A6 Compressor v. S6

[T J Lankes]

If you have knowledge of or experience with the CoolPro S6 compressor compared to the original A6, please post your recommendations.

My '79 de Ville came with a rebuilt A6 that slings more than a little oil so I'm considering a new A6 from Alma Products or a substitute.  (Rock Auto only offers the Four Seasons reman for my car)

CoolPro advised me that their S6 displacement is 12.6 cu. in., same as the A6 , so the compressors' cooling capacity seems equal from that standpoint.  They also claim a number of other improvements as shown here:  http://www.s6compressor.com/products.html

Thanks

[TJ Hopland]

I have not seen that one before.  Too bad they clutch looks so different, if it looked more like the originals you may not notice the rest of the differences.   Its a little cheaper than previous direct fit options but still a little expensive but if you already have good hoses that saves some money so that helps.   

[Dan LeBlanc]

The refrigeration ports are set higher on the S6 than on the A6 which will cause air cleaner interference issues on a 70's Cadillac with the compressor mounted on the top center of the engine.  Would work just fine on most any other A6 equipped car where the compressor is off to the side of the engine.

Your only choice without converting to a Sanden with new hoses would be the Pro6Ten from Old Air as the port layout is exactly the same as the A6.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

TJ,
I think there are a couple of things to consider with this "replacement" compressor.  First of all they are indicating their compressor uses Teflon piston rings. Guess what? so does the A6.  They say that their compressor uses a lip seal for the shaft seal. Guess what, this is the replacement seal for the A6. Point being their advertising is app[apparently not fully truthful.
If your shaft seal is leaking, replace it with the upgrade.  Tjhe link below might prove helpful

https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=0c7QXLNqgBU&q=http%3A%2F%2Fshopcenturyautoair.com&redir_token=8HwtQmTc0BkgqQ6WaGv1cnCT0hJ8MTUwOTI0NzIzMUAxNTA5MTYwODMx

There were probably at least 20,000,000 A-6 compressors utilized on GM cars during the period from the 50's through the early 80's.  If there needed to be improvements in the compressor design GM would have made them. It is a "bulletproof" unit if treated correctly.
Greg Surfras

[bcroe]

My own experience is the A6 falls a little short of "bulletproof".  Bruce Roe

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

With R-12 using Mineral oil as intended and installed in an original vehicle the failure rate is something like 0.5%. Change either the chemicals or the system and all bets are off.
Greg Surfas

[T J Lankes]

Hi Gents,

Thank you for your comments.

I agree that the A6 is a stout performer when used as intended.

I had heard of the double lipped seal before so that might be worth a try.  Thanks for the link, Greg.

Maybe I can get an assessment of the reman currently on the car to see if it's a good candidate for the new seal or whether to start with a newly rebuilt.

Do any of you happen to know if Alma Products uses the double lipped seal in their rebuilds?  (They weren't willing to provide me with much info since I'm not one of their a dealers.)

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

TJ,
Alma products seems to be a re-builder of ALL automotive devices.  I personally have not had any experience or have heard of anyone else discussing their attributes.
I personally have had the best luck with AC Delco re-builts.  It is critical that the oil charge be correct and that the oiling system (pump) must be primed prior to start up.
If your compressor is not noisy and you have been adding oil to replace that amount you say is leaving the compressor, I would consider just re sealing yours.  It is a relatively simple task requiring just a few tools to remove and reinstall the clutch disk as well as the seal installation tools.
Greg Surfas

[T J Lankes]

Hi Greg,

I'd really like to have a qualified shop tackle it.  Please let me know if you can suggest anyone around Austin.

Thanks

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

TJ,
I'm in San Antonio and I do all my own work, but you might try calling Ken Karrer, Director of the Central Texas region.  I believe he might now of someone in Austin.
Greg Surfas

[T J Lankes]

Thanks Greg

I might see Ken at the Bastrop show.