A/C Problem Need Help!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
A/C Problem Need Help!
It looks like my A/C just took a dump on me and I'm not sure if it is just the clutch or the compressor.
I was driving down the road (in the rain) and smoke is coming out of the right front fenderwell. I shut off everything electrical (lights, wipers etc.) thinking that I have an electrical fire under the hood.
No more smoke but the compressor is not turning. A/C is not cooling.
There is still freon in the system. I depressed the low side schrader valve and there was significant pressure. White spray came out. I can turn the compressor with my hand but it does not turn "freely". There is black oily, gummy residue all under the hood in a line around the comperssor. Like the compressor slung oil and rubber. The serpentine belt is intact and does not show any abnormal wear.
The question is: how can I tell if the clutch burned up or if it is the whole compressor?
Wish me luck.
Thanks,
Mike.
I was driving down the road (in the rain) and smoke is coming out of the right front fenderwell. I shut off everything electrical (lights, wipers etc.) thinking that I have an electrical fire under the hood.
No more smoke but the compressor is not turning. A/C is not cooling.
There is still freon in the system. I depressed the low side schrader valve and there was significant pressure. White spray came out. I can turn the compressor with my hand but it does not turn "freely". There is black oily, gummy residue all under the hood in a line around the comperssor. Like the compressor slung oil and rubber. The serpentine belt is intact and does not show any abnormal wear.
The question is: how can I tell if the clutch burned up or if it is the whole compressor?
Wish me luck.
Thanks,
Mike.
Advanced
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Los Altos CA
Re: A/C Problem Need Help! (Midnite 88)
It sounds like the compressor is gone--a phenomenon that's called "Black Death" by A/C pro's. Here's a website that may have some useful info for you:
http://www.ackits.com/blackdeath.htm
If this is what happened to your compressor, you'll have to flush out your entire system and replace any parts beyond repair (most likely the orifice tube and the compressor).
Best of luck to you.
http://www.ackits.com/blackdeath.htm
If this is what happened to your compressor, you'll have to flush out your entire system and replace any parts beyond repair (most likely the orifice tube and the compressor).
Best of luck to you.
