2001 Taurus DOHC A/C Question

I have a 2001 Taurus with the 3.0 DOHC engine with 136,000 miles. I noticed a pulley type noise coming from my engine bay and a burning smell (not burning rubber- more like burning metal). Very loud, rough sounding like metal on metal and screeching. Sometimes the belt will chirp too.

Further inspection revealed that my A/C Clutch is slipping- engaging 1/2 way even though my HVAC controls are set to "off", no A/C request. I figured I'd spray the inner parts of the clutch with some WD-40 (I know not to spray the belt and pulley track itself!!) to see if it would quiet it down, thus eliminating other pulleys. I did this with the car off. It was so hot that the WD-40 just smoked off and evaporated...pretty much tells me its the A/C pulley making all of the noise.

Does this mean my A/C Clutch is bad? If so, whats involved in replacing it?

Could be your clutches or the Compressor.

You can check the clearance on the clutches with a feeler gauge and replace the clutch only.

It is too detailed of a procedure to list here but it isn't that hard.
It is pretty common on the compressor that Ford uses on The Taurus.

Mine had so many miles I just went ahead and changed the compressor

A Haynes or Chiltons manual will detail the procedure for you.

Or you could download the manual stickied at the top

Mike
:smokin:

This sounds like only the clutch assembly is not right, coming apart, not sure bearing would do this. Since the ac is not being activated, the compressor is not involved. It does not become involved with the belt pulley and clutch assembly until the clutch is energized. So only a stiff or stuck compressor will cause problems at the clutch, but only when the ac is turned on. Irregardless, at the very least you will want to replace the clutch and as previously stated by Mike, the clutch needs to be set to a specific gap, and then broken in or burnished.

I agree that your clutch is no good, but I don't see how the actual compressor would cause this as it is not involved unless the clutch is energized as you have stated. Hmm, it may have been run while on Defrost, so it is possible the compressor may be getting stiff. My first thought is that the clutch died on its own as this is how you found it I assume not just having used the defrost. I can't decide if the clutch bearing would be at fault. Irregardless, you will need a new clutch at the very least. As Mike stated, you need to be sure the clutch gap is properly set and you will need to burnish or break in the new clutch.

Well yesterday on the way to the shop (was quoted $150 to replace it, less parts) the clutch finally seized, my serp. belt broke. So I immediately pulled over and called AAA for a tow. Didnt want to risk over heating my engine. Luckily, I pulled over so quickly the temp gauge never moved off its regular spot.

I will update when I get a call from the garage today. I wish this was something I could do myself but with the temps being in the teens, my lack of a car lift, and the tight spot the A/C compressor/clutch is located, Im going to leave this to somebody who enjoys this kind of work :D

Well yesterday on the way to the shop (was quoted $150 to replace it, less parts) the clutch finally seized, my serp. belt broke. So I immediately pulled over and called AAA for a tow. Didnt want to risk over heating my engine. Luckily, I pulled over so quickly the temp gauge never moved off its regular spot.

I will update when I get a call from the garage today. I wish this was something I could do myself but with the temps being in the teens, my lack of a car lift, and the tight spot the A/C compressor/clutch is located, Im going to leave this to somebody who enjoys this kind of work :D

Definately worth a 150 to have it done right and by someone else when it's freezing outside

Mike
:smokin:

UPDATE: Brought the car in to a garage it broke down near. For $220, the place removed the A/C compressor all together and put a delete pulley in there, along with a new serp. belt. The mechanic said it wasnt possible to replace "just" the a/c clutch. He said either a new compressor, or a delete pulley.

I figured with 140,000 miles I wasnt going to put any more $ in it than necessary. I changed the oil today, put in some nice Mobil 5000 and a motorcraft oil filter. Its now singing like new again :D

UPDATE: Brought the car in to a garage it broke down near. For $220, the place removed the A/C compressor all together and put a delete pulley in there, along with a new serp. belt. The mechanic said it wasnt possible to replace "just" the a/c clutch. He said either a new compressor, or a delete pulley.

I figured with 140,000 miles I wasnt going to put any more $ in it than necessary. I changed the oil today, put in some nice Mobil 5000 and a motorcraft oil filter. Its now singing like new again :D

Go back in there and demand every single dollar of your money back.

The mechanic is Lying to you.

It has been done a lot on another forum I frequent.

They are full of *hit.

Mike
:smokin:

If that was a different garage that gave you the $150 quote, you should consult with them or another mechanic. That mechanic that took out your AC is dumb and a hack and did I say ignorant and an idiot and a moron? I real quick pulled up on Autozone.com all the parts and then some that you would need to take care of your repair, ac comp w/ clutch and w/o clutch, ac clutch, clutch bearing, clutch hub, etc,etc,etc That guy needs to grow a brain. Personally, besides questioning his competence in general, I don't think he is qualified to work on an ac system, let alone my kids wagon!!!!! That is why he did that crap to you.