2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C compressor issues

[Ken Roberts]

Guys,

I need a little help. I searched and found quite a bit, but not the answer.

My 98. 5 seems to have an a/c issue, the compressor will cycle properly at idle and cool the truck off nicely. 87 outside and it will blow at 55 or so. Pressures are 38~42 on the low side and 200~220 on the high side. The problem seems to be above appx 1500 rpm the compressor will not re-engage completely and will grind-buzz-clack, but if I let it idle again, it will engage properly and I have cool air again until the buzz-grind-clacking starts again.



New compressor time or can I fix this without replacing the compressor? 228K miles on the truck and all the A/C parts





Ken R

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Probably the engagement clutch is slipping. On some compressors, you can buy and replace just the clutch assembly. If so, you won't have to open up the refrigerant system.

 

[Ken Roberts]

Well, I found the problem. It seems that the a/c clutch is centered by 3 flat metal strips, riveted to the center 3 sided splined thingie and to the outer part of the clutch. One of the flat metal strips snapped, leaving the clutch offset.
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The clutch had become out of round and would not engage completely.
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I ground the outer edges till it would sit completely in the pulley, and recentered the triangle thingie.
It works now, but I need to find a undamaged one.
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Thanks for the tip Joe!