Best R12 Compressor?

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usar17

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So i rebuilt my AC system last fall. I charged it with R134a, worked till mid summer at which point i had to recharge it. I added leak dye to the system. Beginning of fall it leaked down again and had to recharge. I now see the neon green around the bolts and clutch of my compressor. So obvious statement, these compressors are all built for R12 at different pressures than R134. Any suggestions on a solid R134a compressor or means to upgrade to a newer style away from the pancakes?

or would you suspect more of a random compressor failure
 

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The r4 is famous leaking in the area where you are seeing it. They are all either reman or non original new. Different unit under warranty might be easier. Otherwise conversion brackets and use sanden style compressor. There is one I believe starting with fl7 that can actually use original hoses(if passenger side mount)
 

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Did you rebuild the R4 compressor yourself, was it a reman, a new one, or has nothing been done to it? I know that radial compressors wear internally in a way that makes their sealing abilities deficient when they've been used a lot. I don't remember where I learned that, but that's why a lot more of the remans fail. As far as the reproduction ones go, I'm pretty sure Compressor Works/Four Seasons makes all of them, and then a bunch of others distribute them. Warranties may differ so I'd take that advice, but the new one has the best chance of working. Axial compressors, as far as I know, don't have the same problem so that would be something to consider. I know I've considered converting to an A6 compressor before so if you go with that, I'd like to see the bracketry you used and whatever else.
 

usar17

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Ill have to see what for paperwork i have whether it was a new or reman.

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usar17

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What about the Sanden Compressor upgrades?

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That's the same style as the Harrison/Frigidaire A6 (axial) that I mentioned, but Sanden makes it. They sell R4 to Sanden conversion kits, but that's the extent of my knowledge. He'll know a lot more than me.
 

usar17

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I guess I should add that I currently have accessory brackets from a 1992 for the serpentine belt

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I am putting a 96 5.7 in my 80 . the 95 is serpentine and the a/c compressor bracket is for a sanded style compressor and my 80 a/c lines hooked right back to it and held vac for over 2 hours
 

usar17

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I am putting a 96 5.7 in my 80 . the 95 is serpentine and the a/c compressor bracket is for a sanded style compressor and my 80 a/c lines hooked right back to it and held vac for over 2 hours
Really? Modified? All the photos im finding for a 95 shows the R4 compressor.

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Really? Modified? All the photos im finding for a 95 shows the R4 compressor.

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A bit later than 95 switched to sanded style. But you would have to do a complete accessories swap and hoses as it moves compressor to driver side(unless there is another set up that does not, I am referencing a 96 model). If you have the regular passenger mount r4 with serpentine, then the flx7 might work with existing hoses. Need to measure to verify
 

74propu

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I seed a 96 here is a pic
 

74propu

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usar17

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Wish i knew that before i chose the 92 accessory system

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