AC compressor clutch

[vtmecheng]

'95 S10 4X4 Pickup, 4.3L 'Z' code, 150000 miles.
Now that thats out of the way... I started my pickup yesterday and noticed a high pitch grinding type noise. Upon inspection the noise was found to come from the AC compressor clutch, which is no longer fully retracting from the pulley when turned off. I tried disconnecting power from the clutch thinking some electricity was still getting to the magnet but that was not the case. I know this is the source of the problem because I can pull the clutch back with long nose pliers and make the sound go away. My guess is the spring steel is just fatigued but anyway. I now need to try and get the clutch off but can't figure out how, any help on how to get it off would be very appreciated. Thank you and sorry for the long message.

[hakogen]

im not sure, but maybe you have to replace the whole compressor

[vtmecheng]

ok, made a lot of calls and searching on the web. It ends up there is a special puller and the only place to get one is Autozone (rent) or a specialty automotive tool supplier (buy). Thought I would tell of the outcome so the next guy with this will know the fix. Oh, and while a referbished one will run $49 a brand new one from the dealer is only $56. Thank god for the internet.

[hondaboy16v]

a refurbished what? compressor or clutch? I think i may be having the same problem you're having, I also own a 95 4x4 with the Z code motor and as far as i can tell the ac is running all the time. even with the controls off and the fan on low, it still blows ice cold air through the vents. plus it's making my mileage suck

[Mango™]

I have a 1991 S-10 v6 4.3l s-10 and my clutch is out on my A/C compressor. Like Hondaboy said, what was $49-$56, thanks
Mango™

[RahX]

If the clutch is dragging, it can cause the ac compressor to run. Its not hard to change either but you will need the special tool. You CAN use the special tool to re-gap the clutch and it should work fine. Air Gap: Clutch Plate & Rotor 0.50-0.76mm (0.020-0.030")

[Mango™]

I hope the clutch is out, I can only leave the a/c setting on fan only, if I move the switch to anything else it pops the fuse. Does that sound like the clutch is locked up?
Thanks

[RahX]

It could be. Unplug the clutch and see what it does.

[hondaboy16v]

i did some playing around with my compressor and discovered that no mater what setting the climate control is on the stupid thing kicks on intermittenly, even if i'm just using the heat. I unplugged the harness from the compressor clutch and now it doesn't kick on at all, so i'm thinking bad switch maybe?