Strange AC woes

[SHOtimer]

So, I replaced my acumlator about a month ago and had the system recharged and ready to go for my trip to Arizona (11 hrs). I used the AC for a month and it worked flawlessly. Left for AZ had the AC on for about 10 hrs and I'm in Phenoix and I realize I only have hot air the compressor had shut off and refused to restart. The next morning the compressor turned on but only worked for 15 min then wouldn't turn back on. I had the pressure checked and it was fine (so I was told). The guy in AZ told me it had to be a relay somewhere. So, didn't use the AC for the rest of the trip ( and it was HOT cuss ). I got back last night and I tried it this morning after I washed the SHO and it turned on. I didn't see how long it would last I didn't have time. So, how can I go about looking for a fix for this? Thanx, Doug

 

[K-Dawg]

Sounds like a bad compressor clutch. Do a search in the engine and driveline troubleshooting section to learn what to do.

 

[SHOtimer]

Do I need to just disassemble the clutch and take out a shim or two? Or buy a whole new clutch?
Doug

 

[projectSHO89]

Measure the gap first. If the gap is too large (it usually is), the remove a shim.

Steve

 

[SHOtimer]

Alright sounds easy enough. Do I need any special rent-a-tools from AZ or is this accomplished with garage tools and some elbow grease.
Doug

 

[SW SHO]

It's a DIY job.

 

[SW SHO]

It's a DIY job.

 

[SHOtimer]

Yea, I plan on tackling it in the next few weeks. Is the AC clutch puller rent-a-tool from Auto Zone the only other tool I need besides a wrench? Thanx,
Doug

 

[shojuan]

SHOtimer:
Yea, I plan on tackling it in the next few weeks. Is the AC clutch puller rent-a-tool from Auto Zone the only other tool I need besides a wrench? Thanx,
Doug

The Helms should list all the special tools you need. What does it say?

 

[rangerj]

Special tools?

You can hold the clutch face, in order to remove the nut or bolt, with a "Strap Wrench".

Then use a couple of wood "shims" to "pull" the clutch face from the compressor shaft. Gently drive the shims between the clutch face and the pulley, using one on each side to apply even pressure.

The wood will not harm the clutch surfaces, but a screwdriver or other metal tool will. This is important if you plan on reusing the clutch face and pulley.

The pulley is held to the compressor with a snap ring. The snap ring is beveled on one side and the beveled side is oriented toward you. The clutch coil is also held on with a snap ring. Again the beveled side is oriented facing you.

The snap rings are easier to remove if you remove the compressor mounting bolts and tilt the compressor. You do NOT have to discharge the system or remove any hoses to do this.

The pulley bearing is available for 89-91 or 92, check with your local auto parts store. It may also be available for later models, but check BEFORE you try to remove it (if you think it needs replaced).

It is held in place with a spring that snaps into place in a grove. If you replace the bearing be careful not to distort the spring.

It (bearing)can be pressed in, and out, with the old "C-clamp" and socket method. You use the "C-clamp" as the "press", and a large socket as the receiver when removing the bearing, and pressure distributor when putting the bearing in.

hope this helps, rangerj

 

[SHOtimer]

Ok ok, back the truck up. Do I need to buy a new bearing for the pulley? I thought that all I needed to do was to pull off the pulley take out a shim and put it back on. So, I just need to remove the bolt, and the snap ring, get the pulley off (I was gonna rent the AC Pulley remover from AZ) and remove a shim then put it all back together. Can I do that without replacing the pulley bearing. It makes no indication that this bearing would be bad, no strange noises or anything. Thanx,
Doug

 

[rangerj]

Shotimer,

Yes you can adjust the "gap" without replacing the pulley bearing. Remove the clutch face and the shims (metal washers) are inside the clutch face where the compressor shaft goes.

Determine what the gap is before you take it apart. Then the difference between what the gap is, and what it should be, is the thickness of the shim you need to remove.

Eg. a gap of .058 would require a shim of .020 be removed to get a gap of .038. Check your model year gap specification. The 90 specifies a gap of .021 to .036.

With the clutch face removed spin the pulley to check for signs of a worn or dry bearing. You only need to replace the bearing if it is worn or dry. rangerj

 

[SHOtimer]

Alrighty thanx, I'll see how this goes.
Doug