A/C Problem

[Cincinnati Scott]

Gang,
I have a problem that I haven't seen mentioned in searches here. My a/c compressor makes a groaning noise when at idle. Once you rev the car, it quiets down, but makes a loud "fan" noise (reminds me of an air-cooled 911 fan noise) -- almost a whirring.

The a/c does work, so I hate to mess with it, because it has R-12. So, if I do end up taking the compressor apart, I've got switch everything over to the new stuff. But at idle, it's very loud, to the point where it's hard to talk over it.

Anybody had this before? Can anything be done without discharging the system?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Zennsx]

My compressor made a loud whirring sound when It was low on oil (the result of a massive evap leak).

 

[drew]

Anybody had this before?

Sounds like your compressor might be dying. If goes it will ruin your system and cost you up to several thousand dollars (not a typo: several thousand) to repair, replace and flush your system.

Can anything be done without discharging the system?

Maybe:
It might be the idler pulley. Easy fix.

It might be the clutch/pulley which you *might* be able to replace without removing the compressor.

If not: you will have to R&R the compressor, a decent sized job, and hope that it didn't knock any debris down system. The old compressor will have to be checked to make sure you didn't suffer "black death"...

I would IMMEDIATELY stop using your A/C...pull the fuse so you or your automatic system is not tempted to use it.

Get it fixed. Good Luck

Drew

 

[Cincinnati Scott]

Sounds like your compressor might be dying. If goes it will ruin your system and cost you up to several thousand dollars (not a typo: several thousand) to repair, replace and flush your system.



Maybe:
It might be the idler pulley. Easy fix.

It might be the clutch/pulley which you *might* be able to replace without removing the compressor.

If not: you will have to R&R the compressor, a decent sized job, and hope that it didn't knock any debris down system. The old compressor will have to be checked to make sure you didn't suffer "black death"...

I would IMMEDIATELY stop using your A/C...pull the fuse so you or your automatic system is not tempted to use it.

Get it fixed. Good Luck

Drew

Ok, none of that sounds very promising. Guess it'll be a long warm drive home tonight! What do you guys mean by "oil?" I thought that they had freon in them, but nothing else.

 

[Zennsx]

There is an ounce or so in the compressor which mixes with the freon. I have several cans for use with an R12 system. (uses R12 as a propellant) If you need a can I'd be happy to send you one

 

[OLDMNSX]

I would be sure that it is not the idler pulley first before you get your ....ies all up in a wad. If the idler pulley bearing is failing it will make a lot of noise too, especially under a load. This is a lot cheeper than a new compressor etc. Look it up in the on-line maintenance manual in the FAQ section, Reference, 91 NSX Service Manual.
Good Luck
Brad