Air Con failure--Help

[uktrucks]

My 1991 C2 Tip was ticking over for a while the other day and I think the a/c compressor clutch had a partial seizure. When I went for a drive a screaming noise followed by smoke came from engine lid. Upon investigation there was belt rubber in bottom of engine tray, and the clutch was grabbing and freeing with car idling.

Is this common, can I buy just a clutch assy ? Who are source of good used parts etc ?

Allan

 

[Tony]

Alan,
Have just removed the a/c from my RS, if you can't get the clutch assembly can sell you a good compressor complete[]

Tony

 

[uktrucks]

Tony
You have "E" mail

Allan

 

[Guest]

Hello, Allan

The A/C clutch is not likely to have caused the problems you describe. To find out whether it is working, you are best off with a helper.

Start the car with the engine lid open and A/C off. Look into the engine bay, and look at the A/C compressor atop the engine. It will be driven by a belt from the end of the crankshaft next to THE belt that drives the big engine fan. Normally, the compressor is mounted above the engine to the righr, when looking under the engine lid, and should have two thick hoses connected to it.

While watching what is going on with the engine running, get your helper to turn on the A/C from inside the car. There should be a loud snap and you should see part of the compressor start turning.

The snap is the A/C clutch engaging. Some time later it may disengage and then re-engage in cycles to stop the A/C system freezing.

It seems unlikely that failure of the A/C compressor's clutch could cause the problem you describe. Maybe, the compressor could have jammed - this would cause the drive belt to scream until the drive clutch was released. If this is the problem, I am sorry because the compressor is expensive to replace!

Alistair