A/C Screeeeech....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 190
Likes: 53
From: Northern VA
A/C Screeeeech....
Hi All,
My 69 427 390 started screeching when I engaged the AC a bit ago, but if I engaged say at a stop light all was ok. Now it is much worse. I suspect it is the clutch. But would like thoughs on if my diagnosis is correct.
Quick question, what is the skill level to replace the clutch in the AC? (if that is the issue) I have the luxury of having an Aerospace engineer next door who is also an old car buff. With his help and vast array of tools I can accomplish more than I can on my own. But if it is truly something complex, I might leave it for winter service at my mechanic. Or do you just replace the whole unit - I imagine that is more expensive than a rebuild either by me or at the garage.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Hans
My 69 427 390 started screeching when I engaged the AC a bit ago, but if I engaged say at a stop light all was ok. Now it is much worse. I suspect it is the clutch. But would like thoughs on if my diagnosis is correct.
Quick question, what is the skill level to replace the clutch in the AC? (if that is the issue) I have the luxury of having an Aerospace engineer next door who is also an old car buff. With his help and vast array of tools I can accomplish more than I can on my own. But if it is truly something complex, I might leave it for winter service at my mechanic. Or do you just replace the whole unit - I imagine that is more expensive than a rebuild either by me or at the garage.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Hans
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,227
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
AC screeching on engagement? First thought is loose V belt, or glazed V belt.
Before I would even consider the clutch. (Highly unlikely in my opinion) I would inspect, adjust the belt.
If the belt is glazed, replace the belt. This should be in anyone's skill level.
Before I would even consider the clutch. (Highly unlikely in my opinion) I would inspect, adjust the belt.
If the belt is glazed, replace the belt. This should be in anyone's skill level.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 190
Likes: 53
From: Northern VA
Hi All,
I just had a look and the belt looks to be in very good conditioin but it does have some play in it, Not nearly as tight as the alternator belt. So going to retighten it.
ramair_bryan - Thanks for the reply, but I think that is not an issue, it was running quite well in the beginning of the summer. I now thing the belt is the target.
Best,
Hans
I just had a look and the belt looks to be in very good conditioin but it does have some play in it, Not nearly as tight as the alternator belt. So going to retighten it.
ramair_bryan - Thanks for the reply, but I think that is not an issue, it was running quite well in the beginning of the summer. I now thing the belt is the target.
Best,
Hans
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,135
Likes: 4,244
From: US-PNW
Do not worry about asking any question, amateurish or not. We've all been there with something obvious staring us in the face, yet we don't see it. It's the easy fixes that are sometimes overlooked because we tend to jump to the worst case scenario. Unless you live in Tanzania, apply Occam's Razor: hoof beats are usually horses not zebras.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 190
Likes: 53
From: Northern VA
Do not worry about asking any question, amateurish or not. We've all been there with something obvious staring us in the face, yet we don't see it. It's the easy fixes that are sometimes overlooked because we tend to jump to the worst case scenario. Unless you live in Tanzania, apply Occam's Razor: hoof beats are usually horses not zebras.
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