A/C Question
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
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A/C Question
Turned on the A/C today and while it blew cool air and fogged up the windshield, there was a faint burning smell. Checked under the hood and could not pin point the source or general area. I had my A/C recharged in 2001. The car is a '94, and I don't use the A/C much, maybe that is the problem. Thanks for any input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Try turning the outer hub of the compressor clutch by hand (engine off of course). It should turn with minimal resistance. If not, the compressor is probably on it's last legs. Otherwise, check the air gap between the outer hub and the pulley. It should be .020 inch. Too wide and it will slip. You can try to re-shim it, but if you have a burning smell, probably better to replace the whole assembly.
Check resistance of the clutch coil. Disconnect the harness and from the lead terminal to ground, it should be about 3.5 ohms (can vary with outside temp, but it should be above 3).
Check for refrigerant oil around the clutch assembly and on the hood above the compressor. If present, the compressor shaft seal needs to be replaced.
Check the blower motor wiring harness for discoloration at the connector.
Check resistance of the clutch coil. Disconnect the harness and from the lead terminal to ground, it should be about 3.5 ohms (can vary with outside temp, but it should be above 3).
Check for refrigerant oil around the clutch assembly and on the hood above the compressor. If present, the compressor shaft seal needs to be replaced.
Check the blower motor wiring harness for discoloration at the connector.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Try turning the outer hub of the compressor clutch by hand (engine off of course). It should turn with minimal resistance. If not, the compressor is probably on it's last legs. Otherwise, check the air gap between the outer hub and the pulley. It should be .020 inch. Too wide and it will slip. You can try to re-shim it, but if you have a burning smell, probably better to replace the whole assembly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
The worst thing you could do to the A/C system is not use it. Lack of use causes the seals to dry up and deteriorate. Using it once every few weeks is all you need to do to ensure everything stays nice and moist.
That burning smell can be the clutch. If the A/C cycles often, you can be low on refrigerant. In cold weather, you should still turn on and use your A/C every few weeks. Simply add heat to the mixture.
That burning smell can be the clutch. If the A/C cycles often, you can be low on refrigerant. In cold weather, you should still turn on and use your A/C every few weeks. Simply add heat to the mixture.
Foggy windshield is the first stage of the NIGHTMARE 
