Rebuilding ALC compressor for 72 Eldorado

[cadman56]

Hello.
Several years ago I posted a fairly complete response to my experience of rebuilding an original pump and level sensing valve for my 67 Eldorado.  I can't remember how many years ago, sorry.  I drove it to the GN that was in Lancaster, PA and the system worked very well, even had to educate the judges how the system worked as none of them had ever seen a working system.

The biggest problem is diaphragms breaking, dirt, and corrosion.  Parts were available at that time.  I won't bore you with all the details of how to fix.

I was going to put a self leveling system on my 68 convertible until I had to sell due to loss of eyesight.  I was going to use a pump and level sensing valve just like is on my 91 Bourgham.  Use the existing wiring and you will have an automatic system.  I wish I could have proven the system so I could have posted P/N for all.

Yes, the rear springs will be too soft w/o air on the shocks.

[Matti R]

I dismantled my non-working ALC compressor and found out that the diagraph was broken, no surprise. But to my surprise, the reason for damaged diagraph was a screw which is too long inside upper chamber. Diagraph is touching the sharp edges of the screw and eventually gets broken. When looking some other damaged diagraphs, they have similar small hole in same place.
The screw is simply too long. Could it be that design error is the reason for all those non- operating ALC systems in our Cadillacs?

[bcroe]

Just like the timing chain, they want to be sure you need to eventually
buy a new car.  Bruce Roe

[Matti R]

I dismantled my non-working ALC compressor and found out that the diagraph was broken, no surprise. But to my surprise, the reason for damaged diagraph was a screw which is too long inside upper chamber. Diagraph is touching the sharp edges of the screw and eventually gets broken. When looking some other damaged diagraphs, they have similar small hole in same place.
The screw is simply too long. Could it be that design error is the reason for all those non- operating ALC systems in our Cadillacs?

I found another non-working ALC compressor and managed to combine the best parts into one unit. And I repaired the hole in the diagraph with bike tyre vulkanizing kit. And it works!!
The too long screw in my previous post was not original but poor result of ancient repair attempt.

[Highwayman68]

Wow you must be the only person in the last 20 years to get one of those working.

[TJ Hopland]

That would have been an interesting find if many or all had that one long screw.   You would have to wonder if it was somehow intentional to make them fail. 

[Matti R]

Wow you must be the only person in the last 20 years to get one of those working.

Thanks! So far only the compressor works. I need to clean up the pressure container and the adjusting valve in rear. I have Monroe air shocks, should be ok.

[Matti R]

That would have been an interesting find if many or all had that one long screw.   You would have to wonder if it was somehow intentional to make them fail.

This time I am happy I was wrong

[Glen]

Wow you must be the only person in the last 20 years to get one of those working.

Its not that hard to get them to work.  I've had mine working since I bought my 68 ELDO in 1973. 

[Dan LeBlanc]

You've inspired me to dig into my compressor this winter.  I hope my fix is as easy as yours.

[Highwayman68]

I could use a compressor, the one on my car was missing in 1981 and replaced with air shocks.

[TJ Hopland]

What there much or any difference between the 'head units' over the years?   I have never paid that close attention to them or had em side by side but it seems to me that its mostly the mounting method and tank size that was different so in many cases they may be fairly interchangeable. 

[Matti R]

It Works!
https://youtu.be/WyNVYJ4znA8

[chrisntam]

Nice!

[Highwayman68]

Well done!

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

I could use a compressor, the one on my car was missing in 1981 and replaced with air shocks.

I have a number of ALC compressors that were removed from Ca. cars years ago & dry stored. $75 ea. plus postage. No guarantee. Please contact me directly at bobscads@comcast.net.
Thanks, Bob

[Highwayman68]

I have a number of ALC compressors that were removed from Ca. cars years ago & dry stored. $75 ea. plus postage. No guarantee. Please contact me directly at bobscads@comcast.net.
Thanks, Bob

Email sent

[Highwayman68]

So Matti do you have compressed air being produced? If so what is the pressure that you are getting?

[Matti R]

So Matti do you have compressed air being produced? If so what is the pressure that you are getting?

Hi
It is producing compressed air but I have not yet tried how much. Need to do that some day.

[SaltLife97]

Hi
It is producing compressed air but I have not yet tried how much. Need to do that some day.

Were you ever able to get it to build pressure? Mine builds 10 psi in 5 min from 70 psi. Trying to figure if I have worn piston seals..