since everyone is asking about ac I might throw my hat into the ring.
I'm trying to get a new compressor clutch for my gt (maybe Even a whole new unit since I'm not sure what's seized up yet since the lines were open go air for years) also trying to convert all 3 of my fieros to r134a.
one is an 84 with the original ac compressor with 50k on it I'm planning on replacing the seals in myself if i can find them
the aforementioned 87 gt
and of course the infamous 88 formula named Tangerine menace.
just honestly wanting It all working since I'm pretty close to having all 3 fully done and just needing bodywork and minor things here and there (well minus the gt but the parts are on my shelf and just waiting for spare time at this point)

For the compressor clutch, you can get a whole new clutch assembly for about $100, Four Seasons part number 47620

https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...7620&type=p&search=s



If the parts are all there, it's most likely the bearing, which is $15, Four Seasons 25203

https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...5203&type=p&search=s

On the 84 DA6 compressor reseal: Would highly recommend replacing the failure prone DA6 that isn't rated for R-134A, but the shaft seal and body seals do exist, shaft seal Four Seasons 24013 and body seal kit Santech MT2118

I did a teardown of the 84 DA6 and an HR6 showing them here, also has a video showing clutch removal and replacement:

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/124630.html

New HR6 compressor for all three cars would be Four Seasons 58255, about $200

https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...8255&type=p&search=s

Since the lines were open to the air for a long time, flush the lines and evaporator, replace the o-rings at the same time.

Hey RWDPLZ,

As you are the Fiero man on A/C; can I ask a simple {stupid?} question for the complicated topic?

My factory '88 A/C stopped blowing cold air decades ago and I believe it requires repair and a full proper refrigerant conversion.
I suppose this means new compressor, accumulator dryer, orifice tube and perhaps more.
To me, I'm a good mechanic but I don't have the A/C skills/tools needed to properly service the system.

SO, as 'shop rates' are high these days; my question is:
What can an 'average' Fiero owner prepare before finding an A/C shop to clean/flush/evacuate/test/pressure the system with R-134A refrigerant?

I know, I'm ignorant.....

---------------------------------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 09-08-2024).]

quote Originally posted by Vintage-Nut: Hey RWDPLZ, As you are the Fiero man on A/C; can I ask a simple {stupid?} question for the complicated topic? My factory '88 A/C stopped blowing cold air decades ago and I believe it requires repair and a full proper refrigerant conversion. I suppose this means new compressor, accumulator dryer, orifice tube and perhaps more. To me, I'm a good mechanic but I don't have the A/C skills/tools needed to properly service the system. SO, as 'shop rates' are high these days; my question is: What can an 'average' Fiero owner prepare before finding an A/C shop to clean/flush/evacuate/test/pressure the system with R-134A refrigerant? I know, I'm ignorant.....

An A/C shop would probably prefer you don't touch anything so they can start from scratch and replace everything while charging you as much as possible. If you can actually find a shop willing to work on a Fiero, I would expect them to charge $2000+ to get the system operational at current shop rates, VS probably under $1000 to do it yourself

$200 compressor
$45 accumulator
$5 orifice tube
$75 switches
$20 HNBR o-rings
$20 R-134A conversion fittings

~=$365 plus tools and supplies

$50 gauge set
$100 vacuum pump
$30 for 3 cans of R-134A
$15 refrigerant oil
$30 A/C flush solvent
$30 flush bottle

~=$610

Plus other odds and ends

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: For the compressor clutch, you can get a whole new clutch assembly for about $100, Four Seasons part number 47620 https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...7620&type=p&search=s If the parts are all there, it's most likely the bearing, which is $15, Four Seasons 25203 https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...5203&type=p&search=s On the 84 DA6 compressor reseal: Would highly recommend replacing the failure prone DA6 that isn't rated for R-134A, but the shaft seal and body seals do exist, shaft seal Four Seasons 24013 and body seal kit Santech MT2118 I did a teardown of the 84 DA6 and an HR6 showing them here, also has a video showing clutch removal and replacement: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/124630.html New HR6 compressor for all three cars would be Four Seasons 58255, about $200 https://www.4s.com/en/ecata...8255&type=p&search=s Since the lines were open to the air for a long time, flush the lines and evaporator, replace the o-rings at the same time.

how much work and money is it to convert all 3 to an hr6? plus switches and any brackets I need

So about $500 a car if you do it yourself. The first car will take the longest, should get easier barring any rusted or corroded fittings.

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: So about $500 a car if you do it yourself. The first car will take the longest, should get easier barring any rusted or corroded fittings.

so what brackets do I need for the hr6 conversion on the 87 and 84 fieros?
a link to a write up would help immensely

quote Originally posted by cartercarbaficionado: so what brackets do I need for the hr6 conversion on the 87 and 84 fieros? a link to a write up would help immensely

The HR6 / DA6 compressors are physically identical to eachother... so you do not need to modify anything that I'm aware of...

This is another thread from Rear Wheel Drive Please: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/124630.html


... and an image from his thread:




EDIT: to add... I'm doing the V5 conversion on my daughter's 85 Fiero simply because the "hard parts" are already available for the swap. The brackets, hoses, etc... all already exist. The V5 compressor uses substantially less power (as I'm told) during normal operations because it's a variable compressor, and that little Iron Duke needs all the help it can get to make it a viable engine for a daily driver. But when I re-do my 87 Fiero (which has the V6, I'm just going to do the normal HR6/DA6 swap.

[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 09-09-2024).]

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: An A/C shop would probably prefer you don't touch anything so they can start from scratch and replace everything while charging you as much as possible.... VS probably under $1000 to do it yourself

I Got It: Either 100% A/C Shop Or 100% DIY

But To Me, this is a complicated topic to resurrect a long-dead R12 air conditioning system and isn't for beginner DIYers to just blinding jump in.....

IMHO it clearly needs special knowledge and experience, and I didn't find a PFF Tutorial, How-To or Step-by-Step thread to raise a Fiero A/C system from the dead so I'll pass until I get some 'grounding' on the subject - Thanks!

quote Originally posted by cartercarbaficionado: so what brackets do I need for the hr6 conversion on the 87 and 84 fieros? a link to a write up would help immensely

HR6 is a direct swap for the DA6, 100% compatible as long as you get one with the same clocking, pulley, and number of open switch ports, like the Four Seasons 58255. Any Fiero with a DA6 (84-85 4 cylinder, 85-87 V6) will take an HR6 with no modifications, 88 V6 came with the HR6.