a/c compressor

[cp[mike]]

ive never really done any A/C work, but i guess anytime's a good time to start...

i hit the A/C button and nothing at all happens. the belt keeps spinning but the clutch never engages, so the compressor never actually turns... i checked the "ac comp clutch" fuse and its good.

its an R12 system btw.

what could cause the compressor to not run? bad clutch (replaceable, right?) or a seized compressor (i guess i would need a new one) or could it be wiring / the relay (the single wire leading to the comp... how can i check that, should it be a ground when the AC is activated?) i have no idea if there is any freon in it, but im guessing there would be... because i mean what previous owner would discharge the whole thing...

lemme know cuz id love to get this a/c working cuz its getting really stinking hot out... thanks.

[Slateboy]

Ooh! Ooh! I got this one!

Your compressor will not kick on unless there's proper pressure in the A/C system. If your compressor was on without proper pressure, you'd burn up your compressor really quick. With that out of the way, you need to work on getting it pressurized.

1. Test it. Most efficient way is to hook an air compressor to the system, and fill it with air. See if it will even hold pressure. Any service garage will have tools to do this.

2. If it holds pressure, convert it. R12 coolant is available, but extremely expensive. A can of R134 costs like $5 at Wal-Mart. A can of R12 coolant costs around $60. Any automotive department should have the R12-R134 conversion kit, and it will come with a huge can for the conversion process. After you do it once, you can recharge it every year with a cheapo can of R134.

[cp[mike]]

ah, thanks. does it cost anything to have a shop evacuate whatevers left of the R12? a guy recommended i drop it off at a shop and have them evacuate the R12 and test for leaks... then i guess id take it home, convert it, and refill it with r134.

sounds like theres a leak i guess, cuz why else would the system not have enough pressure to even turn on the compressor...