bglz42

Compressor not engaging. Was working like a champ ten minutes before.

When I jiggle on the relay, the clutch momentarily engages but won't stay engaged. Tried different relays. Same.

Thought maybe low on refrigerant. Plugged guage in, it's in the red (full). Jumpered low pressure switch, (the one down by the compressor). Nothing. Is there another pressure switch?

Ideas?

Thanks!!

Jim

Hemi Cat

give it a voltage check at the compressor, if you have 12 volts there it's probably the clutch is worn out. When you say the pressures are in the red, what does that translate into psi for us mechanics?

Smokee

Probably the little spring fingers on the clutch plate have broken.

bglz42

Is the clutch replacement pretty straight-forward?

Jim

kd460

Sounds like the same trouble I am having. Clutch on for about 5 seconds, off for a minute, then back on for 5 seconds, then off for minute.

Sure would like the info on the clutch/clutch springs a s well. Kevin

bglz42

Update: I jumped the switch on the accumulator, and the compressor engaged. Cools fine. Pressure 35-45lbs. Is the switch on the accumulator replaceable, and if so do I have to depressurize to replace it?

Thanks for all the replies!!

Jim

bglz42

Replaced switch on accummulator, works great now!Thanks for the help!!

Jim

Hemi Cat

sounds like you are low on refridgerent. Put some guages on and fill it up.

kd460

Yep, your correct Hemi, it was low. Put about 11 ounces in and we shall see. Did the soap thing and nothing jumping out at me. I think I'll toss in some dye next, but, starting to read the older threads on "how to take dash apart"

Thanks, Kevin

Shovelhead

I figured it's much cheaper to just add two cans of R-134a each spring (~$12) than rip the dash apart and replace the Evap (~$300) so I just buy more R-134a.
It usually lasts all season.

Hemi Cat

I would be carefull doing that because you are breathing a gas. I know it makes me real sick when I get into the vapors from working on them. R134 is not as bad as R12, but what are the long term effects of breathing it? Want to do a study? I think it is better to repair the leak than breath the gas vapors, no matter what the cost.

Shovelhead

Can't be worse than driving home after a Taco-Bell Chalupa lunch.

You're probably right.........but I'm still too cheap.

redramnc

I would agree with Hemi Cat - I once was caught in a car that puked the evaporator into the passenger compartment with me driving it in heavy traffic on the freeway. Coincidentally it was a Dodge, a 1987? Shadow, but it had rollup windows so I could only get the driver side down and hold my breath while the fog cleared. My eyes burned for a while but I did manage to get it off the road and bailed while it sat there and smoked like it was on fire inside. Cleaning the wondows on the inside took some time after that incident.

Hemi Cat

OOHHHHH, You met my son???? I don't ever want to ride with him again after taco bell!!!!!! . I thought about hooking him up to the air intake to see if the fuel economy would improve.