a/c broke

sjr8ut · #1 07-21-2005, 05:07 PM

Hello everyone,
While cruising down the highway in my '88 wagon (trying to look cool and attract chicks), my a/c stopped working and a burning smell occured. Now if I turn on the AC, there is a loud noise and burning smell. With the ac off, there is a constant noise that is not as loud but sounds like a bad bearing. Is it the main compressor bearing, the pulley bearing on the compressor, or both?
Thanks in advance for any help to solve my scorching problem.

vicv · #2 07-21-2005, 09:55 PM

Is the compressor turning? If no then the belt might be burning, but you should hear the squealing. If it is turning it could be the clutch or the bearing.

sjr8ut · #3 07-27-2005, 11:37 AM

The pulley turns until you turn the AC on, then there is all kinds of squealing.

Does anyone know if I can just take out the compressor, scrap the AC, and put in a smaller-sized belt? Or do I need to have a pulley in place. It is an '88 with a 3.0 L.
Thanks.

alex boss · #4 07-27-2005, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjr8ut

The pulley turns until you turn the AC on, then there is all kinds of squealing.

Does anyone know if I can just take out the compressor, scrap the AC, and put in a smaller-sized belt? Or do I need to have a pulley in place. It is an '88 with a 3.0 L.
Thanks.

Yeah-you can buy a new belt-ask for one for your car WITHOUT A/C. Your computer will be looking for info from the compressor or A/C system and may not like that it is not getting answers. I think! Not sure if it matters in an 88 or not. A/C repair would cost you more than the car is worth at this point. Sorry. Alex

vicv · #5 07-28-2005, 08:59 PM

Since you know the AC doesn't work you could just unplug the harness from the compressor so you can't accidently turn it on and the clutch should stay in free-wheel. Or just don't turn on the AC. These are short term options, longer term the clutch could freeze up and then you're back to where you are now with squealing and a possible broken belt (that means stuck)

sjr8ut · #6 07-29-2005, 12:57 PM

Hey,
Thanks for the replies guys. I think that will just take out the old compressor and forget about AC. It was nice while it lasted.
I would just leave the compressor in and disconnect the harness but the idle pulley on the compressor has a bad bearing--so it is making an unpleasant noise even with the AC off.

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