Installing Silver Top CA20E A/C into Black Top CA20E

Started by tgposkitt, 03:01:34 AM / 29-Dec-19

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tgposkitt

I'm considering installing an A/C system from a post 02/86 XE which came with a silver top CA20E with ribbed accessory belts into my '84 black top CA20E with v-belts. I would have to swap out the ribbed pulley and clutch from the compressor for v-belted ones, and a matching tensioner pulley for a v-belted one. Has anyone done this before? And, are there cars that share parts with the '84 A/C compressor system?

JonB

I have no idea. I think i have the compressor for the ca20 black 1984. And one from a dr30 there too. Not sure i can id which is which.

weitrhino

The 84 had a different compressor model even though it looks physically identical to the later version. The main difference is the high pressure and low pressure sides are opposites. You’d need to account for that. Two years ago I rebuilt the system in my 85. It had a dealer installed A/C system - not factory installed - and they used an 84 compressor.  You can read more about my process below.


https://club-s12.org/forum/index.php?topic=38453.0

tgposkitt

I'm actually installing a dealer installed A/C kit for 1986.5-1987 CA20E into my 1984 CA20E without A/C installed. I've been told that it mounts straight up and the only difference is the compressor pulley type.

Is it possible to swap the clutch/pulley assembly from the A5000 v-belted model to the MJS170 ribbed belted?

Quote from: weitrhino on 12:08:46 PM / 29-Dec-19
The 84 had a different compressor model even though it looks physically identical to the later version. The main difference is the high pressure and low pressure sides are opposites.

Did your A5000 require a v-belt?

weitrhino

I can’t answer if the clutch is swappable because I don’t have both compressors to compare. I’m also out of state for a while and can’t look to verify but I’m 99% certain the A5000 runs a V-belt. Make that 99.99%. It should mount exactly the same though.

Get a green O-ring kit compatible with R-134a and convert the valves right off the bat. No sense trying to use the more expensive and increasingly rarer R-12.

Where did you find a dealer A/C kit?

tgposkitt

I found it on one of the Facebook pages. The seller wants $300, how much do you think it's worth?

weitrhino

Oh, I think I’ve seen it but don’t know what all it contains. If you follow the link I posted above it outlines all the parts in the system.  If you live in a hot area it may we’ll be worth it for a new compressor and condenser. Of course, you’ll still have to vacuum and charge the system.

SC S12

Quote from: weitrhino on 08:48:03 AM / 30-Dec-19
I can’t answer if the clutch is swappable because I don’t have both compressors to compare. I’m also out of state for a while and can’t look to verify but I’m 99% certain the A5000 runs a V-belt. Make that 99.99%. It should mount exactly the same though.

Get a green O-ring kit compatible with R-134a and convert the valves right off the bat. No sense trying to use the more expensive and increasingly rarer R-12.

Where did you find a dealer A/C kit?

Quote from: tgposkitt on 12:35:54 PM / 29-Dec-19
I'm actually installing a dealer installed A/C kit for 1986.5-1987 CA20E into my 1984 CA20E without A/C installed. I've been told that it mounts straight up and the only difference is the compressor pulley type.

Is it possible to swap the clutch/pulley assembly from the A5000 v-belted model to the MJS170 ribbed belted?

Did your A5000 require a v-belt?
This may be moot now but :

clutch swap between the old and new compressors just fine, I did not even have to re-shim. you will need a special removal tool thats all of 4 dollars from the parts store... You can try to hammer off the clutch pack, but you risk damaging the shaft or end seals doing so.

Why Do I know this? a Rib belt Compressor is like 70 bucks. A Vbelt compressor is 400, hard to find, and the first TWO v belt compressor rebuilds I ordered leaked oil out the back of the housing not even under pressure or installed.
On a whim ordered a rib belt one from ebay, swapped the clutch, and have been using it since june with no issues. also for me : my Stock black top V belt car and stock silvertop Rib Belt car have the same hi/low pressure sides on the pump, and use all the same hardware.

There is a seller on Ebay with two full AC kit boxes, from the dealers but listed incorrectly for the FWD 200sx of the 90's...he wants something like 800 for each kit though. A bit steep for our crap boxes IMO, but where else are you going to get the ENTIRE kit.

Personally I have found that running 134 in our systems does not produce the "best" results. Even adjusting for the different densities of the gasses, and filling properly by weight FOR a r12 to 134A conversion, you run into a lot more cycling especially if its below about 80F or is raining/high humidity. I filled mine with ester r-12/134a compatible oil, and dye. After 6 months I will evac out the 134 and refill with r-12 if there is no real leakdown.