A/C Compressor Noise
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- Mark IV VIenna
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A/C Compressor Noise
Hi everyone,
Recently, my A/C Compressor (1973 Mark IV) started making this terrible noise. I figured this is because there was no pressure left in the system. So I pressurized it (with regfrigerant from cans), but the noise didn`t change. Is there anything I might try other than dismantling/replacing the compressor? There should be a video with sound here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3xu0ctmq62lo ... 2.mp4?dl=0
The system seems to be without leaks and is producing cool air.
(Background: My ATC used to be stuck on max heat. Eventually I found the issue. That was an interesting story - and a septerate thread. Heater output / vent could be controlled ever since, however A/C was depressurized and out of order. I didn`t care as it was wintertime. And I figured the compressor wouldn`t run anyway as ATC was in heating or vent mode most of the time and as compressors usually have a low pressure cutout switch. Then, a couple of days ago the noise started.)
Recently, my A/C Compressor (1973 Mark IV) started making this terrible noise. I figured this is because there was no pressure left in the system. So I pressurized it (with regfrigerant from cans), but the noise didn`t change. Is there anything I might try other than dismantling/replacing the compressor? There should be a video with sound here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3xu0ctmq62lo ... 2.mp4?dl=0
The system seems to be without leaks and is producing cool air.
(Background: My ATC used to be stuck on max heat. Eventually I found the issue. That was an interesting story - and a septerate thread. Heater output / vent could be controlled ever since, however A/C was depressurized and out of order. I didn`t care as it was wintertime. And I figured the compressor wouldn`t run anyway as ATC was in heating or vent mode most of the time and as compressors usually have a low pressure cutout switch. Then, a couple of days ago the noise started.)
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Likely the compressor is failing.
If the system leaks, some oil can come out with a leak. Over time the oil loss can be too great.
Because just adding refrigerant does not put any oil back in the system
Not sure what type of compressor you have. A6???
If bearings are failing, the longer you wait the more metal is spread throughout the system. Getting any debris including metal out of the system after a repair is key to not having a come back repair.
Replacing the receiver/dryer and maybe flushing the system may be needed as well.
Action
If the system leaks, some oil can come out with a leak. Over time the oil loss can be too great.
Because just adding refrigerant does not put any oil back in the system
Not sure what type of compressor you have. A6???
If bearings are failing, the longer you wait the more metal is spread throughout the system. Getting any debris including metal out of the system after a repair is key to not having a come back repair.
Replacing the receiver/dryer and maybe flushing the system may be needed as well.
Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
- Mark IV VIenna
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Well, like I said, the whole system had zero pressure left in it. And it had been sitting like this for years. As a home mechanic with no prior experience in A/C I just wanted to see whether this could be an easy fix. Thus the regfirgerant cans. I know this is a long shot, but we are in lockdown over here which gives us time to occupy ourselves with things we didn´t care about before.
Interestingly, I do not have traces of any oil leaks somewhere on the A/C. Also, the noise was there all of a sudden. It was fine before. I know the compressor is probably doomed - I am just looking for advice on things I might have missed that can be checked before dismantling everything. Like - could it be just the clutch?
It is an A6 (OEM) compressor, the belt is new, tension is fine. Also, the compressor can be turned smoothly by hand with reasonable effort.
Interestingly, I do not have traces of any oil leaks somewhere on the A/C. Also, the noise was there all of a sudden. It was fine before. I know the compressor is probably doomed - I am just looking for advice on things I might have missed that can be checked before dismantling everything. Like - could it be just the clutch?
It is an A6 (OEM) compressor, the belt is new, tension is fine. Also, the compressor can be turned smoothly by hand with reasonable effort.
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
OK now I am confused.
In one post you stated, "Recently, my A/C Compressor (1973 Mark IV) started making this terrible noise."
then you stated, "the whole system had zero pressure left in it. And it had been sitting like this for years"
Even though I have a '66 with ATC I have disconnected the clutch because I do not want the compressor to come on until I go through it. And I am not sure how it is set up. Because some earlier systems did NOT have a low pressure switch to control the clutch. You may or may not, I just don't know.
If the system has had zero pressure for years, it was due to a leak.
Leaks may or may not leave traces of oil.
Diagnose the issue -
If you are not sure of the source of the sound - clutch or compressor
And you have a pound or two of refrigerant in the system, turn it on.
Use a stethoscope or a couple foot section of hose. (Old garden or heater hose will work)
Determine if the sound is from the from the body of the compressor or from the clutch.
Repair/or replace as needed.
And first you might want to find the source of the leak. It may be the leak is in the compressor.
Or it could be a line or fitting.
The A6 compressor is rebuildable. However based on this statement, "As a home mechanic with no prior experience in A/C"
I would recommend replacement if the compressor is bad. And A6 can be had on Ebay with clutch for $250 to $300.
I would also recommend getting a gauge set if you do not have one.
If you don't have one and will not get one, hire out the job.
The other thing I would recommended if the compressor is being replaced is flushing the system. Cleaning out any debris is important. The compressor may be coming apart. The pieces that come apart will get distributed in the system. Removing those pieces is very important.
Replacing the receiver dryer would be required as one of the functions is catching debris. Maybe replace the expansion valve or at least inspect if debris is found during flushing.
This is the time of year for AC repairs. Without the correct diagnosis, tools and instructions or experience, the job can get to be a mess.
It is possible for an inexperienced person to take this on. All techs had zero experience at one point. Doing this without a shop manual, gauge set and a vacuum pump is not recommended. More harm than good can come of AC repairs started without the correct tools.
Action
In one post you stated, "Recently, my A/C Compressor (1973 Mark IV) started making this terrible noise."
then you stated, "the whole system had zero pressure left in it. And it had been sitting like this for years"
Even though I have a '66 with ATC I have disconnected the clutch because I do not want the compressor to come on until I go through it. And I am not sure how it is set up. Because some earlier systems did NOT have a low pressure switch to control the clutch. You may or may not, I just don't know.
If the system has had zero pressure for years, it was due to a leak.
Leaks may or may not leave traces of oil.
Diagnose the issue -
If you are not sure of the source of the sound - clutch or compressor
And you have a pound or two of refrigerant in the system, turn it on.
Use a stethoscope or a couple foot section of hose. (Old garden or heater hose will work)
Determine if the sound is from the from the body of the compressor or from the clutch.
Repair/or replace as needed.
And first you might want to find the source of the leak. It may be the leak is in the compressor.
Or it could be a line or fitting.
The A6 compressor is rebuildable. However based on this statement, "As a home mechanic with no prior experience in A/C"
I would recommend replacement if the compressor is bad. And A6 can be had on Ebay with clutch for $250 to $300.
I would also recommend getting a gauge set if you do not have one.
If you don't have one and will not get one, hire out the job.
The other thing I would recommended if the compressor is being replaced is flushing the system. Cleaning out any debris is important. The compressor may be coming apart. The pieces that come apart will get distributed in the system. Removing those pieces is very important.
Replacing the receiver dryer would be required as one of the functions is catching debris. Maybe replace the expansion valve or at least inspect if debris is found during flushing.
This is the time of year for AC repairs. Without the correct diagnosis, tools and instructions or experience, the job can get to be a mess.
It is possible for an inexperienced person to take this on. All techs had zero experience at one point. Doing this without a shop manual, gauge set and a vacuum pump is not recommended. More harm than good can come of AC repairs started without the correct tools.
Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
- Mark IV VIenna
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Sorry about the confusion I caused! It is a long story
Before I bought it, the car had been sitting for several years, ATC worked on max heat only, and the (low gauge) pressure on the A/C was zero. However, when pushing on the valves, some pressure could still be observed. So I thought the system might just be clean of contamination, thought the loss of pressure over all those years might be normal and some canned sealant and canned refrigerant could just bring the system back alive. That was last September, and I planned to follow that thought in springtime = now. Unfortunately, a few days before I got around to fill the system the compressor started making this noise.
Why did I take half a year (wintertime) in between solving the max-heat-only problem and this attempt? And why didn`t I unplug the clutch? Because I thought that a) the compressor wouldn`t engage while the system is in heating operation and b) that there was a min. pressure cutout switch. The shop manual proves me wrong twice… STUPID, STUPID, STUPID mistake!!!
Anyway, it might just be the clutch, as the noise originates from that area. Also, it gets hot. So before I have a proper system overhaul done by a professional I am still looking for a hunch whether the clutch can be swapped without removing the compressor from the car. After all, if the clutch is the problem, it probably won`t have distributed debris in the system. Also, on the third day after refill, the system is still at 70psi (hi and lo, engine not running) as the manual suggests. So it might be without leaks.
Before I bought it, the car had been sitting for several years, ATC worked on max heat only, and the (low gauge) pressure on the A/C was zero. However, when pushing on the valves, some pressure could still be observed. So I thought the system might just be clean of contamination, thought the loss of pressure over all those years might be normal and some canned sealant and canned refrigerant could just bring the system back alive. That was last September, and I planned to follow that thought in springtime = now. Unfortunately, a few days before I got around to fill the system the compressor started making this noise.
Why did I take half a year (wintertime) in between solving the max-heat-only problem and this attempt? And why didn`t I unplug the clutch? Because I thought that a) the compressor wouldn`t engage while the system is in heating operation and b) that there was a min. pressure cutout switch. The shop manual proves me wrong twice… STUPID, STUPID, STUPID mistake!!!
