I went out to fix the air conditioning today. Back in january, I had the famous serpentine belt problem. When I lost that belt, it took the a/c belt with it. So I went out to put that belt on now.

This is a 98 caravan with the 3.0 liter engine, 150k miles.

When I got the belt on, the a/c sort of worked, but was very weak. The compressor was running though. I attached a recharge can to the system and tried to add some freon. Things went ok at first. The can discharged and I could see the gauge move. The gauges said the system was right at the low side of normal.

Then after about 30 seconds with the engine on and a/c running, there was a loud screeching noise. It was the compressor clutch slipping. I could see the compressor turn a little while it was screeching, but it would slowly stop and start and never turn very much, only a quarter turn or so, then it would stop again.

I don't know a lot about a/c systems. But I'm thinking this is a seized a/c compressor. Does this sound right? Can anyone suggest a source for a new one that's not so expensive? I'd like to make it one more year with this car. Thanks.

brian

 

Welcome to DF
Brian, I think you are right. The compressor may have just seize up on you. Ck on a reman compressor at the local part store. Or wrecking yard.

 

I've have 0 luck with reman compressors, every one I've ever put on has come back. What did the low side pressure do when the compressor started making noise.

 

I don't know what the pressure did. Once the screeching noice was there, I didn't pay attention to the gauge anymore. What am I looking for?

 

Nothing in perticular, just curious. Sometimes if you have a restriction or something, you'll get low lowside and really high highside and it makes it tough for the compressor to pump because there is no flow.

 

I only have a low side gauge. I really need to get a proper set though. I'll see if I can pick one up.

If I replace the compressor, how can I pull a vacuum on the system before adding coolant again?

brian

 

you need a vacumn pump, I don't know if you can rent them or if you have to take it in.