a/c problem (poss compressor malf)

[s_a_roehrig]

Hello.

I really need your advise on this. My wife is driving me nutz!!! Because she drives the explorer here in Hawaii....

91 xlt 4.0 v-6 Got a problem with my a/c that started two weeks ago... use to work great!

Symptoms:
1. No cold..only warm/hot on any & max ac turned on...
2. Compressor pulley will sometimes stop after the compressor clutches in and the belt will squeal/smoke during this...
3. r-134a will spray out of a little valve looking thing that is about 6 inches behind the compressor in a hose..this happens at 2k rpms and above....

This is before and after I put in a oil charge and 134 charge up to 45 psi.

The compressor does sound like it is clutching in...
I was thinking compressor problem and/or pressure sensor problem and planning a compressor replacement.

What you guys think?

 

[TPLYNCH]

Your low pressure switch might be bad. That'll keep it from kicking in.

 

[Crankcase]

It sounds like the compressor is completley shot. That is unsafe to have it smoking the belts..get it replaced.

 

[s_a_roehrig]

belt only sometimes smokes when a/c is on...

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by s_a_roehrig
belt only sometimes smokes when a/c is on...

That means the bearings in the clutch are bad. The belt should never be smoking at all. You could start a fire under there if you continue to use it that way...

 

[s_a_roehrig]

Could I just get away with replacing the a/c compressor clutch (w/o having to empty system) or I have to get a whole comprssor?

 

[dogfriend]

I think that it is possible to replace the clutch separate from the compressor, but it sounds like your compressor is seizing up. Replacing the clutch wont fix the problem if understand your problem correctly.