What type ac compressor do I have on my truck

[luvmyS10]

I have a 03 Sonoma 4x4 crew cab with 4.3. The ac works fine but as I pulled into the drive way I heard a strange sound. After checking it was the ac compressor. when i turn on the ac the compressor sounds like its clacking or knocking. It gets louder with higher rpms. I was going to replace the compressor and dont know if its a H6 or a HT6. any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[old_master]

4.3L V6 engine uses a Harrison HT6. The 2.2L 4 cyl engines use H6. Very common, (as in they all do it) for them to develop a leak where the case halves come together. Usually on the bottom where you can't see it without removing it. Sanden makes a different design compressor and doesn't have this problem, and it's much quieter than the Harrison.

Harrison HT6 compressor:


Sanden compressor:

[luvmyS10]

Thank you! the part store here has everco and uac brands available without ordering, do these work well? or should I wait and order online thanks

[old_master]

I've replaced countless compressors, but never a Sanden. I've been installing them for several years and haven't had a problem. It's a mechanical part and eventually they will fail too, but, the design is superior to the H6 and it's noticeably quieter. If you get a remanufactured compressor, you're at the mercy of the rebuilder, might get a good one, might not. I stay away from reman compressors. Everco has been around for years, and generally has good quality parts, not sure who makes their compressors though. uac... never heard of them. Hope this helps.

[luvmyS10]

Thank you, but I mistated the brand, not uac but compressorworks. But I went and checked out sanden website, out of stock...my luck..lol. All I priced was new, no rebuilt for me. But thank you for the info

[Fixxer1963]

Hi.
I am also trying to find out what type compressor I have in my truck.
97 Chevy 3500 diesel. I need to know what type so I can buy a rebuild kit for it.
It still works, but leaks from the big seals on the end. I used to rebuild transmissions, so I think I can handle this. If not, I will only be out the money for the kit.

[old_master]

Originally Posted by Fixxer1963

Hi.
I am trying to find out what type compressor I have in my 97 Chevy 3500 diesel.

Yours originally came with a Harrison HT6, (the top one in post #2).

[Fixxer1963]

Thank you for the info, that is what mine looks like. I just wanted to be sure.

[old_master]

Pay extra attention to the case seal, oil it up good when installing it. When you reinstall the compressor, tighten the bolts in a criss cross pattern and torque them to spec. If you don't, the case seal will leak prematurely.... again.

[brcidd]

Uhm-- S-trucks with 4 cylinder engines used a V-7 compressor from 1997 till the end....not an H6

Just sayin''

[old_master]

Originally Posted by brcidd

Uhm-- S-trucks with 4 cylinder engines used a V-7 compressor from 1997 till the end....not an H6

Just sayin''

Good catch, yup, you're right!

[Fixxer1963]

I have been reading a lot of stuff about the HT6 being a bad design.
Is it possible to replace it with the Sanden without changing anything else?
Like, will the existing hoses and wires fit the Sanden?

[brcidd]

Yes , yes it is a drop in....

[Fixxer1963]

Thank you. That sounds like the best route to take.

[Fixxer1963]

I looked on Sanden.com's site and found that it was a model 4440. In case anybody in the future reads this thread, and needs to know.