A/C died on my 71 Skylark. Best I can tell is it looks like the a/c clutch is DOA. Is this an easy fix and where can I get the part. The A/C was converted to 134A but all else looks original.
If the electromagnetic clutch is toasted, there likely may be a good reason why that happened. The system may be overcharged.......liquid refrigerant is not compressible, overcharging causes liquid refrigerant to enter the compresser as opposed to gas. One other thing could be lack of oil. If someone just put 134 in without adding ester oil, the r-12 oil will hide within the system and not be able to lubricate. Here is the main reason why I like Duracool so much, because it is compatible with ALL oils, regardless. Your best bet now would be to flush out your entire system (you can use mineral spirits and compressed air) and install a new compressor and a new dryer, and if you choose to use R-134, be sure to install the correct amount of ester oil. :Smarty:
If you want to keep matching number compressor have it rebuilt by Oldcarairproducts or one of the other big outfits. I say never part with original parts as cores anyway. Someone may want it someday.
most auto parts stores carry the clutch and you need a special install/removal tool for the job. If you need a compressor, replacement compressors don't come with a clutch so you'll need a new clutch and the tool anyway. Have you confirmed 12V and ground at the clutch?
