A/C Compreesor

[jamccor]

Hi all. I have a 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD. I bought it used last year. I noticed awhile back that the air conditioner never worked and I believe its either low or because the compressor may be seizing. My question is this: today I noticed a loud noise coming from under the hood. I pulled over and saw that the armature of the compressor has broken off and fell to the bottom of the car. My guess is it seized.Will this eventually seize my fan belt also or can I pull a plug to stop the compressor from doing further damage? I dont have the cash now to replace the compressor but I dont want to kill anything else!
Any suggesions??
Thanks
John

 

[Maniak]

I'd pull the plug (electrical) off the compressor AND put on a shorter belt.. They make a belt for a non a/c 4.0 ohv explorer. This way you won't have the belt on the compressor "just in case" it does sieze up the clutch.

~Mark

 

[jamccor]

If I choose not to teplace the belt, is there a good chance that the fan will stop spinning even if I pull the plug?

 

[Maniak]

Assuming the clutch on the compressor doesn't lock up on you, pulling the plug should work (it won't energize).. But if the clutch is broken it may sieze things up and cause all kinds of damage.. The belt is easy to change and is < $15

~Mark

 

[jamccor]

Thanks for your help Mark ! I appreciate it

 

[Mr_Evil]

On vehicles with a Serpentine System, if one item say your AC Compressor decides to have kittens then you then you run the risk of nothing else on your engine turning. So you also won't have power steering or an alternator. That being said, when my AC Compressor seized 2 years ago, I just slipped on the shorter belt ($12 at Auto Zone). Takes just a few minutes, a 7/16 socket (I think that's the size) and a breaker bar to undo the tensioner. It's easier when you got someone to hold the breaker bar for you, but it's a snap.

Mind you the shorter belt only works on some vehicles like our Explorers. It doesn't go that way on my Powerstroke.

 

[ejones31]

Will this work for a '92?

I never considered replacing the belt. I hope this works since there's no way I can afford a A/C overhaul. The compressor seized back in the spring. A few weeks ago, it started chirping. A couple weeks ago, the dang truck sounded like a grist mill. Now, the clutch has indeed seized up and is burning the belt. Since I have to replace the belt, I'll use the short option although my local NAPA dudes are skeptical that it will work.

I'll let you guys know.

 

[Maniak]

I actually carry a shorter belt in our '92 X just in case the a/c ever siezes up (along with many other parts for a vehicle with over 300k miles)..

~Mark

 

[cliffredog]

for a 91 sport id reccomend a shorter belt it was cheep and easy. And it is a 5/8 6pt socket for the tensioner. The clutch pully was glowing red and sounded bad, went with a short belt no problems yet

 

[n0rc41]

yes the shorter belt will work on most ford ranger/exploreres when you pop your hood, there is a diagram to show you how to install your belt. my clutch on my compressor went out and still spins tho. but I have ran a shorter belt on my friends ranger for the same problem. and it only takes maybe 5 minutes to change out.

 

[cliffredog]

3.5 if your good lol jk