Sanden 508 vs. 510 and installation

[1batt4u]

Sanden 508 vs. 510. I currently purchased a bunch of stuff from John Hervey. I asked him about the a/c compressors, he said he's never used the 510 becuase of the load on the engine.

1. What are your thoughts on the a/c compressors???

2. As far as switching the back plates. All I would have to do is just unscrew the plates and switch them? Nothing tricky to it, or have to be carefull with anything, any oil in there to drip out??

3. I was looking at my original compressor, at least I think it is, it writes it is a 510. What is the point of 2 groves if only one groove is used for the belt??

Thank you!!!

[stevedmc]

I believe the 510 has a higher cooling capacity. The extra groove is sort of a universal thing. The SD510/508 compressors will fit on many other cars besides Deloreans.

Right now my AC compressor is working fine but it will be an interesting decision to make when it comes time to repalce the compressor. Do I want a higher power condensor from a questionable seller on eBay or do I want a new part from Hervey that I know I won't have problems with.

[1batt4u]

I see alot of people using the 508 model.

As far as switching the back plates???

[TTait]

I think oil can leak out, I did it with the rear end up anyway. The biggest problem I had was the gasket, it was sol old that some of it was fused to the the back, and some to the compressor. I did a lot of careful scraping but in the end I didn't trust it and just got a new one. If your gasket comes off the back plate easily you should be fine.

I think Hervey still sells backs too if needed

[jawn101]

I think oil can leak out, I did it with the rear end up anyway. The biggest problem I had was the gasket, it was sol old that some of it was fused to the the back, and some to the compressor. I did a lot of careful scraping but in the end I didn't trust it and just got a new one. If your gasket comes off the back plate easily you should be fine.

I think Hervey still sells backs too if needed

I got my compressor from John and he sent it without a back with the understanding that people reuse theirs. He included a new gasket to mate the new compressor to the old back, as I recall. Some PAG46 did leak out but John also includes a bottle of that with his kit, so you will be OK there.

I think his site says he does have a few backs in stock but that they're very hard to come by.

Haven't had any problems with the setup I got from him other than my own mistake in not tightening one of the connections at the accumulator far enough. His updated 2-piece hoses are a great thing to use if you want to go R134a but don't want to lift the body from the frame.

Good luck! A/C makes all the difference in this car! :)

[content22207]

... Do I want a higher power condensor from a questionable seller on eBay....

There is nothing wrong with buying a compressor off eBay (that is where all of mine have come), but be aware of what you are buying. More and more Made in China knockoffs are showing up, such as this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-9285-SANDEN-SD508-STYLE-COMPRESSOR-W-CLUTCH-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2f99ddffQQitemZ40023 0571519QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries
The knockoffs typically don't have a manufacturer's sticker, and the words "SD 508" or "SD 510" are cast into the compressor body.

The price differential between eBay and Hervey is much less than it used to be.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[jawn101]

There is nothing wrong with buying a compressor off eBay (that is where all of mine have come), but be aware of what you are buying. More and more Made in China knockoffs are showing up, such as this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-9285-SANDEN-SD508-STYLE-COMPRESSOR-W-CLUTCH-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2f99ddffQQitemZ40023 0571519QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries
The knockoffs typically don't have a manufacturer's sticker, and the words "SD 508" or "SD 510" are cast into the compressor body.

The price differential between eBay and Hervey is much less than it used to be.

Bill Robertson
#5939

+100 to this. New Sanden compressors actually have anti-counterfeiting stickers and radio tags in/on them. Utterly remarkable that an auto parts manufacturer has to go to such lengths, but there you have it. Stick with a trusted vendor for that kind of thing and you can't go wrong - plus, someone like John will be there to help you if you have troubles with your purchase. Believe me, I know..... I think he cringes when my caller ID comes up :)

[Bitsyncmaster]

If you use the higher displacement compressor it just may cycle off more. It also puts more load on an idling engine. I have the compressor designed for R134a and it has less displacement than the 510. If it's really hot outside and the blower is on full, my compressor will not cycle but remain on. I still get mid 40 deg. F air from the center vent.

[Farrar]

I sent my old backplate to John in advance and when my compressor arrived the backplate was already installed.

