It can be dangerous. And the wrong advice on DF as far as the AC goes, is why you need to be careful. Half azz advice about the AC system will only give you more probs. I'll gladly help you and fix the problem if you live in NH, or close.

 

Haha, I appreciate it. It would be a hot drive from ID =P

 

You probably have a bad clutch. Connect a test light to the two wires that go into the compressor just behind the pulley. Start the truck and turn the A/C on. If the test light comes on and the compressor does not engage, the clutch is bad. It is just an electro-magnet that pulls the clutch plate into contact with the pulley. I am having a similar problem. My compressor works as long as the truck is cool. As soon as it warms up under the hood the coil circuit goes open.

 

I'm thinkin' Kahunah has the right of it here. Sure beginning to look that way.

 

I hate to feed into my own bad news.. But I went out and fired her up again after sitting for awhile and the clutch spun for about 45 seconds intermittently , and then stopped ..

So we're talking $2-300 for the compressor / clutch ? .. Any reason to look at junk yards or is the risk of it not working too high?

 

Get a new one. You can replace JUST the clutch, so you won't have to have the system evac/recharged. I do believe there is a special tool required to remove/install the clutch though.

 

Ok, I haven't looked into it much yet. But does installing the hughes plenem plate require you to remove the compressor, resulting in an evac/recharge?

 

I just unbolted mine, left the lines connected, and set it off to the side as best I could.

 

I would check your vacuum system before you replace your A/C clutch or compressor. Sometimes a vacuum problem can throw off something such as a sensor or bring the engine speed down too low causing the A/C to malfunction. It won't kick in unless the engine is at or above 500 rpm.

 

HeyYou, you have been exceptionally pleasent, thank you for all of the quick replies.

Kahunah, I think you hit the nail on the head my friend.

Thanks again everyone!