AC compressor totally destroyed itself
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Zeeland, MI
AC compressor totally destroyed itself
K....
The pully and clutch on my AC compressor completely destroyed itself....The AC hasn't worked right all summer, but I just kind of ignored it. About a month ago, after 20 minutes of driving, the truck smelled like melted plastic, but I figured I'll know what is wrong soon enough. Then about two weeks ago I had a high pitch screach at idle, but could not pin point it. Well tonight I popped the hood to find metal dust all over everything, popped the belt off, and I can move the AC compressor pully back and forth/side to side over an inch.....
So, how do I fix it.
Can I purchase the clutch assembly seperate?
Do I need to replace the whole compressor?
If so, Then I'll probably need someone to charge the system then....
Any advice would be apperciated.
Thanks
The pully and clutch on my AC compressor completely destroyed itself....The AC hasn't worked right all summer, but I just kind of ignored it. About a month ago, after 20 minutes of driving, the truck smelled like melted plastic, but I figured I'll know what is wrong soon enough. Then about two weeks ago I had a high pitch screach at idle, but could not pin point it. Well tonight I popped the hood to find metal dust all over everything, popped the belt off, and I can move the AC compressor pully back and forth/side to side over an inch.....
So, how do I fix it.
Can I purchase the clutch assembly seperate?
Do I need to replace the whole compressor?
If so, Then I'll probably need someone to charge the system then....
Any advice would be apperciated.
Thanks
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
Ben you can just get the a/c compresor clutch. You wont need to recharge the system. there is a bolt in the center of the clutch that need to be removed the there is a snapring that you need to remove to remove the clutch assy. GENTLY pry between the clutch and the comperssor to remove the clutch. then you can just slip the new one on replace the snapring and the adjust the air gap and you will be done. The hardest part of the whole job is removing the old clutch just pry gently so you dont damage the compressor.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
Likes: 6
From: Northfield, MI
Most of the time, the pulley bearing fails due to heat from a slipping clutch due to a seized compressor.
So, if you just want to get back on the road, then just install a new pulley and disconnect the A/C switch at the low pressure line.
If you want to check for a seized compressor, you can try to turn the compressor shaft by hand. If it's locked, then obviously you'll need to service it. If it spins, it may still be bad. Sometimes they "unseize" themselves after they cool down. I've seen people install new clutches and run the car only to have the new clutch destroy itself in a matter of minutes. To be sure, you need to discharge the system and disconnect the manifold line at the rear of the compressor and check for debris in the line.
If there is debris in the line, you will have to replace many parts and flush the system.
Jay
So, if you just want to get back on the road, then just install a new pulley and disconnect the A/C switch at the low pressure line.
If you want to check for a seized compressor, you can try to turn the compressor shaft by hand. If it's locked, then obviously you'll need to service it. If it spins, it may still be bad. Sometimes they "unseize" themselves after they cool down. I've seen people install new clutches and run the car only to have the new clutch destroy itself in a matter of minutes. To be sure, you need to discharge the system and disconnect the manifold line at the rear of the compressor and check for debris in the line.
If there is debris in the line, you will have to replace many parts and flush the system.
Jay
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Zeeland, MI
Great info guys....The clutch assy is half of a compressor, so I may just replace the whole thing and bring it down to the stealer to have them charge it.... (given my AC issues of late anyways)
Any other insight is welcome.
Any other insight is welcome.
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
Ben, there are many a/c shops that will charge the system for alot less than the steelership but you need to do whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you do replace the compressor you also need to replace the accumulator (approx 125.00) and the orfice tube (approx 5.00). When you remove the orfice tube and it has any debris you will need to flush the entire system or you will be replacing everything again. Also if you do open the system you need to replace all the o-rings at all the connections. (If there is no debris I would not recommend flushing the system unless you are very confident working on a/c systems). I have always used brake-cleen to flush the system and alot of air pressure then chase that with some alcohol and more air. Make sure you have a moisture trap on your compressor, it is very very very important that the is no moisture in the system on reassembly.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kyle j
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Feb 5, 2017 06:43 PM
Vic93
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
3
Aug 1, 2013 05:55 PM
granny_rocket
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
May 25, 2013 07:56 AM
