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Before I kill myself, a quick question

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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 05:40 PM
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Before I kill myself, a quick question

My A/C compressor seized (maybe just the clutch). I wanted to take off the compressor and put a $30 bypass pulley on instead of replacing it yet. I've never worked on A/C before so I busted out my Chilton's. It says to not do anything with the A/C and take it to a professional with the correct tools (i.e. draining and recycling tools).

If I take the lines off the compressor, is freon going to fly everywhere and kill me and all the neighborhood cats in the process? Would it be better to buy a shorter belt?

94 Bronco 5.0L 302
 
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 05:58 PM
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I finely found something online that would concur with my suspicions. Looks like yes all the cats would die... The pulley is just making a bunch of noise because it's obviously not turning smoothly. Might try a short belt...
 
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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do you know what compressor it is? fs-10 or fx-15 maybe?

at either rate, you could pick up a cheap clutch hub puller/holder off ebay and replace the pulley bearing. does your a/c work?
 
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 07:00 PM
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A/C hasn't worked in a few years. Replacing the bearing is what I would like to do, but I'm moving right now, so I was just looking for a cheap quick fix for the move. Then the real fix when I get situated... The dang pulley bearing costs more than the bypass pulley.
 
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Old Jun 21, 2011 | 11:31 PM
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how much is the bearing? i just picked up an entire fs10 compressor (reman) on ebay for about $50 + shipping for my 92'. has new clutch and bearing. also got an fs6 from the same guy. very impressed with his prices. ive always "best offered" never payed full price.

here is the link to the fs10 i just bought

Ready-Aire 2068N New Compressor And Clutch | eBay

good luck

also, if it doesnt work, could there be a leak and there isnt anything in the lines? that way you could rip the compressor off and not kill the cats!

just poke the schrader valve on the high or low side for a second and you will be able to tell.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 01:08 AM
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There is definitely pressure in the lines. I must have been confused or looking in the wrong place, because I found the bearing for $20. The bypass pulley is $30. The guy at part store told me to just go to the beach, where there are less cats, and evacuate it there. Maybe seals can handle it better... I found small traces of metal shavings around the clutch, so I'm wondering if the whole system is shot anyway... That eBay link looks good, but I was hoping to do that after the move. After looking at it again, a short belt will not work at all. I'm kind of wishing there was a leak. I think just an evac is 60 bucks. Stoopid environment!
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Galen
There is definitely pressure in the lines. I must have been confused or looking in the wrong place, because I found the bearing for $20. The bypass pulley is $30. The guy at part store told me to just go to the beach, where there are less cats, and evacuate it there. Maybe seals can handle it better... I found small traces of metal shavings around the clutch, so I'm wondering if the whole system is shot anyway... That eBay link looks good, but I was hoping to do that after the move. After looking at it again, a short belt will not work at all. I'm kind of wishing there was a leak. I think just an evac is 60 bucks. Stoopid environment!

Metal shavings around the clutch does not mean the entire system is kaput.

Remove the pulley and replace the bearing.

There is no need to evacuate the system.
The "A" hole at the parts store should have his "A" kicked for suggesting you evacuate the system anywhere.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 08:02 AM
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I'm trying the bearing today guys. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 09:25 AM
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Well, when I started to take off the plate, it started making a venting noise so I stopped. It seems to have loosened up the pulley enough to spin better, but it still is making a menacing noise. Last time I heard this noise it was the idler pulley and it shattered on the freeway. That one is made of plastic however. I'll just hope this gets me done with the move and I can fix it the right way later (famous last words). I'd like to get that compressor of eBay, but don't have the money just yet. Moving makes me broke.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 09:56 AM
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SomeOne call the EPA! is that guy really stupid enough to tell customers to do that?

At any rate, i think its more of a "ozone layer depletion" than a "it will kill your neighbors dog across the street. (its been awhile since my epa test)

I dont reccomend replacement refrigerants, but i think there are a few out there that dont harm the environment at all, so next time you need to open the system. It is safe to let out the replacement refrigerant. Id look into (Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant and Automotive Fluid Products - Enviro-Safe, Inc)

I had the shrader valve in a el cheapo conversion fitting break once and there was nothing i could do but let the system discharge. I tried putting the cap on , but the pressure dodnt allow it to thred on and i just stripped the plastic threads.

At any rate, he should have never told a customer to do that!

Everyone needs a recovery machine. Ive had friends tell me theyve vented into the atmospere when i have a recovery machine!!!

Anyways. Good luck with that bearing. I theyre anything like an fs6, should be real easy.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Galen
Well, when I started to take off the plate, it started making a venting noise so I stopped. It seems to have loosened up the pulley enough to spin better, but it still is making a menacing noise. Last time I heard this noise it was the idler pulley and it shattered on the freeway. That one is made of plastic however. I'll just hope this gets me done with the move and I can fix it the right way later (famous last words). I'd like to get that compressor of eBay, but don't have the money just yet. Moving makes me broke.
I don't know what "plate" you are trying to remove but stop now.

There is no refrigerant loss when replacing a bearing.

Just remove the pulley.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 11:48 AM
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Couldnt he have a bad shaft seal and when he starts to take the hub off the seal relaxes from no pressure to it on the hub side and starts to leak?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by screaminford
Couldnt he have a bad shaft seal and when he starts to take the hub off the seal relaxes from no pressure to it on the hub side and starts to leak?
nah! The system has 100's of PSI anyway.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 02:43 PM
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Yeah, sorry, by "plate" I was meaning the hub. When I go for the bolt, the hub turns with it and when turning a certain amount, it starts venting and stops. Turn some more and more venting and stops.... I was thinking it was the seal as well, but really have no idea. I couldn't get the bolt to turn free of the hub right away and once it started venting I didn't want to keep going anyway. I was envisioning the bolt in my forehead.....
 
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 04:16 PM
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Are you sure its leaking out and not the compressor you hear pumping internally?

Heres a trick for the bolt: just jumper the clutch from the battery and as long as the belt is on it should not move. Theres no way that bolt is so tight that youll be able to turn the engine over before it loosens.


Good luck
 
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