I have a 1991 NA, it has everything it needs for A/C, but no compressor. The guy who owned if before me removed the compressor. I bought a used compressor from someone else on the forum, and went to put it in, and it doesn't fit. The bolt pattern on the compressor doesn't match the bolt pattern on the bracket. How do you know what model compressor you need so that you get the one with the proper bolt pattern and proper piping-line attachments??

 

Bolt pattern???
Like for the four long bolts that secure the compressor to the bracket???
They should be all the same.
If so, the used unit you have is not made for an FC.

There is only two types of AC compressors.
Sanden and Nippondenso
The Sanden fittings come off the top from the rear of the unit.
I think the ND one comes off the rear on the vertical surface?


-Ted

 

^ I think the Nippondenso has its hose connections in the middle of the top of the compressor, whereas the Sanden's connections are at the rear of the top.

 

I bought a Nippondenso compressor and went to bolt it on, and the distance between each of the 4 bolts on the compressor is about a quarter of an inch difference than the bracket in the car???? And the hose connections on my compressor are one on the top back, and one on the vertical surface. But after doing a bunch of research in shop manuals, and hanes manuals, yeah there are only 2 brands used, but there seem to be a bunch of different models. And how do I know what one my car needs?

 

??????

 

That doesn't make sense...
Got pics?


-Ted

 

The holes for the compressor on my engine measure 3 1/16 from center to center from one hole to the other. I just measured the distance on the bottom two holes.

The Nippendenso's inlet/outlet fittings on top of the compressor are held on with four allen bolts/screws. They are bolted in the center section of the compressor. The fittings face straight to the rear and are threaded. The two hose attach to these threaded fittings.

The Sanden does not fit the description I just gave. The inlet/outlet housing is bolted on the top of the compressor with one bolt. The hose are crimped on to this housings inlet and outlet, NOT threaded on to it.

Frankley speaking, the Nippondenso is heads better than the Sanden. I've bought brand new Sanden compressor for one of my cars a couple of years ago and it can't match the two Nippondenso used ones I have. The Sanden WON'T give you chilling air when the outside air temp is over 95. If the outside air temp is under 90 degrees the Sanden is acceptable.

 

so, what compressor matches the 3 1/16 distance on your engine, the Nippenedenso or the Sanden???

 

Either. I say that and feel comfortable with it, but I measured a Nippendenso. Tomorrow IF I don't forget, Ill measure the Sanden. Not this day. I've always assumed they were the same.