum pump from my local AUTOZONE/// just had to pay for it $150...& return it & got me money back. no sweat.

Good luck..

Sam

SKYDRIFTER350

BTW, that looks like an R-12 unit. not an R-134

M_D_H

Thanks for the advice guys.
I'm lucky, I actually work at an auto repair shop and have access to a commercial ac recharging setup. Probably not going to use 134 when I get the system running, but it should work great for pressure testing and evacuating the old gasses and oil and moisture.
Looking into having some hoses made, or buying the tools and making the hoses myself now...

SKYDRIFTER350

I tried to reply agajn.....on second look.... it seems You do in fact have an R134 system... they still blow cold.... & trust me... the expensive freon DOES make a difference.....

M_D_H

I might go with 134 since the system seems to have already had it converted, but I've also been looking through the archives and saw the article about the r152a. Considering giving it a try... If it doesn't work, I can just use the recharge machine to put the 134 in instead.

DreamInRotary

iTrader: (49)

Do the R152a, you won't regret it. I run it in my Audi and have charged multiple systems with it so far, including an RX-8.

I have an old Sanden A/C compressor, but not sure if it's the same one you have. I had that same compressor but it got sold down to Florida a few months back.