Greetings everyone,

Had to have my F-150 (2001 4.6L) towed home today cuz the engine would not turn over. Turns out the a/c compressor is seized. Is it possible to change the clutch assy or bearings with out changing the whole compressor or maybe by-pass it with a smaller belt till summer?

thanks -Stan

 

Might be able to by-pass it. Sounds like it died a black death. If thats the case you need to replace the compressor, Dryer/accumulator, Condenser, all the rubber lines and flush the hell out of the evaporator. IF you do it yourself should cost about 500 -700 dollars. Make sure to replace the liquid line if it has one or the orifice tube.

Fine print disclaimer , IF you have no clue as to what I am talking about or have never worked on an ac system DON'T MESS WITH IT.

 

When you say "Black Death" it sounds like the entire a/c system is contaminated. If that's the case, looks like I'll be doing some sweating this summer.

 

I have a brand new in the box A/C bypass pulley. It replaces the a/c compressor and allows you to use the factory belt.

I'll take $30 plus shipping.

If interested email me: abbettracing@sbcglobal.net

 

I had the same problem.
Several experts told me not to waste money on the clutch or pulley.
They said when the compressor seizes it tears up the bearings in the AC clutch pulley. The bearings in my pulley are shot and when I rotate the pulley, it sounds like a grinding noise.
Since you are going to have to get a new AC compressor which comes with a clutch, don't waste money messing with the AC compressor pulley/clutch/bearing assembly.
I don't know how they did it, but when I bought my F 150 it has a serpentine belt that runs everything but bypasses the AC compressor which is seized. I guess there is a shorter belt for F 150's without an AC.
An AC expert told me when I take out the orifice, I can see if the system is terribly contaminated. He said the accumulator and orifice should have caught most of the crud from the failed compressor depending of how fast the AC compressor failed. Either way he told me to flush the Condenser, the hoses, replace the accumulator, and replace the orifice along with the compressor.
Ordered the parts online and everything cost me $ 255.00 with shipping (new).
I am going to keep the old belt when I fix the AC so if that happens again I can get back on the road with a 3/8" socket to slack the belt and put the shorter one on. I will carry the spare parts behind the seat.
Probably not a bad idea for anyone with AC to have that shorter belt and a cheap socket wrench so you don't get left on the road.

 

If it won't turn over with the ac off it is likely the bearing..see if the triangular clutch plate turns freely..if so it is the clutch bearing. If it is only locked up when the AC is on then it is the compressor.

 

oh never mind