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Topic: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor (Read 939 times) previous topic - next topic

Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

While in LaConner, WA a couple of weeks ago on our leave date we woke up to lots of condensation on the windshield. I put the ignition on and flipped on the defroster to help clear the front windows (without the engine running). Didn't do a lot so shut it off and used a roll of paper towels to clear it and shut off the ignition. When we finally got ready to leave I started the engine to build air. After a few minutes I hear a strange noise coming and going from the engine. Sort of sounded like air releasing. I suspect the D2 or maybe the air dryer. Left the engine running go to be back of the coach, open the door and see the a/c compressor clutch glowing red/orange! Ran back shut the engine down. Had to ask myself why the heck was the compressor even coming on. Then I remembered I had the defrost on! Arggg... Luckily just turning the dryer off release the compressor clutch. I'm lucky it didn't weld itself together! Also lucky that I won't need the air for a couple of months.

Just had the a/c serviced in OMC in Eugene, OR a month or so ago. They changed out a hose that was leaking, the dryer, and added 6.5 pound of R134.

My wild-assed guess is that the compressor is shot. So my question is how should I fix this. My plan is to pull the compressor and find one online or at a local shop. To do that I'll be spilling the 6.5 pounds of R134 that I just put in. Would a mobile a/c tech be able or a shop  be able to capture the R134 then I can pull the compressor and do my thing then replace and have them replace the R134? Should I just not worry about losing the R134. IIRC The 6.5 pounds of R134 can be had for around $50 bucks should I just consider it as a consumable for the job? Is R134 harmful to me or the environment?

Any help/advice/sympathy appreciated.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #1 –
Just remember, I was in the service  business for many years (35) and if someone supplied the part, no warranty. Better off to get the coach buck stash out and have the mechanic buy the part ( they live by percentages) and install it. All techs & mechanics spot a cheapskate and charge for it, I did.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #2 –
Before you toss the whole clutch/compressor unit, check the clutch first.

You can replace the clutch.  If it was glowing red, the bearing's gone. 

Check the compressor.. see if it is turning, if so replace the clutch.. 

Then, finding someone that will replace "just the clutch assembly" is getting hard to find.. pc


S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #3 –
Replacing just the clutch is usually not worth it. The price of the clutch is usually damn near the of a complete NEW (don't do the reman junk) compressor...that includes a clutch.  The seals usually go out on the shaft and leak, too.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #5 –
With the engine off can you turn the center part of  the A/C clutch with your hand? Not the pully but in the front.If it won't turnb the compressor is locked up.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #6 –
If the compressor is bad don't reuse the R-134 it could be contaminated with metal filings. If it still is good meaning you can turn it with a socket on the shaft then only the clutch bearing is out. Depending how handy you are you can get the clutch removal tool rental for free at the big name auto supply stores and do it yourself it is not hard to do.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #7 –
@Stump I was able to turn the compressor. So does that mean the clutch is bad? Did the clutch plate start glowing orange because it wasn't "clutching" the compressor tight enough?

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #8 –
@craneman Can I remove the clutch with the compressor in place with the removal tool?

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #9 –
Quote from: kenhat –
@craneman Can I remove the clutch with the compressor in place with the removal tool?

see ya
ken
yes. The tool has a threaded outside that screws into the clutch and a push bolt that pushes against the shaft.  If the tool comes with an installer bolt it screws into the center of the shaft and a nut assembly pushes it on. If they don't have the installer get a all thread bolt and use a nut to install the new clutch. Don't use the factory bolt to pull the clutch on it might strip the threads in the shaft.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #10 –
I'd replace the whole thing, just because who knows if the shaft seal was damaged by heat from the glowing red?

just my opinion.
Matt
95 U300, 78k miles
Cat 3176 Jake Brake, HD4060.

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #11 –
Just re-read the original post. If the clutch spun freely after you turned off the defroster it is not the clutch bearing it is the compressor bearing or internal parts that are bad. You will have to change the compressor assembly.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #12 –
Operating a refrigeration co, I can tell you that you have to be careful when removing the refrigerant from the system. If you take it to a garage and they do the compressor swap out they will by law "reclaim " the refrigerant. And sometimes after a system has been repaired and or serviced the tech who is recharging the system has to be very careful not to overcharge the system which can also cause the clutch to lock up and skip along until it is damaged. I to am on the side of replacing the whole unit, not just the clutch. We have seen many folks that have just replaced the clutch and have returned to replace the whole setup.I was just curious on how the a/c ran before you had the hose repaired??Hope it all works out well...
Bob/Brenda
2003 GV320 40'
Former 2000 U320 40'
Former 1993 U300SE
2007 GMC Envoy Denali
FMCA #2063 S1

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #13 –
Here is a recent thread discussing dash air compressor replacement.

Source for dash air compressor?

I bought a replacement compressor (new, not reman) from these nice people:

TRUCK AC COMPRESSOR

Less than $300, if I remember correctly.  Again if I remember correctly, a new clutch would have cost me nearly $200.  Replacing clutch or entire compressor would have been the same (the instruction manual for my Seltec compressor indicates that the compressor must be removed to replace clutch).  Your compressor may be different and, thus, not require removal to replace clutch.

Jim

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow
 

Re: Advise on replacing dash a/c compressor

Reply #14 –
My recommendation would be to replace the compressor and clutch as an assembly, as well as replacing the receiver/dryer and expansion valve. The best place to ask for air conditioning information is at a dedicated A/C forum. A very good source of information is the forum at ACSOURCE . I have received help in the past from one of their members who posts as "Nacho." Another good forum is Automotive AC Information Forum - ACKITS.COM .
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186