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York (Ford) Rotary Vane Compressor

newton5 on Wed August 05, 2009 10:05 PM User is offlineView users profile

Country of Origin: United States

In another thread, a York Rotary Vane compressor was mentioned a few times. It was used by Ford in the late 70s and I get the idea that it was short lived due to reliability issues.

I can't say I've ever seen one, unless it looks physically similar to the York compressor that was used by Ford for many years. If so, maybe I just didn't notice. I repair a number of 60s-mid 70s Ford systems each year, but rarely see a late 70s Ford product (Except for F-Series trucks and Broncos. I seem to repair quite a few of them recently).

Can anyone point me to some info about this compressor? I'm very curious. A picture would be great, or even an example or two of vehicles that they were used on.
Its odd that I've been a "Ford Guy" all of my driving life and was a Tech for 23 years (til 2001), and have never seen this compressor.

Thanks for any input.

Just rambling on:
I also find it interesting that Ford used the Frigidaire (GM) POA system on their "better" cars through the 70's, A6 compressor and all!
I'm a big fan of the POA/A6 combo, but some other "Ford Guys" cringe when you point it out. That refrigeration system coupled with Fords better air distribution system was a match made in heaven. I still miss my black/black 72 T-Bird and it's awesome AC performance in scorching heat.
I recently had a 70 Buick Skylark GS in the shop with a Motorcraft branded A6. It was likely a JY pull many years ago, from a Lincoln or T-Bird. The customer was convinced someone had adapted a (gasp!!) Ford AC compressor to his car at some point.

Chick on Thu August 06, 2009 7:28 AM User is offlineView users profile

I "think" you are talking about the tecumsa (sp) HR 980 "pancake" compressor, used on later 80's Fords like the Lincoln Mark and Mustangs.. You can't even find them anymore, yet Tim was able to find me a brand new one a couple weeks ago for a customer with an 88 Mustang... Looks more like an R4 than the old Yorks..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

newton5 on Thu August 06, 2009 12:40 PM User is offlineView users profile

HMM, could be.
Here's the quote that caught my attention:
"The York 2 cylinder compressor was and is a great compressor, the one I was talking about was the York Rotary only used in a few Fords in the late 70's - it was crap, had nothing to do with the 2 cylinder line and I think it was built in Europe but I may be wrong."

Maybe the poster was confused.

I don't recall the HR980 either, but I'd probably recognize it if I saw one. I've had 3 80's Mark VIIs and they all used Nippondenso compressors.

Edited: Thu August 06, 2009 at 12:44 PM by newton5

dasinc on Thu August 06, 2009 3:03 PM User is offlineView users profile

I'm sure they must have been talking about the HR980 Techumseh. Ford started using it in about 1983. For the most part they stopped using it by 1988 except in a few mustang applications that stopped in 1991. They also used it in some of the Dealer installed a/c units. The problem with the HR980, other than the design, was that it was non serviceable internally. You can't take them apart to rebuild them. The rotary york that's mentioned I've only seen in a few Chysler applications in the mid to late 70's. I have a picture of it in a catalog that can be faxed if you're interested.

-------------------------
Take care,

Travis

tpestes@dealerautomotive.com

newton5 on Tue August 11, 2009 10:52 AM User is offlineView users profile

Thanks Travis,
That clears things up a bit. I did some digging and found pics of both. It was like finding hens teeth, not much out there on either one.
I recognize the HR980, I had not seen many of them and completely forgot about them. That York compressor is still a total stranger to me.

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