a/c compressor grinding-best way to proceed?
 

yesterday, my A/C compressor started to make a grinding noise, and stopped working. The clutch is engaged but the compressor doesn't appear to be putting any load on the engine, so I guess something let go internal to the compressor. the system still has freon in it, because I can get the compressor clutch to engage.

Interestingly, the system was converted to R134 about 6 months ago, and worked fine until now...I don't know if that is want hastened the departure of the compressor or not.

I'm thinking I'll buy a compressor and dryer, another r134 conversion kit, pump it down, and give it a shot. Does anyone know where I can get a vaccum unit to pump the system down. Also, I'm a bit concerned that maybe when the compressor died, it sent metal throughout the system...how do you get that out.

Thanks

Joe

Do you know any details about the conversion? If the conversion was done by simply putting on r134 fittings, evacuating and charging, then I believe this is the cause of the problem. The oil in the R12 system is not compatible with the r134. The system should have received ester oil at the time of the conversion.

You now probably have a serious mess to deal with. The system MUST be flushed thoroughly everywhere, and see that the flush is THOROUGHLY removed from all components before reassembling and evacuating. If you search the internet for a suction side filter, this would be a very good step. By adding a suction side filter, any contamination left in the system from the burn out will not be allowed to wreck the new compressor.

Good luck,

Larry

I did the r134 conversion, and I did put the ester oil in. Everything was working so well. I'll look into the suction side filter.

What product do you use to "clean out" the system.

Geez...I hope it cools off very soon..

Joe

240Joe,

You may not need to flush or add a suction side filter, since you did change oil to ester. That is necessary only if the compressor blew. In that case the system has contamination all through it that will ruin the new compressor. Since you put in ester at the time of conversion, you may be "good to go". If you want to be safe, add the suction side filter. The flush is not very expensive and available from any a/c supply house. It is basically alcohol with some additives, it smells like orange. You will need a way to spray this through the lines. Since you would have the lines and everything apart, it would be a good time to use green o-rings since you should replace them anyway. The green ones are supposed to seal better with r134.

You should be able to find out where to get a suction side filter and any other auto a/c advice at www.aircondition.com.

Have a great day,

Could you please describe this grinding noise? Where did you hear it? Could you hear it in the passenger cabin as well? I think I may have a similar noise in my car from the A/C pulley.

Satish