Aircon Problems

[nevbug]

Help aircon problem,

Acrid burning smell from under hood directly under alternator, lots of heat.. engine not sounding/running correctly.... and when I turn off the aircon the engine runs as normal no heat or burning smells.... temp little high. can anyone help me on this... am I looking at a new mortgage here..

[seatkid]

Sounds like the a/c compressor is seized. Check to see you can turn it easily by hand.

 

The smell and heat will be the auxilliary belt slipping over the seized pulley or the a/c clutch slippling (or both).

 

Do not run the engine with the a/c on, until this problem is sorted. There is a high probability of fire!

[nevbug]

Thanks seatkid, Can I get to the A/C compressor easily?... Is this a job I can do without going to a main dealer.

 

nevbug

[seatkid]

Not unless you are a very competent diy mechanic.

 

The real problem with a seized compressor is there may be metallic debris now elsewhere in the system. Not only do you need to remove and replace the compressor but also replace the receiver dryer and have the system flushed, a/c lubricant added and then regassed with the correct weight of R134a.

 

Its probably best done at an a/c specialist - cheaper and more competent than a dealer.