Anyway, it might just be the clutch, as the noise originates from that area. Also, it gets hot. So before I have a proper system overhaul done by a professional I am still looking for a hunch whether the clutch can be swapped without removing the compressor from the car. After all, if the clutch is the problem, it probably won`t have distributed debris in the system. Also, on the third day after refill, the system is still at 70psi (hi and lo, engine not running) as the manual suggests. So it might be without leaks.
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
I am less familiar with the A6 than other compressors.
But I would bet the clutch can be replaced without opening the system and on the car, This is true for many other compressors.
Most of the A6 compressors are located rater high up in the engine compartment. Making access easier.
Action
But I would bet the clutch can be replaced without opening the system and on the car, This is true for many other compressors.
Most of the A6 compressors are located rater high up in the engine compartment. Making access easier.
Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
I thought I could find a vid. No such luck.
Did find this -
https://www.shopcenturyautoair.com/stor ... _7634.html
You may need snap ring pliers as well.
This may help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe_y7kgM4Rk
And the shop manual will be your friend.
Action
Did find this -
https://www.shopcenturyautoair.com/stor ... _7634.html
You may need snap ring pliers as well.
This may help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe_y7kgM4Rk
And the shop manual will be your friend.
Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
- tomo
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Are you sure that there is no low pressure switch? I had air-conditioning on cars from the late 1950's all of the way up to 2013 and starting with a 1958 Mercury all of them had low pressure switches to deactivate the clutch circuit.
I saw your video and it sounded like your compressor was toast. This would be a good time to convert your system to R1234yf. The 1973 AC used R-12 and if you tried to fill it with R134A, which is what is easily available at most store, it would destroy the bearings in the compressor. If you system was converted to R134, there should be a tag or sticker indicating this.
I saw your video and it sounded like your compressor was toast. This would be a good time to convert your system to R1234yf. The 1973 AC used R-12 and if you tried to fill it with R134A, which is what is easily available at most store, it would destroy the bearings in the compressor. If you system was converted to R134, there should be a tag or sticker indicating this.
Tom O'Donnell
Palatine, IL
1953 Capri Sport Coupe
Palatine, IL
1953 Capri Sport Coupe
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
I am not sure of anything on the post York/Tecumseh AC systems.tomo wrote: Are you sure that there is no low pressure switch?
I have never had a vehicle that had an A6 compressor. (However at one time I guy gave me a crate of 4 Ag compressors to have. I sold them)
I am more experienced with orifice tube systems
If there is a low pressure switch, I have not seen one. Doesn't mean there isn't one.
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Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
- TonyC
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Yes, there has to be a cutoff switch for the clutch; without it, the system would freeze up, literally, from the inside. That switch on old Fords would be placed on top of the evaporator case and have a thin capillary tube running into the center of the evaporator core. That tube senses icing; when the evaporator starts to freeze up, the tube engages the switch and kills power to the clutch, stopping the freon flow and thawing out the system.
But the switch would not operate until it sensed freezing up; I suspect that all that freezing would do a number on an evaporator core and maybe other close parts, which may be one of the reasons they developed a timed switch in the mid-'70s to operate the clutch. Instead of waiting for an icing-over to occur, the timer would cycle the clutch on and off at a preset interval, probably to protect the parts from freeze damage. It also had a minor benefit to fuel economy, which was a big thing by then: If something saved even one milliliter of petrol in a mile's travel (I know, mixing metrics with American again!!), it was heralded as a world-saver.
---Tony
But the switch would not operate until it sensed freezing up; I suspect that all that freezing would do a number on an evaporator core and maybe other close parts, which may be one of the reasons they developed a timed switch in the mid-'70s to operate the clutch. Instead of waiting for an icing-over to occur, the timer would cycle the clutch on and off at a preset interval, probably to protect the parts from freeze damage. It also had a minor benefit to fuel economy, which was a big thing by then: If something saved even one milliliter of petrol in a mile's travel (I know, mixing metrics with American again!!), it was heralded as a world-saver.
---Tony
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Wrong switch Tony!TonyC wrote:Yes, there has to be a cutoff switch for the clutch; without it, the system would freeze up, literally, from the inside. That switch on old Fords would be placed on top of the evaporator case and have a thin capillary tube running into the center of the evaporator core. That tube senses icing; when the evaporator starts to freeze up, the tube engages the switch and kills power to the clutch, stopping the freon flow and thawing out the system.
---Tony
That is for evaporator temp control.
The switch in question would be a low system pressure switch. That would sense the system is low on refrigerant and stop the clutch from engaging. This would be a measure to protect the compressor from running when there is little to no refrigerant.
