A/C clutch smokes after recharging

[maxwedge]

No, something failed or contaminated the system if blocked.

[ZiggyPA]

So far so good...
The A/C mechanic couldn't check the pressures as the fitting was custom, it had been replaced with something odd. Not a R12 or R134a fitting for sure...
He spoke with his collegues about my problem and he thought the refrigerant could be the culprit. R437a has only been on the market for a year, and he did have little experience with it. He wanted to replace it with R413a which he had been using succesfully for over 15 years. Then check what the A/C would do.
He charged 800 grams instead of 1100 cause the tubing got so cold at this point in his experience the system was functioning fine.
We watched the clutch for about 15 minutes and everything seemed to be functioning fine. The temperature of the A/C pulley did stay cooler now than the other pulleys.
Only thing out of the ordinary was the clutch was hardly cycling while the temperature was less than 60 degrees but he didn't think this was a problem.
I think it's too early to call this fixed, we'll see if everything keeps working fine when temperatures heat up...

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by ZiggyPA

So far so good...
The A/C mechanic couldn't check the pressures as the fitting was custom, it had been replaced with something odd. Not a R12 or R134a fitting for sure...

The purpose of the OEM smaller high side port was to prevent DIY's from attaching the charging can adapter to the high side, thus blowing it up. I use an adapter that fits on the smaller access port to convert it to the normal size. Any qualified a/c guy should have one and know about this.

[Blue Bowtie]

It's also possible that it was once run with R414B.

[ZiggyPA]

It is already very hard to find an A/C guy over here who has the normal R12 fitting...

I take it the problem is the clutch gap is too wide, it's over 1mm (largest size on my feeler gauge)
How can the gap be decreased?

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by ZiggyPA

It is already very hard to find an A/C guy over here who has the normal R12 fitting...

I take it the problem is the clutch gap is too wide, it's over 1mm (largest size on my feeler gauge)
How can the gap be decreased?

You would need a few specialty tools, which may/may not be available where you are located. You can also ask your local parts store or your mechanic friend if you can rent or loan the tools needed. Tools consist of a J33013-B Drive plate installer & bearing. Some good instructions can be found by Clicking Here and going to the INSTALL section, and reading items #23-33. Click Here for a good view & price on a Robinair Clutch Plate Remover/Installer Robinair #ROB41067 which is the same as an J33013-B. Good Luck!

[ZiggyPA]

Thanks, that was just what I was looking for! It looks fairly complicated though. Even the GM dealer overhere does not have any tools to remove the clutch.
Before I look into the tools, can this be done without removing the A/C compressor?

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by ZiggyPA

Before I look into the tools, can this be done without removing the A/C compressor?

Features & Benefits:

the tool can be used with the compressor mounted on the vehicle.