AC clutch/compressor problem.

[caseywan]

Ok, I charged up my AC the other day and it was working fine for a few minutes and then I started hearing kind of a metalic grinding noise from the compressor and I looked at the compressor and there was just a little bit of smoke coming from it. I have heard something about take out the washer behind the clutch or something, but I'm not sure. Any help would be great.

 

[SHO#7]

That sounds more along the lines of your compressor clutch is about to lock up.

Mike

 

[caseywan]

Anybody, got any ideas. Need some help.

 

[SHO#7]

Taking out the shim is for when the comperssor clutch is worn and will not make contact any longer. Typical symptoms are that the clutch will stay engaged for about 15 minutes and then will just dis-engage. The clutch operates magneticly (sp) and when the clutch is worn down far enough that the currant can not pull the clutch in to engage, then you are forced to replace the clutch or remove the shim. Taking out the shim makes the clutch ride closer to the compressor, allowing the currant to draw it on.

Mike