I just had the BLACK DEATH!!!!
 

On my compressor! Yep, it finally quit while going down the freeway into Phoenix yesterday. Clankety, Clankety, Clank, Clunk, Clunk, Clunk, THUD:eek: screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech!:eek::eek::eek:

So shut of the AC, at least it isn't 118*F :D out today! It looks as if the triple digit temps are gone for the rest of the year so it could have been worse!:D

Well, when I got it hone it looks like pieces of metal and chunks of god only knows what were flying around in there! It looks like the clutch is salvageable, but not much else and black slimy oil is dripping out of the case.:eek:

Well, keep your AC system well maintained, because there is a point to this. My compressor was manufactured in 1981, installed in late 1982 and was the original one for the car and my car has 294,031 miles on it!

For what it's worth, I've been told I got more out of the original compressor than most, so these old R4's can go for a long time!

Keep the oil level maintained. Now I'll get a Mapco replacement since I can't seem to find much else readily available, unless any of you have a better source/idea?;)

was it on the original charge too?

I would consider replacing the condenser just in case metal fragments have lodged in there and possibly dislodge into the system later on.

If you decide to get another unit, from what I've heard, rebuilt compressors are more trouble than what they're worth.

No. I had put Envirosafe in the system when i bought the car a few years ago along with a fresh few ounces of oil. The AC system was completely empty of refrigerant, but not oil when I got it.:D Looks like all the metal parts that broke loose were large ones! They stayed in the compressor at least. I haven't found any metal fragments. :D

Usually the warranty on the compressor won't be honored if the receiver/dryer & the condenser aren't replaced.
It will also need a good flush.

Danny

Get a Hodyon/Hancock Industires new compressor. GM hired them to reengineer/design the R-4. Murray rebuilts tend to fail just after the warranty goes out.

You could contact Phil or Roy to see if they can get them. I ended up buying locally at NAPA for the compressor, and Fastlane for the other stuff.

I'm happy with my Delco R4 compressor I installed a few months ago. You can get one for $240, it has a shorter clutch so it will be further away from the oil cooler lines, and it runs smoother than the aftermarket factory air compressor that was on my car. I am using r12 now, though. Didn't have a problem with stepped ports or anything either.

Sure it's not r/d and expansion valve?