Quote:
Originally Posted by BayouFlyFisher
Which compressor puts less drain on the engine power? Is newer better? Just curious at this point. May get more serious later (too many other real problems to solve first).
Thanks
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Some would say that they are all equal, and others would say that one takes more power over another. I can only go by my own experience, in that I have not had a working R4 for long enough to tell the difference. I also don't know if anyone has done any kind of "dyno" test on A/C compressors to know how much power they consume. I can say that I believe that the 7 cyl is a tiny bit more efficient than the 5 cyl, but have no comparison of the Sanden with the R4. Practically ALL compressors in use nowadays are of the same or similar design as the Sanden ("wobble plate" axial piston), so yes, the newer design is better. The R4 is a radial 4 piston compressor (thus the R4 designation), and relies solely on lubrication from oil in the refrigerant. A refrigerant leak provides an exit for the oil as well, and leads for an early demise of this type of compressor. The old York and newer Sanden style compressors have an oil sump that provides lubrication for the compressor internals, as well as a small amount of oil in the refrigerant.....Rich