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| 1988 GT A/C compressor dying - new replacement? (Page 1/1) |
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John W. Tilford
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JAN 28, 03:31 PM
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My 1988 GT has a 3.4 6 cyl same size block as stock 2.8. Shop says air compressor leaking.
Question: Didn't I see a few years ago in the Forum there is a more efficient, smaller, air conditioning compressor which would fit right in the same location? Shop thought their trying to get an identical replacement for the stock compressor would be expensive.
Please tell me I'm not imagining this and help me find where to locate the new & improved replacement?
As always, thank you. The Forum has seen me through several issues since I bought the GT in 2005.
John T------------------
John W. Tilford
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Dennis LaGrua
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JAN 28, 04:45 PM
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If its the original compressor then replacement is a good idea. I believe that compressor may be a Harrison model HR 6. They are available new.
Most later GM compressors have pulleys for serpentine belts. The Fiero w 2.8L uses an old style V belt and pulley so a direct fit with a later compressor would at the minimum require changing the clutch and pulley. Then what clutch and pulley for a V Belt would fit a more modern V22 compressor. IMO the best and easiest option is to replace what you have with the same type. ------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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Vintage-Nut
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JAN 28, 04:53 PM
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RWDPLZ
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JAN 29, 10:50 AM
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The stock replacement isn't expensive at all compared to what they cost 20 years ago. A shop might charge an arm and a leg to do it, though.
Stock replacement would be an HR6, Four Seasons makes a new one, part number 58255, they're typically a bit over $200
https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...8255&type=p&search=s
82-T/A [At Work] was looking into replacing the HR6 with a V5, which is a smaller variable displacement compressor. I don't believe he ever worked out the details, you could ask him. IMO it would be a better idea to replace the part than to try and re-invent the wheel.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/147512.html
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John W. Tilford
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JAN 29, 11:49 AM
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RWDPLZ, Vintage-Nut, and Dennis LaGrua -
First, thank you!
Found the R6 compressor at Four Seasons at about $250 via provided link. Called their help number to ask if anything else should be replaced at the same time, thinking of high and low pressure release valves. Older guy (probably almost as old as I am) didn't mention the valves but said condenser, accumulator, and orifice tube. Said you'd risk burning out a new compressor without. Something about rings being hard to remove and jamming up.
This is looking more and more like 1) getting too complex, 2) expensive, 3) always doubt what to buy advice from a guy who works for a retail company, 4) ask for more Forum advice, and 5) wait until just before summer when need air conditioning.
I did find several sources for HR 6 compressors, new and rebuilt. But now I'm not clear regarding what other parts (new in 1987 for 1988 Fiero GT = old in 2025) should be replaced.
Thoughts?
John T------------------
John W. Tilford
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Vintage-Nut
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JAN 29, 05:09 PM
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RWDPLZ
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JAN 29, 07:11 PM
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Dennis LaGrua
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JAN 30, 09:35 PM
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Provided that the AC compressor is weak but still working, replacement work is not hard, As RWDPLZ pointed out you just replace a few items and O rings, then test for leaks, evacuate and recharge with the right amount of Ester oil and R-134A. Done right the A/C will blow ice cold.
Tools required: an R-134a A/C gauge set and an evacuation pump. ------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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