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AC compressor on 1967 DeVille

Started by jims427400, June 25, 2020, 03:42:10 PM

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jims427400

Car has 30,000 miles and the belt has been removed for many years. I don't want to remove hoses because I'd like to keep freon if possible. I'd like to put belt on and see what happens but I don't know what I might be ruining. I've read that I can remove/ replace the clutch if that is the problem. Can someone tell me what I can expect when I hook this up and what is the worst case to expect?
Also how hard is it to diagnose and replace clutch if that is the problem?
I believe it is the original compressor BTW
Thanks all,
Jim

jims427400


"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

Jim,
The first quest I would ask is, is there pressure in the system now?
To see if the compressor is free you can rotate the center hub.  There must be some reason the belt was removed and a locked compressor or bad clutch plate are the most common.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

Daryl Chesterman

It is also possible that the clutch bearing is bad and can be checked by removing the belt and see if the end plate turns easily and smoothly.  By applying battery power to the clutch, you can see if the clutch will engage.  If it does, you can see if the compressor will turn over by hand.  When you apply power to the clutch, you should be able to hear a good, solid "clunk" when the clutch engages.  The clutch and bearing can be replaced without losing any Freon.  You need to have the special tools shown in the factory service manual to remove the clutch.  They are probably readily available on Ebay

Daryl Chesterman

Dan LeBlanc

Last time I replaced an A6 clutch, I was able to get the tool kit from O'Reilly's across the border - pay a deposit, take it home, do your work, bring it back, get your deposit back.
Dan LeBlanc
1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car

The Tassie Devil(le)

The first time I had to do it I made my own tool to perform the task.

An old bolt of the correct thread, a longer, thinner bolt, a Lathe and drill and tap, and finished.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

jims427400

Thank you all, sorry for not getting back right away. Daughter got married. I removed the belt about 10 plus years ago but have to be honest I don't remember why. I remember someone at the time also said I had a problem with that vacuum switch thats mounted on the passenger side fire wall(yellow and orange wires,black/purple tubes) that works with the temp control inside the car.
I'm pretty sure it still has freon in it.
I'm going to put the belt back on and fire it up and guess we'll see what happens.

jims427400

So I checked and the end of the compressor turns but it is not easy. I assume it's the clutch, just in from the end, spins easily. What does that mean?
Also how can I temporarily hook up 12volts to check if clutch works?
Thanks all

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

James,
One lead on the clutch is the ground and the other is for a 12Volt signal.  You did not answer as to whether the system is still under pressure.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

jims427400

I'm only assuming it is. How can I tell you for sure?

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

The correct way is to put a set of refrigeration gages on the system and read the pressure. Just depressing the schrader valve on one of the service fittings and listening for the “pfffsssst”’is a poor substitute since it is kind of hard to translate the”pfffsssstt” into psi.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

chrisntam

Quote from: "Cadillac Kid"  Greg Surfas 15364 on June 29, 2020, 05:15:57 PM
The correct way is to put a set of refrigeration gages on the system and read the pressure. Just depressing the schrader valve on one of the service fittings and listening for the “pfffsssst”’is a poor substitute since it is kind of hard to translate the”pfffsssstt” into psi.
Greg Surfas

Everyone knows more f's and s's mean more pressure...

;D
1970 Deville Convertible 
Dallas, Texas

jims427400

I'll see if I can barrow a set of gauges and get back.

Scot Minesinger

What about power steering - is it on same belt?
Fairfax Station, VA  22039 (Washington DC Sub)
1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1970 four door Convertible w/Cadillac Warranty

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

Not on a 67 Scott. That’s a 429 motor.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-