A/C Diagnostic Help

[Electricat]

I guess the SHO wasn't satisfied with new O2's a couple weeks ago, it wants more of my money now. The AC quit sometime within the last week, and I'd like to fix it myself, or at least figure out the problem. Air blows, but is cabin temp, not cold at all. I ran the EATC diagnostic, no trouble codes shown. The blend door is definately not the problem. The compressor clutch is engaging, and the compressor is turning, but no temp change on the plumbing. There are no known refrigerant leaks. I don't have a manifold, so I haven't been able to check pressures. Any suggestions on what to do next would be much appreciated....

 

[Electricat]

Well....I got ahold of a cheap low-side gauge that reads up to 80psi. I popped it on, and it pegged so hard that it wrecked the gauge.....obviously, there is no pressure drop between high and low sides, as I suspected.

So...compressor? orifice tube? any other possibilities??

Any help on narrowing the problem down further is appreciated!

 

[projectSHO89]

While you believe the compressor is turning, a closer examination may show that only the outer clutch hub is turning but the compressor shaft is not. This is due to a failed clutch.

OTOH, if the compressor shaft is indeed turning properly, the compressor has failed internally.

Steve

 

[Electricat]

Steve, you called it!! I got my little inspection mirror out, and sure enough, the outer ring has separated, making it look like the whole thing is turning. The inner part will turn by hand, so that says that the clutch didn't come apart during a compressor seize-up.

This is shaping up to be easier and WAY cheaper than I feared.....with all the annoying problems of late, I was about ready to send her down to join your '89.

Thanks for bringing this possibility to my attention.....I think I've gotten more good tech info from you than from anyone else on the board.