compressors the same on diesels v/ gas?

[fck]

the a/c compressors on my car has a broken tab, can't mount the bolt to the block, and keeps shedding bolts onto the ground.

i can get 8v compressors from a couple of different "locals", but i haven't seen them in person to check it out.

any tips?

thanks!

[rodpaslow]

I beleive they are the same made by Sanden.  I replaced the one on my 16V gasser with one from a G60 corrado so I could run a serpentine belt and it fit fine.  (it was originally a 8V gasser).  I'm 90% sure they are the same, I'm thinking at least from years 88-92.  I'm not so sure before then.  However the 96' MK3 compresser also looks the same.  I think you can use it.  I'd be wondering why it broke the tab and is shedding bolts before I put a different one on?  Is the bracket possibly bent or broken.  I never did like the setup the MK2 had for the alternator and AC compressor.

Just my $.02

[fck]

yep, the old bracket on there was broken at some point at some time in its life.
already have a new bracket and such, now just need to confirm what's what.
almost there!

[Rabbit on Roids]

I beleive they are the same made by Sanden.  I replaced the one on my 16V gasser with one from a G60 corrado so I could run a serpentine belt and it fit fine.  (it was originally a 8V gasser).  I'm 90% sure they are the same, I'm thinking at least from years 88-92.  I'm not so sure before then.  However the 96' MK3 compresser also looks the same.  I think you can use it.  I'd be wondering why it broke the tab and is shedding bolts before I put a different one on?  Is the bracket possibly bent or broken.  I never did like the setup the MK2 had for the alternator and AC compressor.

Just my $.02

the mk3 comp bolts up, but you need the proper ends to connect the lines to it. and then you need the rest of the serp setup to make it work. lol

[vanbcguy]

Someone told me once that you can just unbolt the compressor and rotate it a quarter turn to the next set of tabs then bolt it back up again - I know the one I've got has 4 separate sets of tabs on it.  They come with built in spares!

[Dakotakid]

The tabs break off because "mechanics" do not loosen the two cap bolts (pivot point) when trying to tighten the A/C belt. These tabs are aluminum and can only take so much. Plus, I think there is a factor of vibration as well. There is a thin line between getting the cap head pivot bolts "tight enough" vs. "too tight."

Yes, the air conditioner can be rotated 90 degrees and remounted. However, there is a problem getting the A/C lines to hook back up due to their length. I ran a non-working air conditioner compressor for a winter with it in the rotated position and all was well.

And yes, the gas and diesel compressors are the same on the Mk. II's anyway.

[fck]

rotating certainly will work for now!

thanks, y'all!