Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

smokekiki on Thu July 22, 2010 6:44 PM

Year: 1999
Make: Chevy
Model: Astro
Engine Size: 4.3
Refrigerant Type: 134A
Ambient Temp: 91
Pressure Low: 35
Pressure High: 260
Country of Origin: United States

The temperature here in southeast Pa. has been above normal. The A/C in the Astro would run cold and then warm, then back to cold.Since it was cheap,I changed the switch on the accumulator.
With gauges hooked up,static pressure is 78 @ 91 degrees. At idle it is 48/220. At 1800 it is 35/260 and blowing at 43 degrees. If I turn the ac off then turn it back on,the clutch will not engage. It does not engage at start up. If i just tap the outer ring , it will engage. The compressor is not noisy. Do I need a new clutch?

I just went back out,and after sitting for 20 minutes,the static pressure is now 89

Thanks

Chick on Thu July 22, 2010 6:48 PM

You need the clutch gap adjusted..Should be around .02 On Gm compressors you need special tools (clutch plate installer/removal tools) to adjust the clutch.. You can usually borrow them from Autozone.. If you make it to tight, you'll need the clutch removal tool to back it out..

Check out Clutch removal and installation and although the post is about changing front seals, you'll see the tools needed to adjust your clutch...

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Thu July 22, 2010 at 6:50 PM by Chick

smokekiki on Thu July 22, 2010 7:10 PM

Thanks,I just went out and did a quick check with a business card,and it fits too loose.
Is this normal wear? I can"t see any signs of clutch dust(or any sign of leakage). The compressor is about 4 years, and 60000 miles old.

HVargas on Thu July 22, 2010 7:22 PM

It is normal for the clutch gap to widen over time. It is just like a regular clutch in a vehicle and has material on it that burns off over time. As Chick stated, get the proper tools and remove the hub yourself, remove a shim and reinstall.

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: Arizona Mobile Air

Chick on Thu July 22, 2010 9:14 PM

Should be no shim on that Adam, GM compressors press fit....

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose