AC compressor noise
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 436
Likes: 15
From: Maryland
AC compressor noise
My 1982 has the R134 conversion, and now i wanna get to fixing the AC. The only time i tried running the AC, the compressor started making a grinding noise once the clutch engages. I didnt check for refrigerant in the lines beforehand, and I just got this car recently. 2 questions
1. Could lack of R134 in the lines cause this noise?
2. Can I repair the compressor instead of buying a new one, or is it not worth it?
1. Could lack of R134 in the lines cause this noise?
2. Can I repair the compressor instead of buying a new one, or is it not worth it?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,282
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Compressor shouldn't engage if pressure is low. Unless you jumped the safety switch.
Can you rebuild the compressor that's known to leak out of the front seal? Why when you can upgrade to a Sanden unit that uses 1/4 the power to turn, weighs less and plays nicer with 134.
Parallel flow condenser?
Have you looked into any of the many threads on a "Proper" 134 conversion?
Can you rebuild the compressor that's known to leak out of the front seal? Why when you can upgrade to a Sanden unit that uses 1/4 the power to turn, weighs less and plays nicer with 134.
Parallel flow condenser?
Have you looked into any of the many threads on a "Proper" 134 conversion?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 1,081
From: South Florida
I don't think low gas will cause noise but perhaps low oil will. Alot of times system will leak slowly, losing oil and gas, then the owner re-fills the gas but neglects the oil. Rinse and repeat enough times and now the compressor is grinding away I guess. If you think the compressor is still good you can evacuate the sytem completely, full vacuum, and re-fill with proper gas and oil. Otherwise just replace the entire thing, compressor, drier, gas, oil, belt, tensioner, etc... and clean the evaporator if you can, and condensor, just try to bring it all back to life at once, even the fan in the dash and vent fuzz/tape/w.e. I wouldn't just replace a compressor by itself on something aged and high mileage without addressing every single component.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 9
From: Central Valley CA
The car is currently in a shop having it's frame repaired. However, when I get it back (hopefully by this weekend) I will take the AC compressor Clutch off and inspect it for damage. If I can't find any I will replace the unit. I will see about an R134a conversion aswell. Thank you all for your replies.
