OH NO!, AC Compressor probably shot!

[hooterville]

I got under my car today and looked at the AC compressor from beneath. I saw a horrible sight. There is a black tar substance that is around the center of the AC compressor. The picture I posted below shows what I mean.
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I noticed the problem after the AC went from COLD to HOT. Tried to recharge it, didn't work. Pressure builds up in the AC system when it is on, and it doesn't produce cold air.
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Heard some chirping in the engine, and the serpentine belt is the most likely culprit. I was thinking that the tar was some fragments from the serpentine belt, but I am not sure that it is the case. The serpentine belt was rubbing against the stopped compressor. The compressor doesn't chirp anymore, and it rotates.
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What does this mean? I am guessing that I need a new compressor. But if anyone can tell me that it is a sensor or a bearing, I will be relieved. Either way, give me the cold, HARD truth.
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[hooterville]

 

[hooterville]

AC Compressor Illustration

 

[luigisho]

Check with an ac professional. The system will need to be cleaned before you add new components so they will not be contaminated with the black goo after install. I think I will be doing the same thing. Get it cleaned then replace most stuff then recharge with r134a. It'll cost some cash.

Ask these auto ac pros at their discussion board- http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/

Also a quick check here for blackdeath- http://www.ackits.com/

<small>[ August 05, 2002, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: luigisho ]</small>

 

[hooterville]

The outer plate of the compressor moves quite easily with my hand. The whole compressor doesn't move, just the outer plate.

 

[luigisho]

Your links didn't work for me when I typed them in so hard to get an exact image. However I would check that message board. The tech's there seem pretty good. Could be just the clutch if the black stuff is just belt stuff.

 

[95SHOdude]

hooterville:
The outer plate of the compressor moves quite easily with my hand. The whole compressor doesn't move, just the outer plate.

Is that the clutch your talking about? I'd take off the belt and see if you can turn the rear plate (closest to the compressor) the pully part doesn't count unless the clutch is engauged. If you can't turn that, you have a fried compressor most likely.

 

[CharlieSHO95]

The outer plate that pulls in when the clutch engages has a hub and a ring that are connected to each other by a rubber ring. When it goes south you get the black goo, at least that's what happened to me. Not sure what causes it, perhaps the compressor locking up.

If you take the clutch apart, watch out for the edges where the two faces contact, they wear down and can be razor sharp.