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Topic: A/C compressor/clutch question (Read 910 times) previous topic - next topic

A/C compressor/clutch question

Hello everybody.

I have an 88 Tbird Sport with the 5.0L engine. My A/C compressor the other day started screetching every time i turn the car on, it quiets down after 5 or 6 seconds, but its still there.

Anybody have any ideas as to the problem, i heard its possible to replace just the clutch assemby, is this a difficult job? and would anybody know where to get the clutch assembly?

Jeff C

A/C compressor/clutch question

Reply #1 –
does it make a difference if the  a/c is on or off. If not it may just be the bearing that the clutch hub rides on. That you can buy separate from the clutch.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

A/C compressor/clutch question

Reply #2 –
You sure it's the clutch or compressor, and not the serp belt?  That serp belt will make a helluva racket if it's slipping, and it won't last very long either.  Could be the compressor's siezed. 
 
Try to turn the clutch assembly by hand with the engine off.  You should be able to turn it a couple turns if the car's been sitting a while.
 
Do you have the spring loaded tensioner, or the old style like mine, with the sliding idler that's adjusted with a bolt?  When my truck's A/C was still working (would now if I'd just get it charged again) it would chirp a little when it kicked on and off running defrost.  Found out it was the belt, and the spring loaded idler would let it slip a little.  Took some scotch brite to the pullies, put on a nice new soft belt, chirping eliminated.
:birdsmily:
(X2) '86 Thunderbird, 3.8L CFI, C5 Tranny
 
'92 F-150, 5.0L EFI (SD), M5OD Tranny, 3.08 Dif
 
'70 VW Beetle, 1780cc, twin Solex 43's.
 

A/C compressor/clutch question

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the info guys.

The AC compressor was sticking and it was starting to burn the belt off. I had the tools and the belt that goes around the AC ready.

I had no idea that the belt for a tbird without AC wont work on the setup of a car that had AC, without alterations.

In the end i am just getting a new compressor installed, i need AC ;)

Jeff