Hello all. My Electra has been sitting alot for the past 13 years (driven less than 1000 miles), but the AC usually worked fine. Within the last year the compressor seems to be frozen. When I turn the switch to AC, the belt just squeals. Is there any way to break it loose again? I'm pretty sure this car still has the old style freon in it, if that matters. Thanks. PS - I did a search, but couldn't find anything already here. Sorry if this is a common problem.
Potentially the clutch bearing is seized/frozen. I changed mine a few years ago with the compressor on the bench. You should be able to do it in the car........I think. Problem I had was finding a puller, seem to be non-existant. Made one of my own from hardware store parts. Simple, not very pretty but very effective. Search here & you might find the old thread. or Send me a PM & I can send you some pics to your e-mail address.
I bought a KD tools compressor clutch set off e-bay and did the job on my 73 - not bad but the tool that draws the clutch back on the shaft kept breaking. I had to drive it on with a drift until I could catch threads, which is NOT a great idea. No leaks yet, keeping my fingures crossed. Great tutorial on the process here, strangely enough from a Jaguar site....... http://bernardembden.com/xjs/comclutch/ Wrapped up the job, and the temp at the vents is 35 degrees. That came in pretty handy the laft couple days here!
I have the set of tools also. Got them at the parts store. I also think the stores that have the tool loaner program has them to use for free. Just remember theres a snap ring way down in there and you need a special pair of pliers to get it out.
I guess I don't understand much about compressors. It sounds to me like the clutch is trying to engage but the compressor shaft isn't turning, so the belt just slips on the pulley. Is that possible? Thanks for the responses.
Try to turn the compressor over by hand (engine off!). The forward most part that isn't turning when the engine is running is connected to the shaft in the compressor and should turn freely. If not, it's probably seized. If so, I'd recommend a rebuilt. If it does turn, make sure you are getting full battery voltage to the clutch. Also, the brushes could be worn, and the electromagnet may not be getting enough juice. Lastly, the shoe that gets pulled in by the magnet could just be scorched after engaging many thousands of times. If the compressor is seized, I'd recommend that you flush the system and replace the receiver-dryer at the same time. There are products on the market which are similar to R-12 that don't require a lot of changing of desiccant or o-rings, if you open the system and lose it all. I would recommend having the system drained by a shop. Releasing R-12 into the air carries a big fine, if you are caught. Maybe that doesn't apply to DIY work.
Based on your systems I don't think it could be this, but it could be just the clutch bearing. The bearing itself is replaceable, I did mine a few years ago: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?55868-Air-Conditioning-Compressor-Clutch-Bearing
