Ac compressor perhaps?

[scollin]

When the ac is on the engine jumps and there is this noise, like the engine is over working....it is also leaking under the engine(condensation maybe?). If you turn the ac off no sounds, no jumping, no leaking. Someone told me that the ac compressor or the clutch was going out. How can I tell which one? If someone can help me I would appreciate it.
Thank you.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Sadly, we'll need more details to provide you much guidance. Is the leaking fluid clear or does it have a color to it? Does the liquid evaporate or remain until it's either mopped up or washed? If it is mostly clear and evaporates, it's probably just condensate. Where under the vehicle does the leak appear?

Can you describe the noise better? Is it a rattle that changes with engine speed? Is it a squeal? Does the compressor clutch engage? Is the "overworked" sound you hear maybe just the radiator cooling fan kicking in? The idle air control will also attempt to increase the engine idle speed to compensate for the power and current draw from the A/C compressor and cooling fan. Does the air from the vents get cooler when the A/C is on?

What model year is your Taurus?

To determine if the issue is likely to be the compressor or the clutch, assuming the clutch does engage, you'll almost need a manifold gauge set to monitor the high and low pressure sides of the A/C system so you can monitor the pressure and see if it is where it should be and stable. If one or both of the guages are unstable and shaking that could indicate a problem within the system (compressor, orifice tube/expansion valve, etc.).

-Rod