Harrison vs Sanden

[Oldolden]

Can’t make my mind up which path to go down.
My hj has ac fitted from the factory, everything works as it it should but the system has been without gas for at least 4 years it ran R12 but compressor was taken out to rebuild engine and engine bay tidy up.
I have an aftermarket bracket that with in conjunction with the original bracket parts I could fit a Sanden compressor.
I don’t know what condition the Harrison compressor is in now after being without gas for so long but was working ok with R12 4 years ago. It would probably need a rebuild?

So,I can buy a new Sanden or a new or refurbished Harrison. Obviously a new Harrison will be a direct swap, but using a Sanden will require a few mods such as piping etc. similiar cost I think.
Can I clean or should I replace the condenser?
Any advice encouragement would be appreciated want to get the ac working for summer.

Thanks

[damienengland]

I've had a refurbished Harrison (didn't work), brand new replica Harrison and a Sanden in my ute. The Sanden has been very good since i landed on it. My A/C shop was very against refurbishing the Harrison, so maybe that's a sign?

[Maysik]

Re the condenser:

Your going to a bit of expense, might be best to get the system tested upon gassing to confirm condenser is O.K.

When I removed everything from the Statesman to my van I tested nothing, just had a punt that it all went ok. And it did.

Mind you the A/C had not worked in the Stato for god knows how many years before I got it as there was no compressor.

I put a VL Calais compressor in and has been going great guns in my van for 12 years now.

[Oldolden]

Thanks for your valued opinions, experiences and advice.
I spent yesterday talking with ac specialists and recieved varied opinions, some say throw the Harrison away and replace with a more modern unit, others say the Harrison will be fine, but if it requires rebuild could be talking $2k plus.
One guy said bring it in and he will check all the connections and put gas it in and see how it goes, $220 for gas.
I think I’ll throw the $220 into it and see what happens, at least I’ll know what works and what doesn’t.

Thanks again.

[damienengland]

My A/C shop emphatically told me to throw the Harrison away and get a new replica or Sanden...but they did test it with nitrogen for free. When tested, i could hear the gas pissing out of the seals straight away, that's when i chucked it.

Also, my A/C shop told me that the condensers in the old Holden's are bullet proof and not to worry too much about them. So far they have been correct!

Cheers
Damo

[wbute]

A quick search shows Harrison style compressors are easily obtainable. First price that popped upwas$550. Remember that nearly all John Deere machinery used these style compressor so they are not uncommon.
But for $220 you may as well give it a go.
When I fitted my Sanden to the factory set up in 2000, the AC bloke said it would never be as good as the Harrison due to its lower capacity. He was probably right. But that leads to another point, it seems everyone’s AC bloke has different opinions.
My AC system had sat open for who knows how many years and i has no drama with either the condenser or evaporator.