Busted a serpentine belt this morning...
threw on my spare ... but it kept squealing...
finally noticed the AC compressor pulley stuck.

I swore I just replaced this whole unit.

I unplugged it and it spins free.....

Q:

Can I replace just the clutch?
or do I need to replace the whole unit again?

thanks.

 

Just noticed... it's been 9 years...

I guess time flys....

anyway... I'd still rather not deal with recharging the freon

 

If the ribbed pulley doesnt spin freely, the compressor seized up.

 

It's the compressor clutch. not the compressor..... pretty sure.

but you may be right... I have been wrong a few times...


anyone else...?

 

OK

thinking about this.... I think you are right....

It must be the actual compressor locked up and not the clutch....

the clutch spins freely.... and when it engages, the pully stops... must be the compressor IS locked...

still waiting for some more input.... but I guess I will be swapping out the entire compressor...

Another Question... Is there a shut off valve to minimize Freon loss?

 

Have the system properly evacuated then flushed to remove any shrapnel. Replace at least the compressor and accumulator. Then evacuate the system, verify there are no leaks then add fresh oil and the proper charge of refrigerant.

 

John T? As in John T and the Hooligans?

Yes, You can replace just the compressor clutch, you just have to get the air gap right.

I'll bet you need a compressor tho.

 

Thats right Sexy Legs....

I get around...

 

What is your opinion of my problem here...

clutch OR compressor?

with the (compressor)electrical plug connected and AC (or heater controls) on
The pulley locks up.

disconnect the plug and the pulley spins free....

 

If the compressor fails on an R134 system it's best to also replace the condenser. Since the condenser is parallel-flow, any debris can get wedged in there and flushing compound just goes around it - then later the metal shards come loose and trash your new compressor. Ditto for the evaporator if it is parallel-flow.

 

I've been running with the clutch plate removed from mine for about a year and a half. No problems but no AC. The bearing went in my pulley. I had one from a different model that wouldn't let the clutch disengage because it was slightly different. The pulley will free spin and only when the clutch engages will the compressor turn. I think if you unplug the compressor it shouldn't engage.

 

I brought it to my friend who owns a repair shop..

Yes, The compressor is locked up. He said he would replace the compressor/accumulator and also one of the lines that runs to the compressor.... top/bottom/can't remember....

He feels he should be able to flush the system successfully.

I usually fix anything I can / mechanically, but AC / I'll just have him do the job.....

Gotta pick your battles....


He also told me the AC compressor works with the defroster... blowing dry air to the windshield....

learned something there.