Author Topic: 1966 AC Compressor  (Read 1902 times)

Offline 66RagTop

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1966 AC Compressor
« on: April 13, 2014, 01:41:11 PM »
I had to remove the AC compressor last night and I stored it on the work bench overnight with the pulley facing down. This morning there was a puddle of oil on the bench which must have leaked from the compressor. How do I add oil back to the compressor, where specifically? What type as well? I bought the car about 5 years ago, the AC has never blown cold, just warm air. The compressor and the blower work fine but I presume it needs a recharge. Not sure if it was ever converted from R12. The car is a convertible so I really don't plan to use the AC but now that the oil has leaked out I would like to top it off and not cause any damage to the compressor. Thanks for the help.

Offline lancelot66

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Re: 1966 AC Compressor
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2014, 01:46:09 PM »
A couple of things here to let you know about. First thing is that the oil may have leaked out of the front pump seal, behind the pulley, since you've stated that the oil came out with the entire unit resting on the pulley overnight. Possibility there to consider at least.
On a cast iron Tecumseh compressor, there's a bolt right on top, maybe 3/8-1/2 inch size, within a recessed hole (making the top of the bolt basically level with the top of the cast iron housing) that is the fill hole for oil. They also will put dye in there manually too, if they are about to hook it up to a machine for charging, testing for leaks. The dye will show up with a black light, if I remember correctly. The oil is a special type/viscosity specific to air compressors and I found it at the local auto parts store (only sold it at the time & location in quarts), so I donated the rest of it to the mechanic, once he had enough for our repairs and recharge. This was about 6 years ago.
At any rate, I would not bother to put any more oil in there if it's leaking. The oil mixes with the refrigerant at a specific mix rate, (R12 from my experience and background - R134 may be different) but they will add that in when they add refrigerant during a recharge procedure, once your system is checked for leaks and ready to charge back up to operation again. When ours was down for the up-teenth time years back, I took the belt off and ran it without, just to be safe. Our car has the factory smog and power steering and I believe I had to find a different size belt temporarily to pull this off, until I was ready to fix the compressor leaks we had and charge it back up. Hope this helps some.
VR/
-Lance

SJ Build Date: 1/6
'66 Fstbk: 63A M 25 06A 71 1 6
Many Original Options

Offline Bob Gaines

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Re: 1966 AC Compressor
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2014, 03:22:39 PM »
A couple of things here to let you know about. First thing is that the oil may have leaked out of the front pump seal, behind the pulley, since you've stated that the oil came out with the entire unit resting on the pulley overnight. Possibility there to consider at least.
On a cast iron Tecumseh compressor, there's a bolt right on top, maybe 3/8-1/2 inch size, within a recessed hole (making the top of the bolt basically level with the top of the cast iron housing) that is the fill hole for oil. They also will put dye in there manually too, if they are about to hook it up to a machine for charging, testing for leaks. The dye will show up with a black light, if I remember correctly. The oil is a special type/viscosity specific to air compressors and I found it at the local auto parts store (only sold it at the time & location in quarts), so I donated the rest of it to the mechanic, once he had enough for our repairs and recharge. This was about 6 years ago.
At any rate, I would not bother to put any more oil in there if it's leaking. The oil mixes with the refrigerant at a specific mix rate, (R12 from my experience and background - R134 may be different) but they will add that in when they add refrigerant during a recharge procedure, once your system is checked for leaks and ready to charge back up to operation again. When ours was down for the up-teenth time years back, I took the belt off and ran it without, just to be safe. Our car has the factory smog and power steering and I believe I had to find a different size belt temporarily to pull this off, until I was ready to fix the compressor leaks we had and charge it back up. Hope this helps some.
I thought I would mention for you and others who may be reading that maybe you were not aware but the compressor clutch is free wheeling when not in use. The internal components of the compressor are not moving when the clutch is not energized and free wheeling. You could have disconnected the power wire to the clutch and have been just as safe with less hassle.
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline 66RagTop

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Re: 1966 AC Compressor
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2014, 11:13:24 PM »
Thanks for the information. For some reason I haven't been able to locate the oil fill plug. I've looked in the manual but when I look at my compressor I can't locate it. Attached are some images. Maybe I'm overlooking the obvious. Please advise.

Offline lancelot66

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Re: 1966 AC Compressor
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2014, 09:48:18 AM »
My best guess is that it's directly underneath the tag. It'll be painted black like the rest of the housing, appear a bit thinner in height because it's in a recess, and when you remove it, it should have a copper washer under it that helps to seal it. Also, if there's any charge of Freon left in the compressor at all, you'll see it (hear it too I suppose) bubble out of there right away. Wish I had a picture to post as well. Maybe someone else reading will have one...
VR/
-Lance

SJ Build Date: 1/6
'66 Fstbk: 63A M 25 06A 71 1 6
Many Original Options