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DA-6 to HR-6 compressor switch

austinhot on Tue July 13, 2004 8:47 PM User is offline

Year: 1984
Make: Pontiac
Model: 6000
Engine Size: 173 V6
Refrigerant Type: R143a

I have been reading this forum for quite some time and am getting ready
to convert my son's 84 Pontiac 6000. I have purchased some neat stuff
from ackits and am almost ready to go.

I have purchased a HR-6 compressor to replace the DA-6 that I took out
of the car. Now that I have the new compressor in my hands I realize that
this replacement is identical in all ways to the original except for the
orientation of the front head. I can see based on the alignment marks
on the outside sections of the old and new compressor that the front
head on the new compressor needs to rotate clockwise some.

My question is this: what are the minimum steps required to safely
dissassemble the compressor, rotate the front head a bit and reassemble?
What are the special tools I will need to do this? Obviously I am trying
to avoid a complete compressor rebuild.

Thanks a bunch!

TRB on Tue July 13, 2004 10:30 PM User is offlineView users profile

If you got the compressor from us lets exchange it out for the correct model!

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

austinhot on Tue July 13, 2004 10:46 PM User is offline

Tim - nice of you to offer but I purchased this compressor
from another source.

TRB on Tue July 13, 2004 10:49 PM User is offlineView users profile

Have them exchange it for you!

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

austinhot on Tue July 13, 2004 10:53 PM User is offline

Let me pose my question another way.

1. I know that I need to pull the clutch/hub assembly from the
compressor. I think I know how to do that.

2. Once I have the clutch off can I simply remove the six through
bolts from the compressor and then can I carefully rotate
the front plate to the correct position?

or - do I have to remove the bearing to do this?

Is there anything internal to the compressor, immediately inside
the front plate, that would interfere with me rotating it to a new
position? I have the compressor on my bench and will be
careful to provide proper support during all of this.

TRB on Tue July 13, 2004 11:08 PM User is offlineView users profile

I'm not 100 percent sure on this so lets see what some others have to say. I do think you will be fine making the adjustment.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

marvin-miller on Wed July 14, 2004 2:03 AM User is offline

I took a few apart and they are quite straightforward. The thing is though that without the proper tools (puller and installers) it can be a bit of a pill. Also, you should replace the sealing washers under the case through bolts and it would probably be a good idea to replace the body O-Ring for the compressor front half when you remove it.

Given that these parts can be hard to source and the tools are a bit of a necessity I'd say it might be easier to exhange the unit. If you have the tools or the ability to 'MacGuyver' it without breaking parts then the actual changing of the front case position is not hard and pretty self-explanatory.

I do have a factory service manual outlining overhaul procedures (not that you can get the parts) and also I have some old ones lying around in a semi-disassembled state that I could refer to if you went ahead with the job. Keep in mind though that I have seen compressor body O-rings leak on new reman compressors so I think it would be nice to change the existing one rather then re-use the one in it. It can be really annoying to see one leak under pressure after you get it installed and charge up the system etc.

If you can readily exchange it that's the route I would go as you'd have easy warranty and just a re & re job without the risk of breaking the clutch coil or what have you.

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Best & Thanks;
Marvin

NickD on Wed July 14, 2004 8:08 AM User is offline

The process is called clocking and even in something as simple as an alternator has resulted in warranty problems as wires get broken and screws are not properly torqued. I could imagine this would be compounded in a compressor, would recommend contacting the vendor first to get his opinion and you certainly don't want to reuse the gaskets as they already took a set and would be nice to know the torque specifications.

Nothing stopping you from clocking, but I would imagine if you did, that compressor would be yours, and what do you do if it leaks? Buy another?

GM Tech on Wed July 14, 2004 9:17 AM User is offline

I have done it- you can rotate the front head in any of 3 120 deg apart positions- but NEVER the rear head- you will create a NO pumper............

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

iceman2555 on Wed July 14, 2004 6:12 PM User is offlineView users profile

Becareful with just re clocking the compressor. Check application for correct part number. The fact that is is not a DA is not the case. No one that I know of makes the DA anymore....HR's are the replacements. This compressor can be installed upside down....and this is usually noticed when the coil connections are not where they are suppose to be. By all means....return and get the correct compressor. Once this 'adjustment' is accomplished....warranty for the part is out the window.....why take the chance.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

austinhot on Mon July 26, 2004 8:11 PM User is offline

Thanks everyone for your input to this question.

I went ahead and "clocked" this compressor. I got it on eBay for a great deal. It is a brand new ACDelco HR6 and I felt it was worth the work and risk to rotate the front plate.
I purchased a clutch plate remover/installer from a local car parts place. I got a loaner pulley remover/installer from the local Autozone. It took two days to do the job but I was going slowly.
I fabricated a test plate that I attached to the rear of the compressor. This allowed me to pressurize the compressor and put it in a tub of water to check for leaks. Tested OK. I have since installed it in my son's 1984 Pontiac 6000 and it is working fine so far. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything is OK.

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