1985 B250 Ram Van 360 Trailering Package OEM AC System

AC does not work to cool and that is no problem.

Problem: AC compresser clutch is dragging and every second or two the clutch spins the compressor a partial turn. You can see the face plate spin clockwise a little bit.

Disconnected the 12v power to clutch plug and AC is OFF.

Still drags and pops a partial turn whether engine rpm idle or fast.

Front headlight end of clutch assembly looks like hot and light rust. Belts not hurt. Front face of pulley may or may not look like was hot.

All I care about is running engine safely. And the belts working over the pulley.

Any idea what is going on or what can be replaced?

TIA. Steve1985

 

My first guess would be the idler bearing on the pulley is beginning to fail and the clutch is making contact with the face. Pull the belt off and try to see if you can feel if the bearing has a small amount of play in it. You will need a clutch puller to get it off the shaft. Just my guess.

 

Ditto, bad bearing.

 

Can just/only the bearing itself be replaced so as to use the clutch assembly as a pulley not needed AC to function?

 

Yes, it can be used only as an idler pulley.