Help! A/C Compressor Help Needed

[My84Vette]

Hey Everyone, I replaced my valve cover gaskets today, drivers side went very well, passenger side went really well until I had to remove the back bolt for the A/C Compressor so I could my compressor out of the way to pull the valve cover out.

When I broke the bolt loose from its 27 year resting place, I slipped and broke the electrical switch that is on the top rear of the A/C compressor.

Does anyone know if this is the "High Pressure Cut Off Switch"? If its not that switch, does anyone know what it is? Also, can I run my A/C with it broken? Do I need to have the entire system discharged in order to replace it?

It looks like I can get that switch for around $25, but last time I had another car A/C discharge and recharge, it cost me $150

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[boomdriver]

Hey Everyone, I replaced my valve cover gaskets today, drivers side went very well, passenger side went really well until I had to remove the back bolt for the A/C Compressor so I could my compressor out of the way to pull the valve cover out.

When I broke the bolt loose from its 27 year resting place, I slipped and broke the electrical switch that is on the top rear of the A/C compressor.

Does anyone know if this is the "High Pressure Cut Off Switch"? If its not that switch, does anyone know what it is? Also, can I run my A/C with it broken? Do I need to have the entire system discharged in order to replace it?

It looks like I can get that switch for around $25, but last time I had another car A/C discharge and recharge, it cost me $150

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

this is on the backside and NOT the pulley right?

That most likely is the hi-press safety switch. You need that...this switch makes the compressor cycle off/on when the system builds pressure from excess heat. Without it, the system might run but it could build dangerous pressures and/or blow the compressor seals or any of the hoses...even the evaporator.
As far as I know this one requires discharging the system. Get a shop to do the discharge, and the autp parts store probably rents gauges and vacuum pumps. The price of R134a is up to $12 a lb, and you need just over 2lbs... 3 cans. Or 1 tall can and a reg size. Its not difficult at all. I rent my a/c tools from auto-zone where its actually no charge,,,just the deposit thats refunded when the tools are returned.

 

[My84Vette]

Boomdriver, you are correct, this is on the backside of the AC compressor, its actually under a snap ring, not on the pulley or clutch.

Thanks for the information, I will head down and get the system discharged and get this thing fixed right away.

 

[boomdriver]

Boomdriver, you are correct, this is on the backside of the AC compressor, its actually under a snap ring, not on the pulley or clutch.

Thanks for the information, I will head down and get the system discharged and get this thing fixed right away.

I'd been told that some other a/c switches could be removed without a discharge but I am not sure how...