2001 SES A/C Conundrum

I'll try to be brief: The vehicle, a 24/OHC, Duratec, 121000 miles. We have an air conditioner that runs whenever it darn pleases. When we roll out in early AM, it's pleasantly cool. In a matter of 5 minutes or maybe 50 minutes, the cool A/C simply fades away. Or on a toasty HOT afternoon when the car may have been on the road for a half hour or so with no cooling A/C it will suddenly -- and I mean SUDDENLY -- start delivering icy A/C. The type134 level is up to the limit. Every so often the compressor clutch decides to run or maybe NOT! The clutch fuse and relay have both been replaced. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Have you checked the low pressure cut out switch on the accumulator?

way2old: Thanx 4 your quick and thoughtful reply. I'm having a reliable shade-tree mech. go over everything tomorrow. I'll be sure to add your suggestion to his list. Thanx again

Please let us know outcome. Might help another forum user. Thanks

To way2old and any others intersted in this particular problem: Johnny, my current, very proficient shade-tree mech., determined that, after much sweaty investigation, the coil/solenoid inside the A/C clutch was running intermittently.(The check-up included a total electrical check.) This is something he has never experienced and said the bottom line would be to simply replace the complete compressor assembly. I've heard this suggestion from other experts and could use any input from others. Thanks for any other help.

If it is just the clutch and coil assembly on the compressor that is bad, they can be replaced without replacing the compressor. Thereby saving the cost of compressor, evacuation and the recharging of the refrigerant. Most chain parts stores carry the clutch and coils fot these compressors. The most important thing is the air gap on the clutch shoe. The gap should be around .025.

Thanks! We were going to do that partial install but considering the mileage (121000), replacing the whole compressor will save on subsequent installs at least over the next coupla summers. Going further, I need to know how necessary it is to replace the accumulator/dryer at this stage. Thank you, everyone! P.S.: Still can't figure why the clutch operates so randomly.

If you open the system, air will get in and cause problems in the future. If I were going to replace compressor, I would replace the accumulator and orifice tube at the same time. Be sure to evacuate the system for a minimum of 1/2 hour and longer if the system is open for quite a while or the humidity is high.

And Now: The rest of the story...but first thanks for very good advice. Searching eBay desperately, I came upon eBay seller, "techchoiceparts"(user name) located in Midlothian, Texas. They offered a new compressor w/clutch for $165.00 +shipping ($49 - 2nd day air). I got it quickly and picked up the collector/dryer locally for $85. By last Saturday (7/1) evening Johnny, my shade tree mech. installed it w/full evacuation & recharge And we are now driving in an ice cube. Johnny made $380.00 on the deal. I hope this helps anyone else.