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'64 Riv A/C


Guest Erlyriv

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Guest Erlyriv

Has anyone done the suction throttling valve conversion? It makes your A/C system cycling, instead of non- cycling. Gets rid of the Diaphram and piston inside, I believe. Didn't know how big a pita it was.

Thanks,

Todd

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Guest Erlyriv

Ok,

Looks like the block off plate is easy.Then you ned to mount switch and wiring.What is the gasket and seal for, o-rings/

Are these the replacement ones for the system?

thanks,

Todd

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Why not rebuild the original STV valve with a new piston/diaphram? I see these often on Ebay from $25-$75. I believe these are also available from the AC dealers who regularly advertise the cycling conversion kits.

Some things to consider....

The A6 compressor was not designed to cycle, especially at high speeds. This original comp has much displacement and the clutch is heavily loaded when engaging and disengaging, especially at high speeds. Is your 40 + year old clutch up to the task?

Also, the engine idle setting will need to be adjusted to compensate for the continuous loading and unloading a cycling compressor presents. So, when not using the AC and when the compressor is dis-engaged the engine RPM will be adjusted on the high side and when the comp is engaged it will drop. It is true this will occur with a continuous run comp when the operator manually calls for AC but, personally, I would find the cycling to be irritating, especially in stop and go traffic and even more so in a dual quad car which may already have idle quality issues.

It is true the original STV valve is much more complicated than the cycling switch conversion but aside from the advantages I have mentioned the STV valve also maintains a more constant evaporator pressure which directly corresponds with more consistent outlet temps. This is a bonus when converting to 134 which will not cool as effectively.

The original STV valve is also adjustable to make slight adjustments to the evap pressure; another bonus if converting to 134. This is not possible on the cycling conversion unless an adjustable temp switch is provided. Is it adjustable??? If not I would prefer to have that option if converting. The adjustable temp switches should be readily available and would really help to fine tune the conversion.

If one intends to rebuild an original STV the vacuum control half of the valve is also a consideration. In this regard Riviera owners (as opposed to other full size Buicks) are in luck as the Riviera STV valve goes into full cooling mode in the absence of a vacuum. So, if the vacuum side of your STV valve is bad and a replacement vacuum diaphram cannot be obtained the end result is your STV valve will always operate in the max cooling mode. This is rarely a problem with the first gen cars as there is typically much outside air leaking into the cabin.

Just some thoughts...

Tom Mooney

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Guest Erlyriv

I guess I thought the rebuild route was not an option, hence the conversion kit.I have no problem doing the rebuild, if the kits are available. I know that the diaphram/piston do have some issues, but I'd think they would hold up for a decent period of time.I'll have to research the rebuild kits. I know replacement diaphrams are availble.I'd rather have it operate as it was designed, for the reasons you mentioned above.

If the weather stays like it has , any air would be nice.

Thanks,

Todd

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I concur, rebuilding what you have is a better option, to me. From the original adjustment of the STV, turn the adjusting screw 1/2 turn CCW to slightly lower the evap pressure from 29.5 to 26.5 and you should have cooling comparable to R12 with R134a, as to vent outlet temps in the 40 degree range. One guy in the BCA General Forum changed his '69 Skylark convertible to R134a and did not adjust the POA valve, yet still had 45 degree outlet temperatures. I found the adjustment trick on the old www.ac-kits.com website's forum. It works for POA, VIR/POA, STV, HGBypass, and Chrysler EPR valves.

When GM went to the CCOT orifice tube/cycling compressor system, they still were using the A-6 compressor and cycling it. But they also had a throttle solenoid on the carb to increase the idle speed, too.

In the world of the Sanden 508 compressor, there are 30 rear "backs" for that compressor, including one that used stock GM FITTINGS, so the factory GM hoses will hook up directly rather than what you normally see on those compressors. I also found a Denso version of the A-6 which is a bolt-in replacement.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

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Thanks for that link! The picture looks like what I found last year, but from a website for a Florida vendor. As I recall, they had it priced at about $300.00, basically the same price as another website had the Sanden 508 with the GM Back on it and the mounting brackets to make it work.

Take care,

NTX5467

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Here's a link to a replacement A6 compressor that might be of interest to you/anyone/everyone.

S6 Automotive Replacement Airconditioning Compressor Automotive Applications

Maybe someone has these in stock now. I tried to buy one of these when I redid my system a while back, but couldn't actually lay my hands on one. Lots of info released to test the market before these actually went into production. If anyone decides to go this way, make sure you can actually get one first, then report back, please.

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  • 7 years later...
On 8/3/2011 at 5:31 PM, Erlyriv said:

Ok,

Looks like the block off plate is easy.Then you ned to mount switch and wiring.What is the gasket and seal for, o-rings/

Are these the replacement ones for the system?

thanks,

Todd

Check and confirm your clutch on your compressor is compatible with the electronic update. The electronic update cycles the clutch off and on frequently. The clutch in my A6 is NOT designed for the update. However, with driving the car. 100 miles a month who is to care? I believe it depends on what you want. I decided to stay with the STV. My STV WAS rebuilt. There are no more new STV’s that I know about. I’m rebuilding my entire system

and keeping it stock. I still do not have cold air. I have leaks to fix.

RRB

 

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  • 1 month later...

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