Smoking A/C Compressor

FLOW_BOY · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2003, 09:29 PM

I had some trouble with my brakes the other day. Bad brake line. Easy enough to find and fix.

When I noticed the brake problem (girl friend driving??) I asked her to pull over (she didn't notice there were no brakes). As we pulled into a parking lot, I saw some smoke coming from under the hood. A/C compressor was smoking from the pulley end. I figure this was a coincidence.

1. Could the A/C problem have been related to the brake problem?

2. What is the probable fix for the problem (clutch, compressor)?

Any ideas?
thanks

bronco351 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2003, 09:46 PM

Your problem is very simple. Your A/C compressor clutch is slipping, causing it to heat up and smoke. The only way to fix it is to change the clutch or put in a new A/C compressor!! Have a great day!!

crussel4 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-28-2003, 01:12 AM

I agree with Bronco351, it's the clutch on the compressor.
Don't put it off or you'll ruin the compressor.

FLOW_BOY · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2003, 08:08 PM

I had a mechanic look at the compressor. He said that they ran the compressor for 10-15 minutes and had no problems. But said that he could see marks from when it had smoked. Diagnosis - the compressor is starting to go (seize) and causing the clutch to slip, get a new one (compressor).

Does that seem right, or can the clutch be replaced easily?, and if it can be replaced, is that likely to solve the problem for any length of time?

Thanks

craterjoe · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2003, 10:40 PM

A second opinion may not be a bad idea.......

nowbiteme · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 02:24 PM

Hi:
I am experiencing the same problem(smoking a/c compressor). Is it possible to just change the belts and bypass the compressor all together? Any difference in performance??

And when i do get a new compressor, will it matter if i want to convert from r-12 to r-136? I assume when the old compressor is removed, they will have to capture all the existing r-12.

thx.

battered_bronco · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2003, 04:55 PM

i'd say she broke it
friggin women have to use the AC!!!!!!
aint you got windows

craterjoe · #8 (**permalink**) 12-28-2003, 10:50 AM

I would think there is a shorterbelt that you could get to bypass the a/c comp. question is will it clear the a/c comp if you leave it in place?

I would recommend converting from r-12 to r-134a simplty on a financiial standpiont when my mom had it done a couple of years ago it was only +/- $200 but save a load on what the replcement r-12 would have cost. and if you ever have a leak.......