AC Clutch/Compressor Problem?

[WhiteGT]

So I've had the car for a few weeks and everything was working fine. The other day I was driving with the AC on (its Florida) and the air got warm...then i heard the a/c make a noise (cant really describe it)turned it off and then a few minutes later started smelling something and saw a small amount of smoke from under the hood. Pulled over and the AC compressor was smoking around the clutch area not a ton. I poored some water on it to get it cooled down as I still had to get it home after it was cooled. I have driven the car twice since first time with a/c completely off and second with vent only both times no smell or smoke. Question is do i start with a new clutch for the a/c or get a new compressor or does anyone have any better ideas before I start taking it apart?
Thanks

 

[ttocs]

Welcome to the forum. I am the electrical section mod and really not sure what to say is the problem here. I am going to move it into the motor section where I am sure one of our folks will have you on the right track shortly.

 

[toyman]

A slipping AC clutch would be indicative of a seized compressor. With the car parked turn on the AC and watch. The clutch should cycle ever few seconds. If the compressor has seized you would also see/hear the belt slipping when the clutch engages.

 

[GTamas]

Is it normal with a stock 5.0 car to feel performance drag when the "Norm A/C" Is turned on? Both in city and highway driving, I can clearly feel it when turning on, and then during operation irregurarly like every 30-60 seconds that the engine is dragging. Probably when the compressor clutch is engaging. Blown air is cold, no suspicious noises.

Or could it be sign that something is getting wrong with the compressor?

 

[cobrajeff96]

The A/C compressor is quite a load on the front acc drive, so yes a slight dip in rpm is normal. But the motor should recover from it quickly.

Usually, A/C shops are supposed to put UV dye as part of the refrigerant & PAG oil blend. A simple UV light should be able to show if the compressor grenaded itself but maybe you don't even need the light. If you look beneath the car and you see dried up caked green liquid on every surface around the compressor, you'll have your answer. Or luckily it is just the clutch overly worn. You can buy clutches separate and I'm sure there's vids on out there on it. But I'm a simple man, I just buy a new one.

 

[RAU03MACH]

i would replace the compressor with new clutch
right now auto zone and orally have a summer deal
get a compressor and Orings and accumulator for 280 bucks or something like that

 

[GTamas]

I checked today, it is short cycling. Gonna check it at a shop what is the refrigerant pressure, I bet it is lower than ot should be, probably a leak somewhere.

 

[cobrajeff96]

Is the high speed fan coming on instantly?

 

[GTamas]

Is the high speed fan coming on instantly?

Yes

 

[cobrajeff96]

Well, that's good.

 

[Methodical]

A/C compressor smoking. I wouldn't waste my time and replace entire unit.

 

[GTamas]

If the refrigerant level is correct, I will replace the unit. Do you know what is the correct pressure level if the refrigerant, to check if I have not too less, not too much in the system?

 

[Methodical]

OP, what was the end result?

 

[RAU03MACH]

here are some specs

 

[GTamas]

OP, what was the end result?

Didn't had time to check system pressure. I'm gearing up for import registration and historical inspection, which is today.

 

[GTamas]

here are some specs

Thanks!

 

[Methodical]

Didn't had time to check system pressure. I'm gearing up for import registration and historical inspection, which is today.

Let us know whenever you figure it out. Curious...

 

[GTamas]

Let us know whenever you figure it out. Curious...

I will. Now trying to solve the lean reading at the tailpipes first, get the car registered and then it is the next on the list.

 

[GTamas]

Half of the refrigerant was missing. Got it evacuated and filled up to specs. Now it runs smoothly and cools better.