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Fried clutch on a/c

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by V8Sky, May 23, 2010.

  1. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    So my day started very well - enjoyed the Long Island all Buick show at the Vanderbuilt museum. Drove there with no issues and most of the way back.....until I started seeing smoke coming out of my hood scoops. I quickly pulled over and saw that my air conditioning clutch looked like it fried and smoke was pouring out of it. I cut off the a/c belt and that solved the problem. I'm assuming something seized in the a/c - but here is the kicker, I did not have the a/c on at all! So does anyone know why this would happen?:Do No:
     
  2. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    maybe the freewheeling bearing (s) on the compressor locked up. Should be able to turn it by hand with AC off and no belt.

    does the clutch still "click" if you turn the AC on?

    maybe the clutch got activated and the compressor itself was froze up. Had AC been working previously?
     
  3. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Had it happen to a chevy I had. The pully berring assmbly on the compressor itself seized up. Sucked B/C i was 20+ miles from home and it had a serp belt on it. I was at work so I grabbed a small V belt we used on auto gate openers and forced it onto the crank pully and water pump. It got me all the way home.
     
  4. rack-attack

    rack-attack Well-Known Member

    how was the show?

    Any pictures?
     
  5. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    >>Just went back out to the garage after dinner. Was able to turn it with the a/c off and no belt as you said. I have a bunch of car parts piled up behind the Buick so I will start the car up again tomorrow after moving everything and see if I hear the click.

    The a/c worked previously, but the clutch did not always kick on right away - so I guess that was a sign that it was starting to go.
     
  6. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    >>Great show - the morning looked real iffy weather wise and I drove with the top up as I thought it might rain on the way there. But the sun eventually came out and the field was almost filled to capacity with Buicks. I took a bunch of pics and will post some here and all of them on the LIBC website and Facebook page. Also took first in my class which was cool:)

    The LIBC president announced at the end of the show that next year's show will also be at the Vanderbuilt museum. Plus, it seems like there might be a Fall show as well at Karp Buick - apparently, Buick management contacted the club and was interested in getting the club at one of its dealerships. Nice to see Buick starting to support its clubs now.
     
  7. techg8

    techg8 The BS GS

    could be that its engaging but just is shot enough to slip under pressure from the compressor. sounds like it.
     
  8. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    Okay, new question - the air condition before this incident was a little iffy - you sometimes had to click on the a/c switch in the car more than once to get it to go on. With that in mind, is it still better to just get a remanufactured a/c clutch for $120 or a complete remanufactured a/c compressor with clutch for $235? I'm sort of leaning towards getting the whole compressor with clutch to avoid any more problems with the a/c.
     
  9. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    You have to take into account the reclaiming of the Freon that in there. And then once the repairs are made, recharging it. Freon is way expensive. You can convert it to 134A, but that open a whole new can of worms. You would need to change the drier to something thats 134A compatible. Although I havent experienced this first hand, Ive heard the 134A conversion with a mechanical fan doesnt get as cold as R12
     
  10. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    Hi guys,

    Since I was able to get a cheap used '72 compressor with clutch I decided that I will swap the clutches and keep the old freon for now. I do need an A/C compressor clutch pulley puller so I figured that I would try to find one for a cheap price. I did find a nice used one for $20 - just want to make sure it would do the job. I know they are basically like steering wheel pullers so would this one do the job?
     

    Attached Files:

  11. cstanley-gs

    cstanley-gs Silver Mist

    So you can replace the clutch without opening the system and loosing freon? good to know :TU:
     
  12. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    >>I'm hoping this is the case - otherwise I will have to get a new compressor which I was hoping to avoid as I would have to get the system recharged then.
     
  13. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Stop by tomorrow Chris and you can borrow mine. Or bring the car by Saturday morning and I'll swap it for you. Im sorry I havent gotten back to you. Its been crazy busy over here.
     
  14. 75Riv

    75Riv A.K.A. Harry Clamshell

    Chris can you please let me know if it really can be done (change the clutch) with the compressor still in place (a few photos would be great).
    My system had a R12 re-charge in the US just before the clutch burned (R12 is like impossible to get here).
    I do have 2 spare compressors with good clutches, so I might not have to change to 134A.
    :beer
     
  15. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    >>Hi Jason,
    Okay, thank you very much - I really appreciate it:TU: Today I have to move everything out of the old house so I'll give you a call Saturday to drop by. I figured you were busy with new your Buick acquisition:grin:
     
  16. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    Hi Rob,
    I'll let you know how I make out with the a/c clutch swap - fingers crossed!
     
  17. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    If you can, the earlier the better on Saturday. They're saying 96 and humid by mid day.
     
  18. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    >>Yow, that will be a hot one. I should get a break today and perhaps can shoot on by to borrow the puller otherwise I'll drop on by early tomorrow.

    By the way, there was a really nice green '72 GS at the cruise in Oakdale last night - lots of options on it as well!
     
  19. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    I just so happened to park the 70 Stage 1 next to him a couple weeks back. He just bought it. We talked for a while. Really nice car. He was surprised to see another GS pull in.
     
  20. V8Sky

    V8Sky "Scarlett"

    I had met the guy once before at Bald Hill when he was checking out my Buick but he didn't have the GS with him then. His GS is very original - loved seeing the cruise control set up on the car!
     

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