Re: Modern AC Compressor in a 6-Volt Car

Posted by HH56 On 2014/2/3 19:12:29

Given the original system didn't use a clutch why not bolt the thing solid?

You are still going to need some way to prevent the evaporator from icing. With the clutch solid, there will need to be some method of preventing the evaporator from dropping below 32 for an extended period of time. Even in Texas there will be times when air flow is low. With the slow air letting moisture condense and freeze it will not be long before the evaporator is solid ice.

The original postwar Packard systems used the electrically operated gas bypass to regulate evap temp. When AC was off the gas just went in one side of comp and out the other so there was almost no load and no cooling. In all these years, I've only seen one solenoid valve for sale. packardsl had it on his site so finding a 6v refrigerant solenoid is about as much fun as finding a 6v clutch. Later cars used fixed modulating valves for the bypass function but those are somewhat scarce now. If you can find an aftermarket or other mfg's mechanical gas bypass valve and can have it rebuilt, that might solve the problem but even those that are worth rebuilding are not that plentiful. Suction throttling & POA valves are also defunct. I see at least one classic car AC place is even recommending those that have those earlier valves convert to cycling clutch. They have products to fit in place of the valves to mimic the look but without the guts.

For better or worse, it's pretty much come down to the clutch or nothing these days.