01-22-2015, 01:28 PM | #1 |
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Location: Lavonia, Ga
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A/C Lockup
So, I'm making a quick run in BabyBlu the other day and started to notice a periodic irregular ticking noise. When I got to my destination, I kept her running and checked under the hood. The noise was coming from the A/C clutch. I have avoided turneding the A/C on because I don't know the condition of the compressor. I've been waiting to get it to a recommended shop and let him do the first test on it. I did turn it on briefly once about a month ago just to see if the clutch engaged and the compressor turned. It seemed fine and quiet so I turned it back off. Not been on since.
So a few minutes later, I'm headed home (about 3 miles) and the noise continues. About a mile from the house, it goes to a horrible loud whine. I pulled over ASAP and shut her down. Lift the hood and the A/C belt is smoking, the clutch seems to have locked up. I cut the belt off and drove on home. The alternator belt was still running the water pump. Since it locked up and smoked the belt, is it possible it's only the clutch or did the clutch lock up and the compressor is probably also locked? |
01-22-2015, 01:31 PM | #2 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
It's probable that the clutch bearing locked up as well as compressor. Is this the axial compressor?
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 Last edited by Longhorn 70; 01-22-2015 at 01:40 PM. |
01-22-2015, 03:08 PM | #3 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
As far as I know, it's the stock Four Seasons compressor. So far, everything has been stock on this truck and this looks to be an original part. I believe the stock compressor was a 6 vane axial?
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01-22-2015, 03:45 PM | #4 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Try to turn the clutch plate. If it does turn you may have only lost the clutch bearing. If not, you lost more.....
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
01-22-2015, 07:42 PM | #5 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
If the AC compressor wasn't on and it locked up on you while driving it then you can pretty much bet on replacing it.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
01-22-2015, 08:00 PM | #6 | |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Quote:
Okay, I'm calm now. So the next question: Parts site (Rock) has the clutch listed. Is it actually the clutch that has failed or a bearing? Can you tell from the pic on RockAuto if the parts I need will be included? LMC doesn't show anything besides the compressor assembly, but if you know of another place to source these parts, I'm all ears. Thanks for what (so far) appears to be good news. |
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01-23-2015, 08:23 AM | #7 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
If you cannot turn the pulley with the truck off, you can be sure the pulley bearing is shot.
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01-23-2015, 01:58 PM | #8 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
That is good news.
Just a note on A6 compressors, EVERYTHING needs a special tool to do the job correctly. I usually just find an AC shop and bring the compressor in. Have it repaired, flushed and filled with new oil. If you don't want to purge and refill, see if you can get the tool from AutoZone or Oreilly on their loan a toll program. Here is a good how to page. Best of luck.
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1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
01-23-2015, 03:28 PM | #9 | |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Quote:
It's a tight squeeze against the fan shroud so you may have to remove it and maybe the trans cooler line but I'd try it first. I was able to squeeze it by on mine IF I remember it's been a long time. Hard to tell about the Rock Auto picture as no picture or no link provided. This is what I looked up and it does include bearing. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...552&cc=1410073 This is the tool kit you will need. Even with shipping it's likely cheaper than the cost of shop labor to replace that clutch. http://www.sears.com/astro-pneumatic...&mktRedirect=y And not 100% necessary but lots easier with real snap ring pliers. http://local.kmart.com/Craftsman-PC-...x00002xlpla#!/ That's a very good link provided by Longhorn 70 for the procedure, and do try to get the tools on loaner first but they might want you to buy their parts. Hey, see how much they want, might be cheaper in the long run. Last edited by mechanicalman; 01-23-2015 at 03:32 PM. Reason: add-on |
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01-23-2015, 07:16 PM | #10 | |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Quote:
I've NEVER done anything with air cond so this is a new world for me. I've got a good friend who does home heat/ac and he said he has gauges and pump to purge/refill mine. Guess I'll need to flush it and replace the drier/filter/orafice at the same time. Fortunately I've got a few months before I'll need chilling. Thanks to all for all the help! |
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01-23-2015, 10:30 PM | #11 | |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Quote:
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01-25-2015, 08:46 PM | #12 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
I don't see that you tried to turn the compressor by hand. If you can, all you need to replace is the shoe portion of the clutch. The AC is engaged by an electromagnet, and disengages when the magnet is de-energized. The springs in the shoe weaken with age and allow the shoe to drag, causing lots of smoke. Check it out.
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01-25-2015, 11:58 PM | #13 |
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Re: A/C Lockup
All you will probably need is the brg. It is available at any parts store. You can do it right on the truck using the special tools. If you cant do it by removeing the shroud you can unbolt the comp. & tip it up.
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01-26-2015, 01:30 AM | #14 | |
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Re: A/C Lockup
Quote:
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