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Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
First of all, I like the idea of saving fuel by cycling an A/C clutch - on a 460 CUI V8
Anyhow, the 1973 Mark IV uses a suction throtling valve system to keep the evaporator from icing. I learned that from the shop manual. Also, there is an ambient temp cutoff switch somewhere on the front of the car that deactivates the compressor below 4 degrees celsius. But no low pressure cutout switch - the manual doesn t mention one either.
I used R600/R290 mixture, which is supposed to be compatible with R12 systems. However, I do not know what the previous owners of the vehicle used...
I will watch system pressure for a couple of more days. If it stays at its current reading I will take a shot at replacing the clutch, if the system leaks anyway I will probably go for a new compressor (and expansion valve and receiver). Or live without A/C.
The fun part is that although the noise comes from the clutch area I cannot explain what could be wrong there. The noise is only there when A/C is engaged. So it cant be the pulley bearing, as this is spinning all the time, A/C on or not. And the cltuch drive plate and driven plate are pressed together once the clutch engages, moving as one. I don t see what could cause friction and noise here!
Anyhow, the 1973 Mark IV uses a suction throtling valve system to keep the evaporator from icing. I learned that from the shop manual. Also, there is an ambient temp cutoff switch somewhere on the front of the car that deactivates the compressor below 4 degrees celsius. But no low pressure cutout switch - the manual doesn t mention one either.
I used R600/R290 mixture, which is supposed to be compatible with R12 systems. However, I do not know what the previous owners of the vehicle used...
I will watch system pressure for a couple of more days. If it stays at its current reading I will take a shot at replacing the clutch, if the system leaks anyway I will probably go for a new compressor (and expansion valve and receiver). Or live without A/C.
The fun part is that although the noise comes from the clutch area I cannot explain what could be wrong there. The noise is only there when A/C is engaged. So it cant be the pulley bearing, as this is spinning all the time, A/C on or not. And the cltuch drive plate and driven plate are pressed together once the clutch engages, moving as one. I don t see what could cause friction and noise here!
Last edited by Mark IV VIenna on Wed May 05, 2021 5:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
- TonyC
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
Okay, if you say so. Maybe that is some new safety doohickey they came up with in the '70s for newer systems (which is what applies to the OP's case here). There was no such switch in the '60s systems; the icing-control switch on the evaporator was the only cutoff switch in the entire system. But, I admit, my best experience with A/C systems has been with the '60s designs; I've been out of touch with later systems for about a generation now.action wrote:Wrong switch Tony!
That is for evaporator temp control.
The switch in question would be a low system pressure switch. That would sense the system is low on refrigerant and stop the clutch from engaging. This would be a measure to protect the compressor from running when there is little to no refrigerant.
Action
---Tony
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"Question Authority!"
1966 Continental Sedan, affectionately known as "Frankenstein" until body restoration is done (to be renamed "General Sherman" on that event)
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
There will be two bearings in the front. One for the compressor and one for the clutch.
However the compressor bearing does not have to support much based on the design of the compressor.
It may be possible that either bearing only makes sounds under load of the compressor.
And removal of the front compressor bearing may be possible without blowing the charge. However access would be difficult at best
And yes removal of clutch without blowing charge can happen.
All based on this good vid
A good set of snap ring pliers and a special tool might be needed for compressor dissassembly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c7QXLNqgBU
Action
However the compressor bearing does not have to support much based on the design of the compressor.
It may be possible that either bearing only makes sounds under load of the compressor.
And removal of the front compressor bearing may be possible without blowing the charge. However access would be difficult at best
And yes removal of clutch without blowing charge can happen.
All based on this good vid
A good set of snap ring pliers and a special tool might be needed for compressor dissassembly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c7QXLNqgBU
Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
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Re: A/C Compressor Noise
update: I went for the somewhat professional approach to repairing the A/C system. After all, I do have more than one vintage A/C system I might want to bring back to life. Also, the compressor clutch vanished off rockauto.com just as I wanted to order it. So I bought an air/vacuum pump and manifold gauges and ordered a new compressor. Releasing the R420/R600a charge, evacuating and pressure testing showed the system was leaking anyway. Also, before that, the gauges showed that high side pressure was not even close to where it should be. So yes, I had killed the compressor. Or it was dead or dying before I got there. Anyway, the new one was hard work to put in place (25-30lbs) but now the system seems to be tight, pressure readings are as they should be an airflow is ice cold.
Unfortunately I can`t really enjoy my newly revitalized A/C as it causes the engine to overheat, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
I have had heat issues before but it seemed fine after flushing the system. Now with the A/Cs additional heat discharge, they are back.
Unfortunately I can`t really enjoy my newly revitalized A/C as it causes the engine to overheat, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
I have had heat issues before but it seemed fine after flushing the system. Now with the A/Cs additional heat discharge, they are back.
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