Farrar

[jawn101]

I sent my old backplate to John in advance and when my compressor arrived the backplate was already installed.

Farrar

That's a good idea. I had a bit of a mess in the box when my back-less compressor arrived as John had made a valiant effort to seal it up so the oil didn't leak out, but it just couldn't survive the rough handling in transit.

[1batt4u]

I just bought this from ebay a few days ago:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290591284396&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I just recieved it, I will post pictures later tonight.

I wanted a polished or chrome look, to give the engine a better look!!

Other auctions I looked up wrote: "Replacement for Sanden model"

This one writes: "New Sanden 508 Compressor", so hopefully it is!!

What should I look out for to know it is the real deal other than the label??

[jawn101]

I just bought this from ebay a few days ago:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290591284396&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I just recieved it, I will post pictures later tonight.

I wanted a polished or chrome look, to give the engine a better look!!

Other auctions I looked up wrote: "Replacement for Sanden model"

This one writes: "New Sanden 508 Compressor", so hopefully it is!!

What should I look out for to know it is the real deal other than the label??

Here's a helpful link on identifying "non-genuine" compressors:
http://www.notofakes.com/Brands/BrandsbySectors/Automotive/Sanden/AirConditioningCompressors/HowtospotafakeCompressor/tabid/76/Default.aspx

Also, mine came with a few-page leaflet on the Sanden anti-counterfeit label, how it works, etc - I doubt a fake would include that :) Not to say it's definitely fake if you don't get one......

[1batt4u]

Well, here are the pictures of the compressor I got!

http://i55.tinypic.com/2iiabd0.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/jso7ci.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/348qb0h.jpg

The sticker is missing, I emailed the seller, he emailed me back. He said the sticker was partially off so he peeled it off. On top it has the letter "E". on the bottom the letter "G" and B508SC2F.

[jawn101]

Well, here are the pictures of the compressor I got!

The sticker is missing, I emailed the seller, he emailed me back. He said the sticker was partially off so he peeled it off. On top it has the letter "E". on the bottom the letter "G" and B508SC2F.

I'm far from an authority on identifying compressors, but I don't like the sound of that 'peeled the sticker off' bit, and I don't see the stamped 'SANDEN' in the body that's supposed to be there...

[content22207]

Just because something is Made in China doesn't mean it won't work (the new blower motor for my home A/C unit is Made in China) -- buyers just need to be fully informed if that is what they are in fact buying.

I used to swear I would never fly in a Chinese built airliner, then it occurred to me: how many of Boeing's parts are sourced from China?

Bill Robertson
#5939

[jawn101]

Just because something is Made in China doesn't mean it won't work (the new blower motor for my home A/C unit is Made in China) -- buyers just need to be fully informed if that is what they are in fact buying.

I used to swear I would never fly in a Chinese built airliner, then it occurred to me: how many of Boeing's parts are sourced from China?

Bill Robertson
#5939

I do agree with you; you can't completely condemn something based on where it was made. And I think that this applies here too - but it's important to consider that Billy thought he was purchasing a Sanden, and if he that's not what he got.... that's an issue more than a question of the reliability of what he actually did get.

[dhaney]

I sent my old backplate to John in advance and when my compressor arrived the backplate was already installed.

Farrar

Sadly for me when my compressor went south last year it blew the bolt that holds the hoses on (R12 configuration) out the back so my back plate was useless. I posted pictures of it on the old site. When it happened the bolt hit the fire wall so hard I was afraid it broke through. Sounded like a bullet was shot at me, luckily no damage other than a dead compressor and no AC.

I got my new compressor from John. I stayed with R12 and my AC runs so cold it will freeze you out even on day like the last 12 where we have hit at least 90 every day. Iy has even been a bit humid, I think one day we hit 36%.;-)

Dan

[stevedmc]

I do agree with you; you can't completely condemn something based on where it was made. And I think that this applies here too - but it's important to consider that Billy thought he was purchasing a Sanden, and if he that's not what he got.... that's an issue more than a question of the reliability of what he actually did get.

If he didn't get what he paid for he can get a bargain by opening a paypal dispute.

[jawn101]

If he didn't get what he paid for he can get a bargain by opening a paypal dispute.

Yup, dead on. I hope for his sake that it is though! :) It might just be an older one that didn't have the stamped casting.

