AC compressor installation goof
#1
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AC compressor installation goof
Hi all- The clutch bearings in my AC compressor pulley went south, so being part of the serpentine belt system I had to replace it. Here is Boston AC is not critical, unlike Arizona. In my other vehicles when the AC died I just let it be, as I really didn't need it, but on this vehicle it is critical to the belt system, so I just did my very first AC work in all my years. The GOOF I just realized I made was that after adding the 7oz of PAG46 to the compressor, I was supposed to rotate it 10 or 20 times, so I just spun the pulley by hand.. Now I find out that I should have got a special spanner wrench to rotate the clutch properly. I didn't.. - SO my question is, can this damage the new rebuilt compressor I just installed by not doing this rptation properly? Any and all feedback is appreciated!
#2
Have you recharged it yet? The system? You had to spin the center hub of it, not pulley. I can see where the special tool may come in play.
Anyhow.
1. Why can't you simply bypass the ac comp with shorter belt? That being asked, on son's Mazdaspeed, due to pulleys configuration, this can't be done. Maybe yours is same way.
2. I'd have simply recharged it with freon/oil mix. Should be no harm.
Anyhow.
1. Why can't you simply bypass the ac comp with shorter belt? That being asked, on son's Mazdaspeed, due to pulleys configuration, this can't be done. Maybe yours is same way.
2. I'd have simply recharged it with freon/oil mix. Should be no harm.
#3
How can we commment on your situation when you didn't even tell us the year/make/model of the car ??!!
#4
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I too am having trouble understanding this post.
If you don't need AC then why did you recharge the system? Why not simply replace the AC clutch, leave the system turned "off" (i.e. clutch disengaged), and be done with it? Note: replacing the AC clutch does not require recharging the system.
I'll again mention that the AC clutch simply disengages the compressor when the system isn't in use.
Meanwhile, if you're intent on actually using the AC system, then I'd consider having a pro take a look at it (before you attempt turn the system "on"). I say this because an improperly charged system can result in expensive AC repair costs.
If you don't need AC then why did you recharge the system? Why not simply replace the AC clutch, leave the system turned "off" (i.e. clutch disengaged), and be done with it? Note: replacing the AC clutch does not require recharging the system.
I'll again mention that the AC clutch simply disengages the compressor when the system isn't in use.
Meanwhile, if you're intent on actually using the AC system, then I'd consider having a pro take a look at it (before you attempt turn the system "on"). I say this because an improperly charged system can result in expensive AC repair costs.
#5
Because all ac systems are basically same, unless it's a hybrid and comp is electrical, not belt driven?
Because nowhere did he say he actually RECHARGED the system? He only added comp oil, installed comp, belt, to realize that he is supposed to hand spin COMPRESSOR yet you can't do this as clutch will not engage, as system has no pressure in it, and spinning pulley does nothing, until clutch is engaged? And as there is no purchase over the clutch outside edge on most systems, he needs a "special" wrench to rotate the clutch by hand? Likely could have been "figured" with some home available devices, like oil filter wrench with 3 prongs, that appears to be quite suitable for the task?
Because clutch does not DIS-engage comp but, actually, engages it when system turns on? By magnetic force, causing friction plates on pulley and clutch to pull together, what starts spinning the center comp axle and pumping action inside of it?
Because replacing clutch bearing is actually giganormous task, as no one wants to sell you bearing itself? You have to spent ton of time to take clutch safely off, as it sometimes can be done only with special tool, like on GM comps, or bend it, like my son did on his Mazda? Then you have to -safely again - press the bearing out. Then, you have to drive around locating matching bearing. Then, you have to safely press it back into the clutch. Then, you have to re-assemble the clutch. And on some cars, the only way to do this is to remove comp anyway?
Time and effort counted, it's virtually more feasible to replace entire comp. Or, bypass it with "no - AC" belt for the car, but on same Mazda, you can not do this. And I am suspiscious, his car is same way:
[I]AC died I just let it be, as I really didn't need it, but on this vehicle it is critical to the belt system[/I] so he must have working pulley. Same I have to do today on that Mazda - install entire comp. Headed to store for comp oil next.
Because nowhere did he say he actually RECHARGED the system? He only added comp oil, installed comp, belt, to realize that he is supposed to hand spin COMPRESSOR yet you can't do this as clutch will not engage, as system has no pressure in it, and spinning pulley does nothing, until clutch is engaged? And as there is no purchase over the clutch outside edge on most systems, he needs a "special" wrench to rotate the clutch by hand? Likely could have been "figured" with some home available devices, like oil filter wrench with 3 prongs, that appears to be quite suitable for the task?
Because clutch does not DIS-engage comp but, actually, engages it when system turns on? By magnetic force, causing friction plates on pulley and clutch to pull together, what starts spinning the center comp axle and pumping action inside of it?
Because replacing clutch bearing is actually giganormous task, as no one wants to sell you bearing itself? You have to spent ton of time to take clutch safely off, as it sometimes can be done only with special tool, like on GM comps, or bend it, like my son did on his Mazda? Then you have to -safely again - press the bearing out. Then, you have to drive around locating matching bearing. Then, you have to safely press it back into the clutch. Then, you have to re-assemble the clutch. And on some cars, the only way to do this is to remove comp anyway?
Time and effort counted, it's virtually more feasible to replace entire comp. Or, bypass it with "no - AC" belt for the car, but on same Mazda, you can not do this. And I am suspiscious, his car is same way:
[I]AC died I just let it be, as I really didn't need it, but on this vehicle it is critical to the belt system[/I] so he must have working pulley. Same I have to do today on that Mazda - install entire comp. Headed to store for comp oil next.
#6
I replaced AC comp on son's Mazdaspeed yesterday. Did it by the book - refilled with 150 ml of oil, (using 10ml syringe, he-he) and hand spinning continuosly. But in my case, clutch has 3 large knobs on it and is easy to spin for refill.
After I had it installed though, it was not so easy to spin by hand, to toss some oil into the lines. But, again, in my case, comp has center bolt that was easy to get a socket+wrench on and spin it proverbial ten times.
Will try to recharge later today. She's up for sale. Got to have that ac going.
After I had it installed though, it was not so easy to spin by hand, to toss some oil into the lines. But, again, in my case, comp has center bolt that was easy to get a socket+wrench on and spin it proverbial ten times.
Will try to recharge later today. She's up for sale. Got to have that ac going.
#7
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Ok, I mistakenly thought the OP changed the clutch assembly rather then the comp/clutch assembly... Gee, maybe I should have read the "AC compressor installation goof" title...
I also wasn't sure if the OP wanted the AC to function properly due to living in Boston. But then again, if you're going to spend the money on a replacement comp/clutch assembly then it makes sense to add the proper amount of oil and refrigerant.
Anyway, I too have had success with simply adding the proper amount of oil by way of adding an initial oil/refrigerant charge (like ukrbyk mentions in post #2). However, adding the proper amount of oil and refrigerant requires that the system first be evacuated (which is why I still recommend that the OP take it to a pro).
I also wasn't sure if the OP wanted the AC to function properly due to living in Boston. But then again, if you're going to spend the money on a replacement comp/clutch assembly then it makes sense to add the proper amount of oil and refrigerant.
Anyway, I too have had success with simply adding the proper amount of oil by way of adding an initial oil/refrigerant charge (like ukrbyk mentions in post #2). However, adding the proper amount of oil and refrigerant requires that the system first be evacuated (which is why I still recommend that the OP take it to a pro).