Post by RIP OLDS on Jun 27, 2020 14:36:41 GMT -5
Have this 442 for almost 15 years, it never had the AC parts installed (except chrome vents). First restoration project was the interior, so when that was gutted I installed all the correct under-dash AC parts. At the time they were easily found on ebay for cheap. Many years later I ditched the 455 that was in the car and restored the 400 engine. During this project I had the evaporator checked and flushed, and had the original POA and expansion valve rebuilt for 134a. It took another 3 years to track down all the original under hood parts (hoses, brackets, muffler, fan and fan clutch - all came from an original AC car). I purchased a rebuilt A6 compressor from Summit (was much cheaper than Olds supply houses- took the gamble), and new Dryer from supercars unlimited. Installed it all about a month ago, and then had it evacuated and charged this past week.
I had my doubts it would all work since I had read many times that the stock system just didn't work well, especially with 134a, but so far the system works great, blows cold. I'm told an additive can be added to drop it another 5 degrees if needed, we'll see how the hot summer goes.
Also, there are a lot of posts on the original clutch fan for AC cars (some say it wasn't even available). It is noted in the assembly manual, and I have two NOS ones with the exact markings from the assembly manual, so I used one for this stock resto. It seems to work better then a standard fixed fan. With the fixed fan my car would run at 180 while moving, but the temperature would climb when standing still at a light or traffic (in hot weather - over 80 F). With the clutch fan it is much different. The temperature fluctuates between 180 and 195 regardless of motion or ambient temperature. It's nice when standing still and not having to sweat when the temperature keeps rising.
I made sure I followed all directions by the book, including draining the compressor oil that came with the compressor, adding the proper 10.5 oz of compressor oil for 134a, turning the compressor downward to let the oil lubricate the front seal, and turning the clutch by hand once the hoses were installed to move the oil around the system.
Could not get the photo to be right side up, not sure why.
I had my doubts it would all work since I had read many times that the stock system just didn't work well, especially with 134a, but so far the system works great, blows cold. I'm told an additive can be added to drop it another 5 degrees if needed, we'll see how the hot summer goes.
Also, there are a lot of posts on the original clutch fan for AC cars (some say it wasn't even available). It is noted in the assembly manual, and I have two NOS ones with the exact markings from the assembly manual, so I used one for this stock resto. It seems to work better then a standard fixed fan. With the fixed fan my car would run at 180 while moving, but the temperature would climb when standing still at a light or traffic (in hot weather - over 80 F). With the clutch fan it is much different. The temperature fluctuates between 180 and 195 regardless of motion or ambient temperature. It's nice when standing still and not having to sweat when the temperature keeps rising.
I made sure I followed all directions by the book, including draining the compressor oil that came with the compressor, adding the proper 10.5 oz of compressor oil for 134a, turning the compressor downward to let the oil lubricate the front seal, and turning the clutch by hand once the hoses were installed to move the oil around the system.
Could not get the photo to be right side up, not sure why.
![BR[] Avatar](http://aliquippaoutlaws.homestead.com/Bro442_ANIM_150.gif)
