'82 AC issues just started...

[ironmoo]

'82 AC issues just started this week.

When turning on the AC (blows and cools perfectly,) a new sound like marbles in a coffee starts. It's also intermitent as it fades to return later on.
Traced the sound to the compressor area. It also stops when switching to the heat/vent or off.

So before I head into the hot season and spend $$ on a compressor, any suggestions or a story to share of a similar occurance?

Thank-yee in advance,

-Moo

PS:This is the stock R4 unit btw that has been overhauled 5-6 years ago.

 

[milo30]

I had a similar sound on a C4 compressor. I think it was the bearings. It ran like that for awhile then one day......in another state gave out and ate my belt.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

It could be the compressor bearings, or it could just be a loose belt.
Watch it while it's running to isolate the source of the sound. If it's the compressor, you will find it soon enough.
If it only makes the sound wnen the compressor is off, the compressor clutch could be on it's way out.

 

[ironmoo]

It could be the compressor bearings, or it could just be a loose belt.
Watch it while it's running to isolate the source of the sound. If it's the compressor, you will find it soon enough.
If it only makes the sound wnen the compressor is off, the compressor clutch could be on it's way out.

Yes the noise stops when the compressor is off. I'll look into the belt and such as well. Thanks for the input.

-Moo

 

[gmjunkie]

Yes the noise stops when the compressor is off. I'll look into the belt and such as well. Thanks for the input.

-Moo

Take the belt off and spin the pulley on the compressor and see if it makes any kind of noise!!!(Kind of a Low Rumble) If not,then by hand slowly turn it by hand all the way around several times and see if there is any kind of tight spots,If so replace the clutch pulley Idler bareing!!You don't have to break the system down and the bearing runs between $19-$30 depending where you get it!!Don't let it go out or you "WILL" be replacing the compressor!!

PS The bearing can sound like marbles rolling around under the Load of the compressor when the A/C is running, and you may not hear it at all when the A/C is not Running over the Engine!!

PS'PS I have to change 5-10 of them every spring!!

 

[wishuwerehere82]