What's Wrong With My A/C Setup?

[DigDeez]

My a/c actually went out a few years ago. Just haven't gotten around to doing anything about it. I've since disconnected the line from somewhere under/around the alternator so that the a/c doesn't engage at all if I'm using the air inside the car.

When the a/c went out, there was this '****' sound and that was it. Over the months the metal coil from the pulley became increasingly disengaged from the compressor to the point that I had to use a metal cutter to cut it from the pulley area, because it was continually clanking as it got dislodged.

So, anyone know how do I start to figuring out how to get my a/c back working? Don't know much about the a/c components. Would it be as simple as just replacing the compressor. Isn't there allot of labor on this r/r? Will a used a/c compressor be o.k.?

I'm hotter than a Canadian monty in the Sahara deserts!!!

 

[SHOtimer]

Does your system have a charge in it? Your compressor might just need a new bearing/coil/hub assembly. Is your compressor currently connected (to a belt drive that is)?

Doug

 

[DigDeez]

I believe when it was checked for a charge some time ago, there wasn't a charge to the system. And it is still connected to the belt. Is there a quick way to determine if there is a charge in the system? Thanks!

 

[SHOtimer]

To properly check would include a gauge set. But, if you want to see if there is anything in it would be to removed the low pressure switch from on top of the accumulator and *be careful* depress the schrader valve and top of the acumulator, you will know quickly if there is anything in there or not.

Doug

 

[DigDeez]

O.K. I think I can do this. I think I remember someone else doing this for me, and there wasn't anything in it. Tried to then put some refrigerant, but it was going in extremly slow and barely. So slow, that I just gave up on it because the air wasn't getting any cooler at all inside the car. So, after this is done, then what would be the next step for me. Thanks!

 

[SHOtimer]

Well, first you need to evaluate the condition and possible operation of your compressor. You also can't just add refrigerant to the system, it first must be vaccuumed out (the air).

But, before you do that you should find out why it is empty. You probably have a leaky O-ring somewhere.

Doug

 

[DigDeez]

Thanks! I'll have to have it checked out. Just don't want to be duked, because I know it can be an expensive r/r, if you aren't doing the repairs yourself!

 

[SHOtimer]

That is true it can be expensive. I redid my entire system myself, cost me less than $500 parts, and a good day/weekend of work. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be.

Doug

 

[DigDeez]

That is true it can be expensive. I redid my entire system myself, cost me less than $500 parts, and a good day/weekend of work. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be.

Doug

Yeah, I saw in an old sig of yours that you did the entire a/c system. Why? What was your problems? Woulod you fool around with a used compressor and other a/c parts, esp. on a 160,000 car?

 

[Keith M]

My compressor just went out @104k; looking at ~800 for the job; accumulator needs to be replaced when replacing the compressor, and in my case the lines were pretty well shot, so there's another couple hunnert...yikes! I keep telling myself that no matter WHAT I do, it's still cheaper than owning a new car, right? Right? Someone please back me up here...

 

[DigDeez]

My compressor just went out @104k; looking at ~800 for the job; accumulator needs to be replaced when replacing the compressor, and in my case the lines were pretty well shot, so there's another couple hunnert...yikes! I keep telling myself that no matter WHAT I do, it's still cheaper than owning a new car, right? Right? Someone please back me up here...

I'll back you up by saying, why do you need a/c......you live in Rhode Island.....what, two months of hot weather right? Keep me posted on actually how much it will all cost you for your new setup. And with the price you stated, highly unlikely mine will ever be fixed, unless some shocago member is feeling gunho and wants to do/help with the labor of it.

 

[Keith M]

2 months! LOL! Having a low tolerance for heat, I use my a/c from April to October!

 

[DigDeez]

April? Do you ever consider rolling down the windows?!

 

[SHOtimer]

Yeah, I saw in an old sig of yours that you did the entire a/c system. Why? What was your problems? Woulod you fool around with a used compressor and other a/c parts, esp. on a 160,000 car?

That wasn't an old sig, it is in my current one. Well, the clutch and coil went out on my compressor. I plan on having this car for a long time and was getting ready to move to an much hotter climate. So, I thought that instead of fixing the compressor parts I would just replace it since it had so many miles on it already. I was not that difficult. The only new parts I used was the compressor, the orifice tube, and the accumulator. My SHO doesn't know what rust is so the hard lines were fine, I got my condenser flushed for a couple bucks at the AC shop and was on my way. The most difficult part of the job was removing the radiator so that I could pull the compressor and condenser. But, the whole job could easily be done in a weekend.

Some may think I went a bit overboard, but I don't have to worry about my AC goin out and I spent less than $400.

*I was also lucky and found a brand new Ford compressor cheap*

Doug