The New Life of the 3800 "Formula"

[TopNotch]

My AC gave out on the way back from the club meeting. I've already got a compressor and other parts ordered, so hopefully I can get it working before Carlisle, or it will be a hot ride there (and back).

[GTRS Fiero]

If it isn't one thing...

Mine started squealing and smoking the belt when engaged, so it will go back to the shop when I get the engine running right.

[TopNotch]

My car is ready to receive new AC components. One of the things that makes installing the compressor easier on the 3800 is the fact that it uses studs, not bolts, for mounting. It's hard to line up a heavy compressor with bolt holes while lying under a car, but you just slide it on with studs.

[Fierofool]

That does look easier, as long as you have clearance to slide it off. 

[TopNotch]

I've decided that my 3800 is a Franken-engine. I know that the PCM is 1995, because it's OBD 1.5. OBD 2 started in 1996. But the AC compressor arrived yesterday, and I had ordered a 1995 Buick Park Avenue 3800 AC compressor. It was the wrong one. Turns out that my engine takes the 1996 and newer compressor. So either they changed things mid-stream in 1995, or my engine is a 1996 (or newer) engine.
In any case, the 95 compressor is on it's way back, and the proper one is coming by 2-day express. It's supposed to be here Friday.

[pgackerman]

Paraphrasing Johnny Cash,

"It's a '94, '95. '96 automobile..."

[GTRS Fiero]

At a car show a few years ago. I kept trying to figure out a particular Packard.  Finally, the owner told me it was a Johnny Cash Special.

[GTRS Fiero]

My car is ready to receive new AC components. One of the things that makes installing the compressor easier on the 3800 is the fact that it uses studs, not bolts, for mounting. It's hard to line up a heavy compressor with bolt holes while lying under a car, but you just slide it on with studs.

Could a stock Fiero engine be fitted with studs?

[Wreck It Ralph]

With the right tools and unlimited resources, anything is possible. 

[GTRS Fiero]

While my engine was out, some of the hard-to-replace bolts were replaced with studs.  I meant easily replaceable.

[Wreck It Ralph]

If I knew how hard the bracket wasn’t to remove I could give a good answer. But once it’s removed it’s very easy.

[GTRS Fiero]

I believe the 3800 has a serpentine belt.  The Fiero's V-belt would likely make this difficult.

[Fierofool]

The Fiero has an adjustment to tension the belt.  Sans that, a spring loaded tensioner would be needed.  The Fiero compressor does have 3 ears on its face, so it would be possible to mount it on studs, but it would probably be difficult to get the compressor up into position in the Fiero due to possible clearance issues on the clutch end.  Our compressors are used on other vehicles, so it's possible they mount on studs in some other vehicle. 

[TopNotch]

My AC is back together, and it works, but I need to take it on a good test drive to make sure. Today's not a good day for that, since the outside temperature is only 73F (23C). It supposed to get up to 80 tomorrow after the morning rain is done, so I'll go then.
I managed to find and fix a potential problem while under the car, too. One of the transmission oil cooling lines was not clamped securely. Trans fluid was weeping out where it was clamped, so I tightened the hose clamps.

[GTRS Fiero]

Sounds as if it'll be all ready for the trip, next week.