pontiacdog

I have an '86 trans am and I got the A/C refilled but it just won't generate cold air.
The compressor is most likely broken but could something else cause this as well?

Another thing is, the car originally has a Harrison 532 compressor but I have a working Harrison 198, too, and they look identical.
Can I use the 198?
This is what my setup looks like:
http://aijaa.com/2txyBv

Rob00158

Hi there - I got my A/C up and running a couple of years ago and it's still blowing cold so I'll try and help....

First things first

1. Is the system still running on R12 or has it been converted to run on R134a refrigerant?
2. Do you have a set a manifold gauges you can hook up? If the car has been converted to run R134a gas, it should have adapters on the pipe work/receiver drier to connect the manifold gauge set to. Otherwise, you will need connectors on the manifold set hoses to suit R12 ports.
3. Is the clutch engaging on the compressor? If so - what are the gauges saying on the manifold set?

AlkyIROC

Bad compressor
Bad clutch
Bad wiring
Plugged evaporator
Bad low pressure or high pressure switch
Contaminated system (not pulled into a deep vacuum before recharging)
Stuck or plugged orifice tube/valve
Under or over charged or it's all leaked out somewhere.
Blow fuse(s)
Bad heater control
Damper door stuck in heat mode

Pick one. So far your description limits you to every fault. Without proper diagnostics, you're just blindly changing parts.

Most likely the differences in the compressors is the mounting holes or the position of the ports.

rusty vango

if you were fooled into using R-134a it will never blow cold. cool maybe, but not cold. and as has been mentioned the re charging process cant be fudged at all. the thing is ,R-134,a is a **** poor replacement for R-12.at best its only 60% as efficient .

pontiacdog

I'm still running on R12, yes.
And the clutch is not engaging which means there's at least a compressor malfunction. I don't have the manifold gauges so this info is all I got.

The other Harrison compressor I have looks identical to the one I have hooked up in my car but it doesn't have an input for the electrical connector, meaning it wouldn't work.

AlkyIROC

Clutch will only engage when conditions say it should engage. Is the clutch getting voltage when the AC is on? If you unplug the clutch and give it a power and a ground, does it engage? If the clutch isn't engaging, there is no compressor malfunction because it's not pumping yet.

Diagnose the electrical system for the ac clutch first. If the clutch doesn't engage when power and ground are put into the plug then you need a new clutch. Condition of the compressor or the rest of the AC system won't be known until you can get the clutch to work.