Leave to go to a party in 90+ degree weather, turn the newly charged ac on and warm air, so i figure its warm out it'll cool down. Then it happends, the smell of something burning and smoke from the hood....not good.

So I pull over and pop the hood and smoke is coming from my ac compressor. There is a small amount of what I believe to be oil coming from the bottom of it, but not enough be dripping.

So now NO AC, 7 plus days of 90 or hotter, and i'm not sure what to replace, the clutch and compressor or just the clutch? Should I just replace both since it is a 1997?

Any idea's???????

Bob

 

You can get new compressor/clutch, dryer and expansion valve for probably under $400 easily. Then get system recharged.

 

Do I need the dryer and expansion valve OR just the compressor and clutch?

 

Replace all 3 together as the dryer and expansion valve get all the junk in the system. For the extra $50 you spend it is worth the insurance.

 

if the belt was smoking the compressor is locked up. that means it it needs replaced, the clutch usually comes with it. the dryer needs replaced because it will draw moisture when the system is opened.this will cause it freeze up and not cool right . and if i remember right the expansion valve can stick, it is cheaper to do while it is opened up . you also need to flush the system and add the correct amount oil, pull a vacuum and add freon. some systems also have a small screen in line ,i am not sure about yotas.

 

Good News....good to have a dad (hvac teacher) that works with a teacher in a votech school that is a mastertech. Was able to talk it through over the phone and turned out to be the clutch only. AC is cold and freon doesn't smell burnt.