Weird A/C problem ?!?!?!

[Operation SHO]

I've got a 1990 mtx 76k miles my a/c doesn't engage the clutch so I did the paperclip test and it turned right on however the air wasn't blowing any colder witch is obviously due to low freon but that's not the confusing part after it turns on with the paper clip after about a minute it starts locking up and makin the belt squeal like a pig. So I removed the shim and realigned everything and the problem is still there. Any ideas?

Thanks !

Doug H.

 

[93rev2sev]

if it's low on freon, it's low on oil.

don't run a compressor without oil. It will lock up and fry itself...maybe already has.

If you "tested" the compressor for a minute, thats about 58 seconds too long.

 

[Operation SHO]

Thanks ! U wouldn't happen to kno where I can buy a few cans of r12 refill would u?

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

Thanks ! U wouldn't happen to kno where I can buy a few cans of r12 refill would u?

Ebay.

but technically you need an EPA 608 or 609 certification (one is for auto A/C, one is for commercial trucking refrigeration) to even buy or use the stuff.

you could also do it the right way and:

A) pray to the SHO gods you haven't fried your compressor with your paper clip shenanigans.

B) get the R134a retrofit kit, a new orifice tube, and some teflon tape. check all your O rings and make sure you dont see any visible leaks in your system. you're bound to find one somewhere if your refrigerant has leaked out, the teflon tape is something i put on the sensor that is in the top of the accumulator/dryer because i find that A/C tends to leak there often. Buy 1 can of the refrigerant with oil in it, 1 can with the UV dye (helps to look for leaks) and 1 can of regular refrigerant.

C) fix the leak, and put the first can of coolant into the system, the dye can. once the Dye Can is in, there should be enough pressure in the lines to be able to spot any further leaks or screw ups you may have made/missed. fix any you find and then proceed to add the other two cans of refrigerant.

i HATE working on A/C.

 

[kevinspann]

A) pray to the SHO gods you haven't fried your compressor with your paper clip shenanigans.

They are not forgiving.

And it sounds like it's too late for his compressor.

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

yep.

the stupid tax gets a little high when it comes to dealing with A/C... the compressor is like $200 bones for a new one from a parts store isn't it?

 

[93rev2sev]

More like $250, methinks.

 

[Operation SHO]

Autozone is $279 last time I checked. Is the office tube a notorious non findable sho part or is it common?

 

[93rev2sev]

It's not even SHO specific. What you are looking for is the liquid line with integrated orifice tube.

 

[Operation SHO]

the SHO gods hate me haha so i went and got the new orfice tube and the retro fit kit along with a vacuum a/c hose kit thing to drain it, drained everything and started filling with 134a everything was workin great.....until...... the belt started squealing like a pig again and when i put the gauge back on the low pressure side i was WAY over pressure witch is weird because i was watching it like a hawk while filling and sure enough by the time i got back in the car to turn it off bellows of smoke were pouring from the clutch and when i went back i realized i fried my compressor lol i suck at life

 

[SHOOFF508]

not sure if you have figured out if you need a compressor or not yet but if you do.... www.car-part.com aka the google of boneyards nationwide ! check it out you wont be sorry.