Alfetta GTV air-con compressor replacement?

[DomenicC1]

Can anyone help me with some knowledge of what I can replace the factory YORK air-con compressor in an 83 Alfetta GTV 2.0? I would prefer it to be able to bolt onto the existing bracket with little modification. Will any from another late model Alfa or aftermarket type fit and more importantly work efficiently?

Any assistance will be appreciated!

Regards
Domenic

[colcol]

From memory the York compressor is an old school 2 cylinder, very inefficient and drains a lot of power, the ideal replacment would be a Sanden 5 cylinder SD series, but you would need a different mount and drive kit to the York setup, i would try and get a Sanden type setup from a more modern Alfetta, but the Sanden compressor would have to be compatable to R12 refrigerant like you have on an Alfetta, if you were to get a newer R134 gas Sanden compressor, you would have to convert your existing airconditioner to R134 gas, giving the old york the flick is a good thing, most likely cannot get parts for it anyway now, apart from being inefficient, the york vibrates a lot and is noisy, its like a relic from the 60'S, [like me], Colin.

[DomenicC1]

Hi Colin,

Thanks so much for your reply!
Upgrading to the current refrigerant is not a problem as the old York compressor is stuffed. It does work but makes an awful howling grinding noise...my guess there's probably no oil in it which is how I brought the car. So just to be clear it cannot be mounted onto the existing factory bracket/mount with the addition of some type of an adaptor plate. excuse my lack of knowledge but have absolutely no clue with this. Do you know what type of models I could get one of these Sanden compressors from? I have seen them on line before for Alfa's and not overly expensive but have no clue what type I would need. Any assistance is appreciated...thanks again!

Domenic

[colcol]

Try contacting a few wrecking yards in Australia and find out if they have a mount and drive and Sanden compressor from a late series Alfetta, you could try Hugh Harrison at Monza Motors in Bayswater in Victoria, Colin.

[DomenicC1]

Great...thanks for the info Colin

[John A Pucak]

Sanden SD7H13 is the one I fiited to my 85 Alfetta 2.0

[colcol]

Looking at some airconditioner websites, some of the older type compressors are available new, Colin.

[DomenicC1]

Thanks guys...really appreciate the info!

John...is there is there any chance you can send me some photos of the compressor in your Alfetta and how you mounted it. Did you have to change the crank pullet to suit as I notice a lot of the Sanden compressors have the wider belt than the standard narrow v-shaped belt on an Alfetta.
Can you send any photos which would be appreciated to...dcutufia@gmail.com
In the meantime I will look into the Sanden compressor you have used.

Regards Domenic

[DomenicC1]

I forgot to ask you John, how efficient did you find it in the hot weather? I'm assuming you are not talking about a GTV?

[John A Pucak]

It looks like a straight up bolt in to the original "A" bracket . I think you can change the pulleys as my one has the narrow 'V" shape belt. The air con is good enough to knock the edge off the heat. The biggest problem are the vents in the dash, there are not enough of them to be efficient. You have to remember the Alfetta was designed in the early 70's

[DomenicC1]

Looking into the Sanden SD7H13 there seems to be a few different models. Can you please tell me the model number of your compressor when you get a chance.
If not too much trouble would really appreciate some photos so I can see how it's mounted as I will be undertaking the fit out of this little project myself.

Kind regards
Domenic

[oz3litre]

Hi Domenic. What you need is the bracket kit from a Giulietta. For some reason they had Sanden compressors, whereas even late GTVs had the horrible old York ones. I got one for my daughter's GTV from a club member, complete with compressor. The Sanden won't fit the York bracket. I would think any R12 Sanden from a 33, 75, 164 or Giulietta would be suitable. When you get it gassed insist on using ER12 gas. It is a direct replacement for the old R12 without the ozone damaging qualities and works beautifully in the old systems. I know a good air-conditioning guy who has it if you can't find one.

[DomenicC1]

Thank you...good to know!
I will definitely be in contact with you about the re-gassing if this all works out.
Appreciate the reply!

[agent86]

Hi Domenic,
                  Sanden compressors have a type like sd7h13 which is like saying it is a Holden. You need the next set of numbers which will give you the specific compressor for your needs. It will be something like cxs8032 it is usually under the sd7 number on a sticker. This will give you the correct clutch and fittings. There is a specific York to Sanden conversion but it costs about $200- so you would be better off with the bracket off another Alfa. A good Auto-Electrician /Air conditioning specialist can answer most of your questions.
Cheers 86

[Beatle]

My '79 GTV had a Sanden standard.  I think it depends whether the A/C was Italian-fitted or locally fitted.   I siezed mine at 90MPH and literally broke the casing in half in the split second it took for the belt to snap.

I took it to an A/C mechanic and he fitted a Nippondenso replacement in a day.   I think he started by matching the compressor itself, then adding the required clutch and spacers so it matched the old unit, then matched the fitting angles.  All quite generic.  The compressor casing had four lugs fore and aft, one of which needed to be ground off, then it fitted straight onto the existing bracket.  Mounting bolts though three lugs front, and three lugs rear (from memory). 

The bracket itself was simply cut from about 10mm plate and mounted across the front of the engine, with a smaller 'Y' shaped bracket holding the rear of the comp (quite heavy).  I've seen many more cars of that era with the same bracket so a look through a wreckers, or an advert in the For sale section should yield the required parts.  I can't imagine they wouldn't fit the later 2L Nord.   The tapered rubber isolator bushes may be more difficult to source though.

Those 5 pistion compressors are like lego.  There are a few different types of compressor 'body', which you can mix/match with front and rear sections, and then the types of gas connections.  We once used 5 different compressors from a wrecker to adapt my near-new Landcruiser compressor to the replacement V8 conversion.  Only had to buy one new gas fitting.

In your case there really is no point installing a replacement compressor unless you go through the whole system.  Grinding compressor noises invariably mean the whole system needs flushing.  If that's required you might as well have every connection disconnected and all new seals fitted.  Even if you could source more R12, Murphy says a week later you'll have an old seal leak it all out.   Later gasses require different seals anyway, and you'll need a new Tx valve for new gas (the old one is probably clogged with bits of your old compressor).

As others have said, the A/C in a coupe is really only useful for keeping the interior relatively mist-free in winter.   It will barely knock the edge off the heat in summer.  I've heard it helps to insert a 'curtain' behnd the front seats to half the volume required to be cooled.  The A/C itself gets cold enough, it's just that the system can't pump enough air into the cabin.