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85 300D AC and Coolant Question
I just got an 85 300D with about 100K+- miles on it (odometer is broke). I noticed the drive belt to the ac compressor is missing. According to prev owner, they took it out since ac is not working. Not quite sure about that so I am wondering whats gonna happen if I slap a new belt in there. Say the AC may not be working, whats gonna happen? Will I be able to trace any leaks with a dye assuming the comp is working? How would I know if the comp is kaput?
Coolant, also noticed is just plain water. Will any Anti-Freeze be ok to put with the right mix (50/50? in Michigan)
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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth... 2007 Honda Accord EX 2007 Honda Accord SE V6 96 C220 97 Explorer - Found Another Home 2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home 85 300D - Found Another Home 84 300D - Found Another Home 80 300TD - Found Another Home Previous cars: 96 Caravan 87 Camry 84 Cressida 82 Vanagon 80 Fiesta 78 Nova Ford Cortina Opel Kadet 68 Kombi Contessa |
#2
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I'd put the belt on and see what happens (in the driveway).
The compressor pulley may have a bad bearing (make a lot of noise - shut off engine). Compressor may be siezed, belt will make a lot of noise - shut off engine. Compressor may not engage at all - different problem, leave belt on. If you get this far, you have a belt on and a seemingly good bearing so you can move onto checking if the system is charged and deciding how to get the cold coming out. If you are super lucky - the system is all charged up. If you are just lucky, the system is only low and needs a charge. Anything else and I would think flush, replace drier and maybe expansion valve, maybe even compressor, charge properly and enjoy. This last part could cost up to $500 if you do most of it yourself. Well worth it.
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80 300D 340K Owned 30 yrs 83 300SD 440K Owned 9 yrs - Daily Driver 150mi/day 02 Z71 Suburban 117,000 15 Toyota Prius 2600 miles 00 Harley Sportster 24k 09 Yamaha R6 03 Ninja 250 |
#3
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before you put the belt on, try rotating the triangular plate on the front of compressor. It should move easily. A new comp. can be had for about $225, a good reman for $150. If you plan to use it a lot, the new's probably worth it.
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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue" "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." listen, look, .........and duck. |
#4
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ten to one the compressor is locked up.
tom w
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC] ..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis. |
#5
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I also just got an 85 300D with a missing AC compressor belt. I tried rotating the compressor (the triangle thing) and it wasn't frozen, so I put a belt on it yesterday. No noise, so the bearing is fine. The clutch never engages, so now I'm waiting for a gauge set and a couple other things to check the charge. If there is no charge, I will pull a vaccuum and see if anything is leaking. I'll fix any leaks I find, then replace the receiver/dryer and expansion valve, flush, and recharge. If there is already a charge, then maybe the low pressure switch is defective, if not I'll have to go looking for some other electrical issue, maybe the compressor clutch coil. I suppose what I can do before my new AC tools arrive is test the clutch to see if it is shorted or open.
Brian Keese 85 300D 81 Isuzu Pup running WVO |
#6
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There's not a whole lot you can do until you verify if it's charged. You don't want to force it to engage unless you are sure it's charged. Sounds like you're on the right track.
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#7
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It rotates
I also checked the compressor pulley and and it turns freely. I didn't see the triangle thing being mentioned. Can I check for leaks without putting a belt in?
By the way, I haven't gone this far yet but is there a belt tensioner on the 85 300D to loosen the main belt so I can slip the AC belt on? Sorry for the question but I had not checked. I would expect see a tensioner otherwise how can you replace belt. Thanks
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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth... 2007 Honda Accord EX 2007 Honda Accord SE V6 96 C220 97 Explorer - Found Another Home 2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home 85 300D - Found Another Home 84 300D - Found Another Home 80 300TD - Found Another Home Previous cars: 96 Caravan 87 Camry 84 Cressida 82 Vanagon 80 Fiesta 78 Nova Ford Cortina Opel Kadet 68 Kombi Contessa |
#8
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You can jump the contacts on the pressure switch (At the dryer behind the passanger headlight with the 2 connections pointing up) for a second to verify the compressor is in fact good. You won't harm anything letting it run for a few seconds but not much longer.
The last car I saw with a belt off the compressor had a good clutch like yours and a fully charged system but the compressor siezed so you can imagine what happened every time the A/C kicked on.
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Adam Lumsden (83) 300D Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section |
#9
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Quote:
Quote:
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#10
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"Can I check for leaks without putting a belt in?"--Tobybul
Yes, you can install nitrogen on both the high and low side and watch for any changes in the pressure. This is not an uncommon procedure after a flush or replacement of parts and seals. |
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