AC Compressor Bad???

[chrisjohnson72]

I have a 98 Contour SE V6 with 218K miles on it. The past few days have heard a grinding growling sound. Popped the hood and see that the pulley on the front lower of the engine is spinning about every third rpm (sorry if that isn't mechanically correct). This is with the AC OFF. Question 1: Is this my AC compressor? Question 2: Is it shot? Question 3: Is this something that I can fix myself?

The AC still works when I turn it on.

By the way on my 25 mile stop and go commute home tonight, when coming to a stop, the engine stalled 3 times, but started right up.

Any advice would be helpful. If this is a huge repair, this could be what sends it to the graveyard. I have replace the AC system about 3 years ago.

 

[chrisjohnson72]

as a side note, I have noticed tiny metal shavings in the area of my belt.

 

[Lord Stanley]

It might just be the actual pulley and the bearings are shot, but do not quote me on this...

 

[chrisjohnson72]

Is that something that is relatively easy and cost efficient to fix myself?

 

[eepals]

Use the words "a/c compressor clutch" in the search field box, there are many questions on this.

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=28334&highlight=a/c+compressor+clutch

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=587&highlight=compressor+clutch

 

[chrisjohnson72]

if I choose not to fix it, right now can I get a shorter belt and bypass the ac compressor? What size would I need for a V6 DOHC for my SE?

 

[BrApple]

if I choose not to fix it, right now can I get a shorter belt and bypass the ac compressor? What size would I need for a V6 DOHC for my SE?

yes you can. Just ask for a belt for the V6 without the AC, they can look it up ....

 

[chrisjohnson72]

That is good news. I just checked it with the ac on and the pulley wobles pretty good, the sound is horrible and it looks like i can see metal shavings flying. Does this help solve the actual mystery?

 

[FavoriteMystaque]

Does the grooved pulley on the compressor wobble, and can you wobble it with the engine off if you grab the belt? If so, I'd say it's the bearing, and it might do it less with the A/C on because of some support from the clutch plate. Rockauto.com has the parts (pulley/bearing) I believe. Try rotating the A/C clutch plate by hand (cold engine), you should be able to turn it with reasonable force. I'd bypass it so you will not damage it more or stall your engine in traffic, until it can be repaired.

 

[projectSHO89]

Let me know if you need a belt for a 2.5 w/o AC.

I misordered one several years ago and it's still in my basement...

Steve

 

[chrisjohnson72]

With all of the advice I have recieved, if it were you, which parts should I purchase from Rockauto? And is there a good instruction sheet that will come through. Really trying to keep cost down, but would like to get it fixed cause it's already in the 90's here.

Thanks.

 

[chrisjohnson72]

Anyone want to chime in?

 

[FavoriteMystaque]

This procedure from a Mustang is good . Motorcraft has a clutch kit or separate parts. I took a look at their parts, appears bearing is separate part. It may be possible to get parts at PepBoys or Autozone, 4 seasons brand, and then you could see if the bearing is included with the pulley. I purchased a whole compressor, so haven't seen what you get in a clutch kit.