swapping ac compressor internals?

[poptart]

so this may be a strange question, but i am wondering if it is possible to take apart an ac compressor for an 85 944 and swap over the internals to a differend ac compressor.
the reason i ask is this. the ac compressor on my car is bad, it is bolted into place and the case that it is all in is fine, i have been offered a free (for shipping) ac compressor that works but has a busted top mount. is it possible to make one good one from the two? it seems like it should be possible..

[16vCorey]

Yes and no. That all depends on what is wrong with your compressor. If it leaks, just get an 0-ring and front seal kit from Automobile Air Conditioning Parts of Tucson Arizona, Century Auto Air, AC Parts, AC Service and Hoses, www.centuryautoair.com and fix yours. I've rebuilt a few with their kits and they've worked out great. If it's locked up, chances are pretty good that the case half with the mount ear is scored inside, so that piece is probably not going to be any good. Here's a pretty good tutorial vid on how to take them apart and put them back together. This model is slightly different than ours, but you'll get the basic idea.
Denso 10PA Series Compressor Reseal Part 1 - YouTube
Denso 10PA Series Compressor Reseal Part 2 - YouTube

[kuehl]

The 85/1 used the 6E171 (Denso); steel liners, pistons with teflon rings,

The 85/2 used the 10P15E (Denso), aluminum bores, aluminum pistons; no sleeves or rings.

Years ago we used to rebuild hundreds of these compressors and
occasionally we had to 'swap' over either the shaft with wobble plate,
reeds or reed plates.

On the 6E171 you can replace pistons, rings, half bearings (with new aftermarket if you can find them)

Not so easy a 10P15E unless you find the perfect match, pistons have a molybdenum coating and when it wears off you find it through out your system along with metal particles (time to liquid flush the system).

And you have to match up the spacing for the thrust bearings and their races.

If you are bored or really stretching your budget ..... have fun and play with it, otherwise buy an alternative bolt on or Denso rebuilt.

[16vCorey]

Sorry, I didn't think about the early/late difference. My rebuild links are relevant for the later 10P15E.

[kuehl]

Slightly different mount, but different hose manifolds and pulley serp count.
Any 10P15E with over 100K miles is near its end if not close there.

[Gawernator]

He's talking about my compressor. It's off my '83. Only problem is the top mount is broken. I suggested it might be possible to take the mount off his bad compressor and weld it onto mine and he could have it. Someone else on this forum had a problem like mine and rigged some mounting method.

[kuehl]

Gawernator, If PopTart has an 85/1 model then maybe he can try to swap out the internals from your's to his, along with a seal kit.
6E171 Seal Kit

[Gawernator]

I was also thinking that. I thought he had a late model though, not certain. I don't want my compressor to just waste away however... would be very happy to cannibalize it to fix a seized compressor or have the mount repaired, rebuilt and new ones can be quite pricey.

[kuehl]

Originally Posted by Gawernator

rebuilt and new ones can be quite pricey.

Engine Rebuild $8k
Tranny Rebuild $4k
Paint Job $6k
Stereo upgrade $700

The cost to repair the AC so you can enjoy all of the above..... priceless

[poptart]

Yeah if I can make one good one out if the two that would be ideal. I have yet to see either of them so I am not sure what's actually wrong, I just know the po said it was siezed

[kuehl]

1) Liquid AC flush the condenser and hose lines, remove the TEV and liquid flush the evaporator.
2) Get a new drier, R134a charge port adapters and compressor.
3) Inspect the compressor to condenser hose

Just do it and move on to a new project.

[Gawernator]

My re-paint cost about $3,200 including body work... wow..