Anyone have a source for new GM (Harrison Radiator) radial R-4 compressor, complete with clutch? Its listed as unavailable in the FastLane.

http://www.mercedesautoparts.com/www/parts/climate/air_cond.htm

__________________
Reno

'93 300E 4Matic
'98 Nissan Altima
'00 Yamaha Road Star Silverado

For decades, one could be sure that if one purchased a "NEW" R4 or A6 compressor they were assured of getting a Delco Harrison (GM) compressor. I noticed in the link above that there is no brand next to the R4 and A6 compressors.

Recently I have seen brand new NON GM compressors exact copies of R4s and A6s hit the suppliers. It took us a while to realize these "NEW" compressors weren't GMs with the labels removed. I suspect they are copies made in some third world country. I can tell you of astounding failure rates of shaft seals in these units. We have had probably 30% failure rates on 10-15 compressors we installed before recognizing that someone else were building them.

The R4 and A6 are the cheapest compressors going (by modern standards). As you try and get the best price going be sure you know what you are paying for. The price in the link for R4 is too low whereas the A6 is too high. We buy genuine GM R4s for a little less than the link and would be glad to sell A6s all day for a hundred less than that link.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

So if "mercedesautoparts" is not carrying genuine R-4s, then who does? None of the online sites I've checked so far (e.g., The Parts Bin, IPS Parts) carry it.


Why is it not offered by the FastLane?

It is availble, thanks for bringing that to my attention by the way. There is a small programing error it looks like that should be fixed on or before monday. Please check back with us then and let me know if its still not showing.

With the exception of rebuilt R4 compressors for '84 W201s, ackit.com offers only ND compressors.

Could anyone tell me the difference between the Harrison R4 switch and non-switch type compressor? The reason I ask is because I have a 1980 El Camino with a Chevy 350 which I put in from a Blazer, and it has a Harrison R4 compressor. The comprssor needs to be replaced, but I don't know if it is a switch or non-switch type. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Steve C.

The switch goes on the back of the compressor by the hose manifold to sense low charge pressure and shut off the compressor. That's all.