A/C compressor

[Booncha57]

I am convinced that my a/c is constantly running. I notice no difference whether I turn it on or off in the temp. of the air blowing out, or the performance of my truck. I used to notice a big difference when it was on, my truck was significantly less powerful. Now it has that light hesitation that I would get if the a/c was on. Is there a way to test this for sure? I'm not all so sure how this works, if I have a problem with the clutch or something. I have a slow leak in my system and I haven't recharged it in a while so it's not going to be blowing really cold air out, but it doesn't feel any different on or off.

 

[shadetree]

Start the engine and look at the a/c compressor. If the complete assembly is turning, it is running. If only the pulley is turning, the system is off. Very unusual to do this. shady

 

[skippy]

unplug the compressor and then compare.

 

[Booncha57]

I just tried this and never saw the pulley turn! I would hear it clicking but never saw anything happen. When I unplugged the connector nothing changed but naturally there is no clicking.

 

[Booncha57]

What I mean is that the pulley that the belt is on is always turning but there must be another part there that is supposed to turn when the compressor is engaged. I'm not sure where that is because I don't see anything change when I turn on the a/c besides the clicking.

 

[Booncha57]

When accelerating the truck feels as though the brakes are dragging. The car rolls just fine though so I know that's not the case.

 

[shadetree]

Youre problem is not the compressor. When it engages you will see the center of the pulley start to turn.

I would do a tune up. Plugs, wires, gas filter, etc. If that didn't help, take a look at the camshaft timing. It may have jumped. You could do the latter first as it doesn't cost anything if you do it yourself.

If the engine doesn't rev, it could be a clogged cat. shady