A/C Compressor Started Smoking!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
A/C Compressor Started Smoking!
I have a 1992 F150 2WD with about 115k on it. Today, I took off from a stop sign and suddenly felt a loss of power and a screeching noise. About 10 seconds later I smelled a strong burning smell. I got off the road as quick as I could and when I opened the hood the A/C compressor was smoking through the clutch mechanism. There also appeared to be small metal shavings on the clutch. I was running defrost which I think cycles the compressor. Do compressors just seize suddenly? I let it sit for awhile and then started it without any climate control on and it ran fine. The clutch was not engaged. Could this be caused by lack of lubrication in the A/C system? The system never did cool very well so maybe it has a leak. Any sugesstions/comments? Thanks for any help.
Nick
Nick
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: CT USA
A/C Compressor Started Smoking!
Your whole A/C system is now toast. I am not sure exactly what compressor you have but ford compressors in general are known for "black death" they burn up the seals inside and a black goo ends up throughout the whole system which requires numouous flushing to get out. Often times the whole system is replaced (which wouldnt be a bad idea when you see the price of R-12 that your truck uses)If i were you i would try to disconnect the wireing harness from the compressor so you will be able to operate the defrost without cycling the compressor. Im not an expert on A/C but try going to
http://aircondition.com
the guys there know their stuff.
http://aircondition.com
the guys there know their stuff.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
A/C Compressor Started Smoking!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Feb-02 AT 06:10 PM (EST)](For future references)
I had a similar experience with compressor siezure and smoking; hot enough to melt the serpentine belt.(~150K) The system fails due to lack of lubrication and unfortunately, there is no way to tell how much oil resides in the A/C system. Mine had been recharged over the years approx. 5 times with R-12 by supposedly reputable service centers. Thinking back, I would be willing to bet not once did they add any additional oil to the system.
After the failure, I tore down the entire system to convert to R-134a and found the only item in that truly needed replacing was the orifice tube. I flushed out the condensor, put in new o-rings, orifice tubes, fan clutch and new compressor. Still using the old hoses with the built in muffler and everything still working well after 16 months. In my estimation, the R-134 works just as well as the R-12 for most situations. The only place I see a noticeable difference is during slow, stop-and-go driving situations.
I had a similar experience with compressor siezure and smoking; hot enough to melt the serpentine belt.(~150K) The system fails due to lack of lubrication and unfortunately, there is no way to tell how much oil resides in the A/C system. Mine had been recharged over the years approx. 5 times with R-12 by supposedly reputable service centers. Thinking back, I would be willing to bet not once did they add any additional oil to the system.
After the failure, I tore down the entire system to convert to R-134a and found the only item in that truly needed replacing was the orifice tube. I flushed out the condensor, put in new o-rings, orifice tubes, fan clutch and new compressor. Still using the old hoses with the built in muffler and everything still working well after 16 months. In my estimation, the R-134 works just as well as the R-12 for most situations. The only place I see a noticeable difference is during slow, stop-and-go driving situations.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: USA
A/C Compressor Started Smoking!
Some models Ford actually recommends replacing condensor due to black Teflon goo from comp. burnout.At the least remove cond & have flushed@ radiator shop.Orifice keeps evaporator clean.Flush it & the lines,replace comp,orifice,accumulator,evacuate, add oil&charge.The Ford dealer has a neat flush machine but that is a pricey option.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mebe2k
Escape & Escape Hybrid
3
Jul 1, 2011 05:53 PM
spencry25
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jul 12, 2003 12:38 PM
ac, clutch, compressor, cycling, defrost, f150, f250, ford, mountaineer, serpentine, smoke, smoking, started, system, truck
