Would Binding A\C Compressor affect performance?
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Would Binding A\C Compressor affect performance?
I just got my rig back from the mechanic. New Thermostat, and a bi-pass on the A\C compressor due to a bad clutch, and a clutch adjustment (on transmission) that avoided me looking for a new tranny to install.
The A\C clutch had been making some noice for weeks, and I knew it was going to go. Now that it has failed entirely, and the belts re-routed to eliminate the compressor, the darn thing is running just great.
Before: Take a bunch of cranks to start the truck.
Now: Starts on the first or second try.
Before: Would knock like a son of a gun just about all the time.
Now: Knocks when cold, after that I can barely hear the diesel knock.
This thing is running like a CHAMP. Still needs a new steering gear, and some paint, and has 300,000 miles - but I only paid $2,800 bucks for the thing, and I'm begining to think I stole it!
Thanks again to all who helped me on the most recent issues. I'm just curious if the A\C compressor was bringing me down, or if maybe I can just hear better now that the transmission is not CLUNKING and CRASHING with every shift.
The A\C clutch had been making some noice for weeks, and I knew it was going to go. Now that it has failed entirely, and the belts re-routed to eliminate the compressor, the darn thing is running just great.
Before: Take a bunch of cranks to start the truck.
Now: Starts on the first or second try.
Before: Would knock like a son of a gun just about all the time.
Now: Knocks when cold, after that I can barely hear the diesel knock.
This thing is running like a CHAMP. Still needs a new steering gear, and some paint, and has 300,000 miles - but I only paid $2,800 bucks for the thing, and I'm begining to think I stole it!
Thanks again to all who helped me on the most recent issues. I'm just curious if the A\C compressor was bringing me down, or if maybe I can just hear better now that the transmission is not CLUNKING and CRASHING with every shift.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,773
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From: Bonney Lake, WA
I would expect that your A/C compressor might have produced a drag on the engine, but I doubt that it could have been enough to make a big difference. There's a common belief that running the A/C will reduce your mpg, because of the increased resistance of the compressor. Some estimates are that running it, whether in cooling the cab, or by operating in either the "Defrost" or "Mix" position, will reduce mpg. My own experience is that it doesn't make any noticeable difference on an engine that produces this much torque.
That said, I doubt the A/C compressor would make that much difference. I'd look at the tranny changes as the source of your new-found power.
That said, I doubt the A/C compressor would make that much difference. I'd look at the tranny changes as the source of your new-found power.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Well yes and no. Quadzilla's right IMO. But if that A/C bearing is really stiff it will drag the motor down some. To take away that much power there would have to be a lot of friction somewhere and that would make enough heat to turn the pulley red hot and really fry the belt. I have no doubt it was the cause of the loud deisel knocking at idle due to the engine being under a heavy load at idle. Or maybe it was just the pulley rattling hard, sounding similar to the engine. But when you give it some go-pedal, these things make a lot of power and would quickly overcome even a completly seized pulley with ease.
