Hi all. The past month my compressor has been making quite a terrible sound and I'm wondering if the compressor is going and if so is that something I should try to repair myself or is it best to leave it to an air conditioning automotive expert?

 

Sounds like the clutch. You should find out if there is a clutch pack available & sold separately for whatever car this is for. I'd first look at the manufacturer of the compressor and find out if there is a clutch assembly sold separately. They're not bad to replace - mainly a couple snap rings is all that holds the clutch & pulley together on the compressor shaft. You can often replace the clutch without having to remove the compressor which saves you the time of not having to remove hoses.

 

Thank you for the fast reply. I totally forgot to list what kind of vehicle it is a 1984 Delta 88 royal brown. It has the 307 cylinder motor in it.

 

I think that's a standard R4 compressor used on the '84 Delta 88 and it does have a separate clutch assembly available. You obviously have some options if you're planning to do it on your own. If it were me, I'd remove the clutch assembly (this should be listed in your CSM for the removal and disassembly of the clutch) and see whether you need the entire clutch assembly or possibly only the clutch bearing. If only the bearing, there are bearings sold separately. If the entire clutch assembly that's available also - and, probably from different manufacturers. In any case, check your CSM for removal disassembly of the clutch, remove the clutch and evaluate if its the clutch pack which you think you need or possibly only the bearing.

EDIT: BTW, don't run your AC any longer. Running AC with a bad compressor clutch can cause the entire compressor to go South on you from over heating, etc.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...model/delta-88

 

Thanks everyone! I will try and get as this with your suggestions asap.

 

When the compressor clutch is engaged, everything is rotating at the same speed. When the clutch is disengaged, the bearing will rumble if worn, and that doesn't sound like a rumble. Think about it. Just sayin........

 

I think maybe I’ll just replace the compressor. Someone posted a link to one complete but it’s unavailable if anyone has any links to where I could purchase one online and a very good quality one that would be most appreciated!

 

Not a bad idea. RA showed them in stock I believe. They did make several of those I believe by a couple different manufacturers (I thought one bought the other or something like that). I'll have a look at RA and see what's available.

 

Here's what's available from RA. I wish I could speak specifically to one manufacturer versus another but unfortunately I cannot.
Check the OEM numbers on your current compressor to ensure you can find a cross-reference matching R4.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ompressor,6628

 

If nothing else, you can shop for best price & free shipping. Also, once you've made your final selection, check Amazon for the same compressor you're considering purchasing. They usually have sweet prices. If you're a Prime member, free shipping; but, many times free shipping on orders over $25.00

Summit Racing R4's for 1984 Delta 88

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...4%20compressor

And, of course, walk into any Autozone, NAPA, etc. and they should be able to hook you up directly in no time as this compressor is quite common. Good luck, Stephen.

 

Thanks for all these tips and leads! It figures SUMMIT RACING is out of stock on everything! This COVID-19 is driving me crazy!
I'll keep looking to see if there are any kind of reviews or comparisons of those compressors since those kind of items often wear if they're made cheaply I'm sure somewhere there is a good break down test of different manufacturers.

 

Do a Google search for "best R4 compressor". You'll find some forums discussing the various aspects of the R4 compressor - a little of the history of the R4, who the original manufacturers were, and some discussion on the Four Seasons R4 where I've read in the past several forum members discussing nearly all R4 compressors were made by Four Seasons and labeled for whomever the end-point sales company is.

https://www.bestreviews.guide/r4-compressors
https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads...r-brand.26515/

 

Ha, just doing my Google researching now! I find a lot of times the original stock items were remanufactured to much higher standards hopefully that will be the case with this clutch as I never mind paying more for better quality and less downtime.

 

You should replace the receiver/dryer, oriface tube, and the Schrader cores too.

 

Hi Hammerdrop, would it be possible to send a photo with arrows pointing what items you're referring to? Sorry this was an inherited vehicle I do a lot of work on my 89 Sunbird but this is all new to me.

 

Not complicated. Just go to Rock Auto and find the heat and air conditioning section. The receiver/ dryer / accumulator, orifice tube and valve core and cap kit are all listed there. If you are converting to R134, you will need oil too. Air conditioning requires a gauge set, and a vacuum pump. Hope you are up to this.

 

Here's a dumb question can I replace justice front portion of the compressor clutch assembly instead of replacing the whole compressor? I have a little tool that I put my ear to it's like a doctor stethoscope and it really seems like the sound is coming just from this clutch assembly.

 

Maybe if you engage the clutch with the engine NOT running and remove the nut in the center, the front part of the clutch should slide off the shaft. At that point, remove the pulley and bearing. The magnet is then exposed. I don't think the clutch is the problem though. And if you grenade the compressor, all the debris will go out into the system. Not good.

 

It isn't a dumb question. Here's what you're looking at. I see no reason to replace the dryer, shrader cores, receiver, accumulator or orifice tube. I didn't hear you ask how to upgrade from R12 to R134A.. What you've circled is basically the pulley which a new clutch kit should come with. If you're the type who gets some enjoyment from DYI projects go for it.
Basically, this is what you're looking to address. Sometimes they'll let you borrow the puller or you can rent it cheap. On GM R4 compressors you'll need a puller - they don't just slip off.
http://www.watdahel.com/tutorials/r4...sor/repair.php

 

Good point, it's best to replace the whole thing since I think it's all original.

 

As I indicated in Post #2, if you can perform the removal of the clutch assembly with the compressor attached to the brackert, it would save you the trouble of having to remove the hoses and then you'd be looking to replace the drier, shrader valves, etc. If after reviewing the removal procedure you believe it's beyond what you're interested in tackling, by all means take it to a certified mechanic where they have the correct gauges and can vacuum. At which point, as hammer suggested, it might be the correct time to consider upgrading from R12>R134A. Good Luck!

 

Dont buy the Four Seasons, it won't last. I got this one last month. Brand new AC Delco:

 

I wish there was a YouTube video on this I'm still looking.