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The GM HT6 is one of the most popular compressors replaced today. Mac’s offers two Sanden options for the two most popular HT6 compressors.

The first is the 6511339 HT6 O.E. style compressor for the GM 5.7 V8, Mac’s offers the 6511340 Sanden style replacement compressor.

Next for the GM 4.3L V6 applications with the 6511338 HT6 O.E. style compressor, Mac’s offers the 6512124 Sanden style replacement compressor.

The Sanden style compressor has been available in the industry for a long time. It is a direct, bolt-off and bolt-on, replacement and has an excellent reputation as a reliable, quality compressor with a cost advantage.

So whether your customer wants an OE style replacement or a compressor with a cost advantage, Mac’s has all your compressor needs.

Oil is an important part of the A/C system. Refrigerant charged oil circulates through the system while keeping 60-70% of the oil in the compressor at all times. This provides adequate lubrication to reduce friction (heat) and wear (metal particles that will cause premature compressor failure and clog condenser passages). When doing a compressor job, it is always advisable when removing the old compressor to drain the oil to see what sort of condition the system is in, and to see how much oil is inside the compressor. This will also help to determine if there is any oil left in the system or if the compressor failure was due to low refrigerant oil.

Never assume a compressor comes with correct amount of oil in it.

Before [...]

Safety First

Always Use Eye Protection! 

1. A/C system refrigerant must be completely recovered using approved equipment in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
2. Disconnect all hoses from components to be flushed. Remove the orifice tube which is located in the liquid line or at the condenser or evaporator, or the expansion valve.
3. Remove the cap. Add gpd flush 8011256 (or equivalent) to cylinder. Replace the cap. All flush cylinder connections must be tight.
   • Never Flush the A/C compressor, the orifice tube, the expansion valve, the accumulator, or the receiver drier
4. It is generally advisable to first “back-flush”, flushing from outlet to inlet on condensers and evaporators, to dislodge debris. Then flush the component from inlet to outlet.
5. To prevent spraying of flush, oil, and other debris, attach a hose or optional flush capture hose to the exit end of the component to be flushed. Place the [...]

The parallel flow condenser is by far the most efficient condenser to use with R134a refrigerant. The multi-channel construction and multiple passes the refrigerant makes through the condenser allows maximum heat transfer. The smaller tubes and wide surface area allows the most refrigerant to come in contact with air flowing through the condenser fins.

The reasons for this efficiency is also one of its major drawbacks. These small tubes that efficiently transfer heat are so small that they trap any contamination in the system that tries to pass through them. Flushing will not remove the contamination from the condenser. This contamination will create a restriction in the condenser and make the high side pressures go up. This forces the compressor to work harder and possibly fail. Contamination in the condenser can also work itself free and end up at the compressor where it will also cause a failure.

If there is a situation where the [...]

Do you dread driving your car during winter?

You are not alone my friend.

Freezing temperatures reduce visibility, impede friction on the road and lower your vehicle’s performance. It is a terrible period for every driver. However, if you have been wondering how you can get your car ready for winter, you’re in luck. We have all the right tricks and tips to ensure that the next cold season is not all doom and gloom.

We have all faced nerve-wracking situations when the temperatures drop. Sometimes your car may get stuck and fail to make it up the hill or just refuse to start in the morning when you’re getting ready to go to work. With a little pre-planning though, you can kiss such scenarios goodbye.

Here are a few areas to which you should pay attention.

1. Is the cold bad for car batteries?

Although high temperatures will take a bigger toll on your car [...]

Your driving your vehicle.

Minding your own business.

But then you hear a weird sound, your lights flicker, or another indicator that something might not be right with your car.

Does this sound familiar?

Thought so.

If we ignore those signs that your car is in trouble too long, the result can be additional repairs and unwanted added expense to get your car on the road again.

To avoid this headache, (and hopefully a larger than necessary auto repair bill) I’m going to tell you some of your cars warning signs to look out for so you can get them fixed today.

Let’s get started.

1. Check Engine Light (CEL):

This is an urgent sign that your car [...]

Finding fluid leaking from your car can be alarming. Some leaks are normal, but most are not. Having the leaks repaired promptly can prevent costly damage to your car’s engine and transmission.

Unless your car has a catastrophic failure of one of its systems, most leaks will start small. If you suspect you have a car leaking fluid, you can perform an easy check in the following way. Park your car on a level surface. Put a few paper towels on top of a couple of sheets of newspaper and slide them under the engine area.

After an hour or so, pull out the paper and see if there are any drips. Carefully note the color of the drips and if there is any distinct odor. This will help our mechanics [...]

In many parts of the country the winter weather is not only chilly, but also harmful to your car. From the wheels to the windshield, Mac’s Automotive Service & Radiator Repair has the low down on ways the cold affects your vehicle and how to prevent it.

Windshield and Wiper Damage

Ice, rocks, and salt do a number on your windshield and wipers during the cold season. Modern windshields are durable, but may still crack when mistreated. Never wash your car with hot water in winter, even if you are trying to remove ice from the glass. Use the proper coolant and winter windshield wiper fluid for cleaning. If you are expecting ice or sleet, leave the wiper blades up or even remove them so they [...]

“Should I warm up my car engine before driving off?” This question is common among drivers across America. For Pacific Northwest dwellers, it comes up every winter. During this period, balmy temperatures turn cold and there’s a flurry of rain storms. So, keeping one’s car running at top condition becomes a concern. Yet, warming up a car does more harm than good.

The average Joe checks gas prices on a regular basis hoping to fill up for less. Thus, it’s important to understand that warming up a car wastes this precious liquid. How? Idling a car in low temperatures causes more fuel to flow into the engine. As a consequence, you use extra gas versus getting into [...]