NEW A/C COMPRESSOR SEALING WASHER USAGE - NEW PARTS

SUBJECT: A/C COMPRESSOR SEALING WASHER USAGE - NEW PARTS

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1990 PONTIAC 'J' WITH 2.OL (VIN K) AND ALL 1991 J CARS

There has been a redesign of the compressor rear head and air conditioning face assembly connection. This redesign eliminates an "O" ring seal and uses a "sealing washer" which consists of a metal washer with a moulded rubber seal. Sealing washers must only be used with compressors designed for sealing washers. When servicing compressors designed for "O" rings you must NOT use sealing washers. THE TWO DESIGNS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE! The old style compressor "O" rings are shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates the new sealing washers.

This new washer was introduced on the the Pontiac "J" car with 2.OL (VIN K) L4 engine on April 30, 1990 starting with vehicle number 605973. This new sealing washer will be used on all 1991 "J" cars.

With the "sealing washer" design there is an intentional "gap" between the compressor rear head and air conditioning hose assembly block, (suction discharge block assembly). Do not assume that this gap is a loose connection or a mis-assembled joint. Refer to Figure 3.

PARTS INFORMATION:

- Gasket - AC Compressor Sealing Washer P/N #52455752 - Sealing Washer Hose Assembly P/N #22551149 - Compressor P/N #12338630

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.