A/C Accumulator options

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jimsmonte80

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Aug 22, 2011
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Finished my 383 stroker in my 1980 Monte. Getting ready to start plumbing the A/C system. Nothing like feeling cool in a cool ride. Anyway, I was ready to replace the accumulator but I am not too pleased with my option for a new accumulator. The ones at NAPA have a secondary pipe coming off the bottom to fit 3 different styles and I am not too keen on having more pipe connections and seals. I did find one accumulator listed as UAC that had a one piece pipe welded to the tank that matched the bend I needed, however it was 3/4 the size and came with the seal caps loose (no telling how much moisture was absorbed), I guess you get what you pay for.. I was more concerned with the shorter design on the UAC which would mess with my calculations of how much R134a I need.

So it looks like I have only 2 options for a new replacement accumulator, the UAC brand that is being sold by many sellers on ebay and amazon that is shorter and may or may not be vacuum sealed. Or the brand that NAPA and many of the big parts retailers use, which all look the same and have the secondary tubes included.

I am planning on buffing the accumulator to a shine before installing, but for now just looking for some good buying options out there. Has anyone seen any that work great? or the ones a NAPA seem ok?
 

Longroof79

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I think I ended up using an AC Delco accumulator that I got from Amazon. I'll have to go back and see if I can find the invoice, and get you a part #.

*found it.
Part # is AC-Delco 15-1255 GM original replacement accumulator.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JZ9SWW/?tag=gbody-20
 
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jimsmonte80

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Aug 22, 2011
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I think I ended up using an AC Delco accumulator that I got from Amazon. I'll have to go back and see if I can find the invoice, and get you a part #.

*found it.
Part # is AC-Delco 15-1255 GM original replacement accumulator.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JZ9SWW/?tag=gbody-20

That looks great! Thanks for the info!
It doesn't claim to fit my 1980 Monte Carlo, but sure looks like it. It fit your 79 Elcamino?
 

Longroof79

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That looks great! Thanks for the info!
It doesn't claim to fit my 1980 Monte Carlo, but sure looks like it. It fit your 79 Elcamino?
You mean '79 Malibu wagon..:)
You're welcome ,man...glad I could help. I originally bought the parts indicated for an '83 Malibu, 305. I think the dryers are the same for all years.
The other brand was Four Seasons. That one had the removable pipe, which I didn't care for. I also wanted something that looked like OEM.
 
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jimsmonte80

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You mean '79 Malibu wagon..:)
You're welcome ,man...glad I could help. I originally bought the parts indicated for an '83 Malibu, 305. I think the dryers are the same for all years.
The other brand was Four Seasons. That one had the removable pipe, which I didn't care for. I also wanted something that looked like OEM.

Sorry, Malibu Wagon. I do appreciate the info. Just curious why that one looks like a direct fit, but is not listed for my application. I suppose you were in the same situation. I am curious if that accumulator came with O-rings and was vacuum sealed? Seems like a great deal or an OEM replacement through amazon.
 

Longroof79

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Sorry, Malibu Wagon. I do appreciate the info. Just curious why that one looks like a direct fit, but is not listed for my application. I suppose you were in the same situation. I am curious if that accumulator came with O-rings and was vacuum sealed? Seems like a great deal or an OEM replacement through amazon.
It's all good...no worries. You're more than welcome, man. I don't remember if it actually came with the O-rings...it might have. It was a sealed unit. It wasn't cracked open until the system was getting ready to be charged with oil and 134A. I left that with the shop that was charging the system. However, I installed everything else.

Why it's not listed for your car, is a bit of a mystery. Sometimes they do that, but I bet it will work fine.
You can cross reference it to make sure.
I also used the AC Delco PAG 150 oil.
 
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jimsmonte80

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Aug 22, 2011
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It's all good...no worries. You're more than welcome, man. I don't remember if it actually came with the O-rings...it might have. It was a sealed unit. It wasn't cracked open until the system was getting ready to be charged with oil and 134A. I left that with the shop that was charging the system. However, I installed everything else.

Why it's not listed for your car, is a bit of a mystery. Sometimes they do that, but I bet it will work fine.
You can cross reference it to make sure.
I also used the AC Delco PAG 150 oil.

I placed my amazon order. Found a web site parts store that shows that AC Delco part number fits, along with the other styles I found.. I really liked the OEM look of the original, plus there is no "extra pipe" to attach. And the price of $25 on amazon is the best price out there! Thanks again for the info......very pleased with this find.

I plan of buffing it to a shine. The sanden compressor I have requires PAG-100, just need to add 2 oz of oil to the new accumulator and finish it up.
 
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Longroof79

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Jim,
I'm glad I was able to steer you in the right direction. I ended up using a brand new AC Delco R4 rotary compressor that I also purchased from Amazon. I would have liked to have gone with the Sanden, but I wasn't too crazy about the mounts that were available. I also added 2 oz. of the PAG 150 to my accumulator.
I actually paid more for the accumulator than that, so you got a good deal. I'm sure it will polish up nicely.

Keep up the good work.
 
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jimsmonte80

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Aug 22, 2011
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Jim,
I'm glad I was able to steer you in the right direction. I ended up using a brand new AC Delco R4 rotary compressor that I also purchased from Amazon. I would have liked to have gone with the Sanden, but I wasn't too crazy about the mounts that were available. I also added 2 oz. of the PAG 150 to my accumulator.
I actually paid more for the accumulator than that, so you got a good deal. I'm sure it will polish up nicely.

Keep up the good work.

I just received the new accumulator. Very nice and like all the other accumulators out there, it's made in China. However, it looks like the OEM accumulator which has a nice smooth bullet look and the outlet pipe is welded on. Did a few measurements and it looks perfect. Now I just need to mock up a few A/C lines. Thanks again.
 

Longroof79

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I just received the new accumulator. Very nice and like all the other accumulators out there, it's made in China. However, it looks like the OEM accumulator which has a nice smooth bullet look and the outlet pipe is welded on. Did a few measurements and it looks perfect. Now I just need to mock up a few A/C lines. Thanks again.
I'm glad it worked out for you. It's as though hardly anything is made in the states anymore, despite having the AC Delco name attached to it.
My compressor was made in Mexico...I'm not sure where the accumulator was made...probably China as well. I think my new lines were also Chinese made.
Mexican made products don't bug me as much as Chinese made stuff.
 
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