AC compressor knowledge/ local referral in Raleigh/Cary?

[Porter]

Did some work on my hundy last week: timing belt, bearings of all sorts, valve cover gaskets and radiator replaced. I also replaced the bearing for the AC pulley. After butttoning all up, everything is great, but my AC clutch won't engage, and I have the blinking light indicating some kind of lockout.

Local shop here in Cary that I trust tells me "they can't get the diagnostic past the lockout" and are advising new compressor. Only issue, is this thing ran fine two weeks ago, until I evidently screwed something up. All I did was unplug the compressor, remove the clutch and pulley, and install a new bearing. (all plugs are back in correctly- was hoping that was it, but it's not!)

Is it possible the local shop doesn't have the right diagnositc tool, and this problem is as simple as clearing a code? At this point, I just made an appt at Mr. T for another diagnostic before I shell out $1100 on new compressor install. Any advice is welcomed, including someone you trust locally. AC stuff is way outta my league, but i'm addicted to AC, even in winter!

 

[ROBsSON]

We had problems with our compressor not cutting on in our old V8 4runner (I think it’s the same motor as the 100s). One problem when we first got it I believe it was the relay for the AC and the last tome we had a problem it was low on Freon so it wouldn’t come on got a cheap can added some and it cut right on.

Can’t do anything for a shop recommendation but hope this helps.

 

[uzj100]

Did you set the air gap correctly? Kidding, my daughters 99 needs the clutch replaced and she is running without ac right now. I will find the thread and post it here.

Air-con compressor magnetic clutch change

 

[Porter]

Did you set the air gap correctly? Kidding, my daughters 99 needs the clutch replaced and she is running without ac right now. I will find the thread and post it here.

Air-con compressor magnetic clutch change

Thanks for this! I believe you are correct, I need to have the proper air gap! I logged onto OTRAMM's weekly youtube Q&A tonight, and he mentioned this issue as well. It seems you can't just yank off the clutch and replace it (can't be that simple), you have to get lucky with the proper spacing or it faults. Again, this was the same old clutch, just a new pulley bearing installed. Hmm, now how to figure out the right gap, and/or use shims. I'll find a way as the other option is $1100 repair. The local shop seems completely unaware of this issue, I hope they wouldn't purposefully neglect to mention this as the cause of my compressor fault.

 

[Porter]

@uzj100, thanks again for the thread linked above. Bought the new shim pack for $1.60 at FAT Parts and after 45 mins under the hood this morning, my AC is back in business. It's all about the airgap...and ball bearings these days....



Cheers

 

[uzj100]

@uzj100, thanks again for the thread linked above. Bought the new shim pack for $1.60 at FAT Parts and 45 mins under the hood this morning and my AC is back in business. It's all about the airgap...and ball bearings these days....



Cheers

This is great news. Nothing like not spending $1100.

 

[uzj100]

I need to order the part for my daughters 99 and may need contacting you about the air gap.

 

[Porter]

Well, maybe just luck but it was simple. I pulled the old shim (washer) at 1.5 mm, carefully inserted the .5 and .3 shims, tightened the 10mm screw for the clutch (lightly I might add, not sure the torque spec) and the clutch worked. I just checked the new gap now, and I'm at .65mm. When I did the job, could have sworn it was over .7, but appears it is now at top of spec range. The shims are delicate ( I don't do delicate very well), I mashed the .10 mm, fortunately didn't need it.