The A/C compressor on the 64 Starfire has decided to be a problem this week. With A/C on it makes quite a squeal. Bearing or something else, but its going to need some service.
With A/C off however its quiet. I really want to attend the Olds homecoming in Lansing in 10 days. I looked at the manual and it seems a clutch of sorts but I really have no experience with these.
If I keep the A/C OFF, is it OK to drive the car?
I'm thinking yes but I don't need to end up along I-94 with the belts wore off, or worse.

 

It should be fine with the AC off. It appears to be rather original under that hood, consider getting your compressor professionally rebuilt or repaired vs. replacement.

 

Is the clutch trying to move when its off? The clutch air gap could be off.
Have the High and Low side pressures read.
The clutch could be on its way out.
Can you bypass the compressor with shorter belts...if needed.

Contact one of the auto aiir vendors...Classic or Vintage auto air.

 

Find the wires to the compressor clutch and unplug them from the clutch. A piece of electrical tape on it for peace of mind. That way the clutch can't possibly engage. As you see, a factory installation on a 64 uses two belts that also drive the alternator, which is kinda important to have while the car's being driven.

Looks like system has been converted to R134a. My guess is pressures are going high and increasing head pressure to point the belts are slipping and squealing. Do you know how much R134a charge is in the system? A rule of thumb is whatever quantity of R12 the system called for, use 75-80% of that amount of R134a.

An A6 compressor and R134a aren't the best pairing but work with what you have.

 

Find a shorter belt that will allow you to bypass the air compressor.
Keep it and the tools required to change it in the trunk.

 

A squeal sound often is due to the belts slipping, which would mean something is preventing the compressor from turning. That could be from high pressure (due to an overcharge as noted above) or from some type of mechanical fault inside the compressor. Since there is no noise with the AC off (the clutch disengaged) it likely is OK to drive.

Further troubleshooting is needed to determine what is causing the squealing noise.

 

In any case, as noted, so long as the clutch is not engaged, you will be fine. Don't mess with different belts

 

Good advice here - I'm glad I asked.
I don't think I can switch to shorter belts. The alternator is so close that they would rub on the underside of the AC pulley. Unplugging the wire is a good idea.
This is a very nice Starfire. It came from a large collection in Florida where the owner had a dedicated mechanic. Car was driven and I have a lot of service records. Several are about the A/C, which he wanted functioning well. I'm 99.9% sure it is already R134a yes.
When the problem first occurred the noise was a total surprise, so I know the belts were slipping because I could smell the rubber. I chatted a local place that is willing to take a look at the pressure. The owner has an old car so he knows I'm not dropping off a Camry. I'll see how far that gets me. If the compressor is bad it will get a rebuild. No generic replacement on this car.