Before I replace the compressor/clutch....

For a while my compressor has been a bit noisy. But nothing extreme I would say. The only issue was the belt screeching from time to time when it would cycle on. Given my SLS pump leak I figured oil contamination on the belt. A cleaning and tightening and all was well for some time.

Then a couple days ago it starting screeching again, but I had been adding a lot of fluid to the SLS system, so figured I needed to clean the belt again. Maybe even tighten it. It was a new belt. But then things changed, the compressor itself got pretty noisy. It also seems to have gotten rather warm. At one point I had smoke from under the hood. I dumped some water onto the compressor and it cracked and sizzled just like putting it on a hot exhaust manifold! I am not sure how hot the compressor normally gets, but I think that is not right.

So now I have an AC system that if I dare operate for short durations (just to test!) blows cool. But its noisy, so I dont normally operate it. Pressures look good, but at idle it does not blow as cool as it should.

So would I be right to guess the compressor is on its way out in short order if I run it? I would not think it would just be a clutch issue - but want to be sure. A clutch is a bit cheaper than $319 for a rebuilt compressor with clutch.

If I do replace, and really feel I should anyway, I will replace the drier and expansion valve as well as clean out all the lines, replace o-rings and add oil in the right places. Can I use the updated green o-rings?

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car