I need to fix my A/C, i need a compressor

[jwrape]

Ok, although I haven't looked under the car yet, the previous owner said the Compressor is missing on my 86 GT. I am wondering what type of compressor will I need and if someone has a picture of it in it's place on the block?
I will assume the lines might be missing as well since the compressor is not there.

Will I need to replace the evaporator in the front if the lines were left open?
I don't know too much about A/C I have just heard that a open system is trash with all the dust and dirt that could get into it. I hope they at least pinched off the lines. I plan to look at it today when I get home.

I have to get the air working for heats sake. LOL!

[TopNotch]

The kind of compressor you will need is a Harrison HR6. Try Ebay -- sometimes you can find bargains.
Get the R134a conversion kit from the Fiero Store. It will contain a new accumulator (which you will need), and new O-rings (which will need replacing). If you are concerned about contaminants in the system, you can get some AC flush and flush it out. You will also need to replace the orifice tube -- they are only about 2 or 3 bucks at any auto parts store. Don't waste money on fancy adjustable orifice tubes. You can do all the adjusting you need on the low pressure switch mounted on the accumulator.
Once you get it together, you will need to vacuum out the system, because the worst contaminant is moisture in the air. You will need a vacuum pump and manifold set for this.
Don't be afraid to do the work yourself. It really is possible (and a lot cheaper) for the home mechanic to fix and AC system.
If you are a paid club member, there are tools you can borrow for the job.

[jwrape]

Excellent, thanks i'll go collecting the parts now. Thanks a lot TopNotch

[jwrape]

looks like about $100 for a compressor reman'd. Sounds reasonable.

[jwrape]

Do you happen to know any other cars I can cross reference for the same compressor?

[Fierofool]

Adding to TopNotch's advice, you can get the receiver-dryer and the 134a conversion O rings locally and it will cost much less than The Fiero Store.  The condenser coil and the evaporator coil are probably still good.  I have a receiver-dryer that's nearly new if you're interested.  I didn't like it because the cycle switch was on the backside and as I said in a previous post, I like to unplug mine during performance driving so I can run the cooling fan.  It made the plug hard to get to.  You can see on the top it's for both R12 and R134A.



If the system has been left open, as in your case, sitting for 5 years, there's probably a bunch of bugs in there.  It would need a good flush.  You aren't very far from Lee and he can accomplish the install and setup in short order.  Call him at 77 OH  2 Six 5ive  Six 5ive 5ive 2.

If you can get a reman compressor for $100, go for it.  I've been paying nearly $200.  The only cross reference I know of that will fit for certain is the 85 or 87 Fiero  LOL

[jwrape]

Yea, i'm interested. I gonna need it. Compressor's are hard to come by on Ebay that are used. All of them are reman'd or new. I guess i will choke up and buy a reman'd one. I hate spending money. LOL

[TopNotch]

Many mid-to-late 80's GM cars used this compressor. Just make sure that the pulley is the right one. I just found a HR6 compressor for a Buick Century or Olds Cutlass on Ebay, and it looked like it had the correct pulley.
Some late 80's GM cars used the V5 compressor (including 87 and 88 duke Fieros). You don't want one of those for your car -- the wiring would have to be changed.

[jwrape]

Many mid-to-late 80's GM cars used this compressor. Just make sure that the pulley is the right one. I just found a HR6 compressor for a Buick Century or Olds Cutlass on Ebay, and it looked like it had the correct pulley.
Some late 80's GM cars used the V5 compressor (including 87 and 88 duke Fieros). You don't want one of those for your car -- the wiring would have to be changed.

Yea, I have found many of the same compressor with the Serpentine belt pulley. Seems the V belt pulley is more rare and more expensive.

[Fierofool]

I don't remember who it is, but someone in the club has a clutch removal tool for the AC.  Also, I'll bring the receiver-dryer to the meeting.  It's already in the trunk.

[jwrape]

Thank you Charlie for the dryer.

[jwrape]

I have a Compressor coming, HR6, but it's a V-belt version and I was looking at the GT last night and noticed a Serpentine belt. I haven't gotten under it to see it if possible runs a V-belt on the AC or not. I hope so, if not I will have to get the other style and sell this one.

[Fierofool]

The 86 runs dual belts. V belt for the AC.

[jwrape]

The 86 runs dual belts. V belt for the AC.

Oh good. That give some relief.