[1batt4u]

Well, I googled "Sanden 508 Chrome" saw a few results, like this one: http://www.racingjunk.com/category/99/Other/post/2029697/Sanden-508-Chrome-Air-Conditioning-Compressor.html this one writes "Sanden 508 Chrome Air Conditioning Compressor", it doesn't write Sanden style compressor, but that doesn't mean anything.
and on ebay you'll see them. They are identical to the one I bought. Most of them write "Sanden style compressor" meaning aftermarket and "meet or exceed Sanden's OEM specifications"

I'll contact the seller, see what he has to say.

But I will give it a try!! How bad can it be?? Good price for it compared to the others, plus a free billit aluminum clear powdercoated pulley cover, made by March PErformance http://www.marchperf.com/# which looks awesome!!!

[DeloreanJoshQ]

We sell these at work. Any one tried these?

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performance-Products/JEGS-Air-Conditioner-Compressors/753085/10002/-1

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/500/555/555-51801.jpg

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/500/555/555-51802.jpg

http://www.jegs.com/images/photos/500/555/555-51800.jpg

We sell a bunch and I have only seen one or two over the last 5 years that have gone bad. I believe they are from overseas...but they work.

So all you have to do is swap back plates to make these work?

Josh Q

[jawn101]

Well, I googled "Sanden 508 Chrome" saw a few results, like this one: http://www.racingjunk.com/category/99/Other/post/2029697/Sanden-508-Chrome-Air-Conditioning-Compressor.html this one writes "Sanden 508 Chrome Air Conditioning Compressor", it doesn't write Sanden style compressor, but that doesn't mean anything.
and on ebay you'll see them. They are identical to the one I bought. Most of them write "Sanden style compressor" meaning aftermarket and "meet or exceed Sanden's OEM specifications"

I'll contact the seller, see what he has to say.

But I will give it a try!! How bad can it be?? Good price for it compared to the others, plus a free billit aluminum clear powdercoated pulley cover, made by March PErformance http://www.marchperf.com/# which looks awesome!!!

That's what matters! If it works to your satisfaction and you're ultimately happy with your purchase then the rest isn't as big a deal. Personally, I'd still have some words with the seller about his misleading post, but if you like when you got then it's really kind of moot.

Let us know how it works when you get it installed!

[content22207]

... So all you have to do is swap back plates to make these work?

Count the number of bolts. There are both 5 chamber and 7 chamber Sanden style compressors -- our backs only fit 5 chamber compressors.

Also be aware that some Sanden style compressors have 24v clutches for truck applications.

Pulleys are interchangeable.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[1batt4u]

If you guys want a pulley cover for your A/C compressor, here is the one I have, and the one that fits these compressors: March Performance 395

Its an awesome add on!!!!

[content22207]

While taking pictures of my school buses today, guess what I found hanging down underneath one of them (look familiar?):
3147

Bill Robertson
#5939

[AdmiralSenn]

As far as swapping the back plates, be careful! On my compressor (don't know if this is factory or not) there is an additional plate between the regular rear plate and the compressor body with another gasket sandwiched in. When I removed my old plate it took that secondary plate with it and marred that gasket, so it leaks out pretty fast.

Again I don't know if this is just some weird option on mine but I thought I'd let everyone know.

[brew]

If you want to get the compressor gaskets locally --> O'Reilly Auto Parts (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MUR0/24025.oap?ck=Search_compressor+gasket+kit_-1_1337&keyword=compressor+gasket+kit)

I also found that this Nostalgic air parts (http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air-conditioning/sanden-sd-508-vertrical-gm-pad-back-16.php) website sells our back plate.

[Henrik]

As far as swapping the back plates, be careful! On my compressor (don't know if this is factory or not) there is an additional plate between the regular rear plate and the compressor body with another gasket sandwiched in. When I removed my old plate it took that secondary plate with it and marred that gasket, so it leaks out pretty fast.

Again I don't know if this is just some weird option on mine but I thought I'd let everyone know.

Yep, there is a ridged Rubber Coated Metal gasket on either side of the valve plate. The ridges are there for sealing purposes but once you've torqued everything down and remove it again, the gaskets are flat and are not meant to be re-used (although you may get lucky sometimes).