1991 Corolla Odd A/C Problem

[PoopEater]

Hello everyone,

I posted on here a few months ago with a starter problem. You all helped me diagnose and get the issue resolved quickly and cheaply. For that, I thank you.

Now, I am having a second issue. So you know how when you are running your A/C, the system will turn the compressor on and off as needed to keep blowing cool air? Well, when I turn the system on, it will run fine for a couple of minutes until the system cycles the compressor off. When it cycles it off, I get a HORRIBLE squealing sound out of the engine bay. I've looked in there, and it looks like the compressor is seized. The squealing is the belt driving over the un-moving compressor pulley.

The odd thing is that when the A/C is fully turned on with the magnetic clutch engaged, the compressor pulley spins fine. Also, if I manually turn the A/C off, the clutch pops out just as it should, and the pulley still spins freely. The problem only occurs when the system cycles the compressor off. Why would this be happening? Any ideas?

Thanks,
-Ben

[retiredat44]

Post your question on the A/C forum:

http://www.acsource.net/acforum/

your best answers might come from there..

[PoopEater]

Thanks...I posted it over there. Hope that I can get this thing fixed

[diver9000]

It sounds like your compressor/clutch is starting to go bad. I would check all my electrical connections when the car is cool. Also check the A/C belt. If you have any bad wear spots in it, that can cause your compressor pulley to skip sometimes. Hey please let us know what it is when you find out!

[retiredat44]

On my 1989 Corolla I recently put a new compressor on. But Black Death had already done it's dirty work and sent crap throught the whole a/c sustem.

Since yours has not blown up. yet. I would say grab a new compressor w/clutch and a filter/drier. Grab new R134a Ports to place over your R12. Do the R12 to R134a conversion. Some people will say stick with R12. But at $40 per LB. R12 is way to expensive for me. My R13a cools just as well as the old R12.

I bought a new compressor w/clutch on eBay for $90.00 including shipping. The filter/drier was $20.00. I then bought some Ester Oil and a few cans of R134a at $8.00 each. Only problem you might have is finding a vacuum pump. Oh yeah,, you wil need a nice set of gauges. you wil need to refill it using high and low side gauges. Someplace between $50 and $100 for those. (I found one that does both High/Low sides and was only $20 , but don't say that in that forum or those anal retentive A/C forums will freak out demanding you buy a real expensive set).

Again, you can chat about that at the A/C forum.

http://www.acsource.net/acforum/

I used an air powered vacuum pump that connected to my compressor. But if you bring that up in the A/C forums they RIOT and freak out. So buy a vacuum pump if you wish.

I have a few more tips... but maybe you can have a professional shop do it for you and save yourself the work and hassle.

[diver9000]

Once you've replaced your compressor and whatever other parts your going to replace you will need to have the old freon cleaned out. You dont want to leave any of the old stuff in it. When you buy a new compressor/clutch already assembled make sure you leave the rubber boots on it until you are ready to change it with the old one. Reason: The new compressor comes with compressor oil already in it, just so you dont burn it up when it first engages until the ester oil circulates. You can get a complete recharge kit for about $20-$30 with a gauge on it. You can buy the conversion tips to go from R-12 to R-134 for about $10. The tips just screw on and they are color coded so you cant mess them up. Follow the instructions in the kit and it should work for you. There are only so many pieces on an A/C system. Just make sure you EVAC your system first (vacuum out the old freon and oil). This part of the process by itself usually only takes a few minutes.
Good Luck