A/C Compressor sticking

[dagan06]

I have a 96 with a 3.8 and the A/C pully is sticking. the pully doesn't spin no matter if the A/C is on or off. I just need to know if a new A/C cluch would fix it or do i need to replace the entire compressor?

Thanks

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by dagan06

I have a 96 with a 3.8 and the A/C pully is sticking. the pully doesn't spin no matter if the A/C is on or off. I just need to know if a new A/C cluch would fix it or do i need to replace the entire compressor?

Thanks

Have you check the clutch is getting power?
It maybe something simple like a bad connection.

If it is, then it maybe cheaper and easier to replace the clutch.
If you can do it while the compressor is mounted on the car it will save de-gassing and re-gassing the system which can get expensive.

[dagan06]

yeah it is getting power. It breaks free and spins every now and then.

Thanks

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by dagan06

yeah it is getting power. It breaks free and spins every now and then.

Thanks

New Clutch then

I've never worked on a Mustang (not terribly common here) but I'm pretty sure you can replace the clutch with out removing the compressor.

I have done it before, or seen it done, on other cars.

[dagan06]

I'm sure I can. I'd rather pay $75 for a clutch rather than pay $200 for a new compressor

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by dagan06

I'm sure I can. I'd rather pay $75 for a clutch rather than pay $200 for a new compressor

Hell yeah!

Could be more when you add in the cost of getting the system regassed etc.

[HiFlow5 0]

Originally Posted by Moppie

New Clutch then

I've never worked on a Mustang (not terribly common here) but I'm pretty sure you can replace the clutch with out removing the compressor.

I have done it before, or seen it done, on other cars.

It sounds as if there is too much air gap in the clutch itself (common in highly mileage systems) but not to be confused with an over charge or high line pressure.

Just to be sure its the compressor clutch, jump the pins on the ac cycling switch. Notice if the clutch engages or does not. If it does engage every time when jumping the cycling switch then you can rule out the clutch. If it does not engage, try tapping with a hammer or long rod, if the clutch then engages then you have too much air gap.

Replacing the clutches is fairly easy. If it's something you decide to to, post back and I will get you the service instructions.