My AC had been making noise for a couple months now, an extra ticking noise from under the hood. Worked ok though.

Yesterday I was driving on the freeway and noticed the AC was not blowing cold any more. I turned it off. Later that day I turned the AC on at a stoplight and it stalled the engine. When engaged at speed, it definately reduced engine rpm noticably and is not blowing cold.

This AC had been serviced with almost all the parts replaced about 3 years ago, but I know it had a small leak.

A friend of mine said all I need was a new AC compressor clutch.
Does this seem to be a likely solution?


Thanks!

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http://www.belmontgroup.com/images/300Ewcolor.jpg

'88 300E 265K
'91 300TE 155K

A/c compressor going out (probably due to worn bearings seizing).

At speed, the engine speed i forcing the compressor to turn.

At idle, the idle speed is not "strong enuff" to push against the seized bearings.

Any squeaking noises?

With the a/c on, if you open the bonnet and look at the compressor, you will see that it is struggling to turn, and the belt may be slipping on its pulley and not turning it at all.

Cheers.

I suppose it could be only the clutch. If that is the case you are very lucky. If the compressor has failed internally, which I think is most likely, you will need to COMPLETELY and THOROUGHLY flush the entire system before evacuating and charging the system with new compressor. If you fail to remove ALL the debris left in the system by the failed compressor, you will repeat the process in very short order.

Hope this helps,