1995 Camaro V6 3.4. The AC compressor pulley does not turn at all, it is shot. I removed the serpentine belt and tried turning it manually and it just does not move at all. It actually prevented the engine from turning when the belt was on it, so I can't drive it.

It had been making this grinding noise before it failed. Now is probably fubar?

Any ideas or suggestions on what I may be facing here? I am thinking that the compressor may need to be replaced...if that is the case, I may just be better off taking it to a shop instead of doing it myself?

Thanks in advance for your help.

PS: It just occurred to me to check the AC pressure to see if the system is low...and it is empty. I wonder if that may cause the compressor to lock up?

 

If you can't turn the compressor manually, the compressor is gone and needs to be replaced, including the clutch because most likely it also died when the compressor locked up. Apparently there was a leak in the system, and most likely as the refrigerant blew out it took most of the oil with it, which then caused the compressor to seize.
Replacing the compressor itself is no big deal, but the system will have to be tested for leaks and the leaks repaired, and then the system evacuated. The compressor oil will have to be replaced, the receiver drier replaced, and the system refilled. If you don't have access to an evacuation pump, and gages, the job is best left to an AC shop.

 

yes the compressor is shot and i dont suggest you take it to a shop youll pay prob around $1000 for them to replace it. i had a 95 3.4 that needed a compressor and it was $450 at advance i found a good one at a junkyard for $50

 

The compressor isn't as likely to lock up just from losing refrigerant, because the pressure switch will kill power to the clutch once it gets too low (but not empty). I wouldn't be surprised if the clutch locked up first, then kept the compressor turning even after you lost all refrigerant and oil. That would lock up the compressor. Either way you slice it, you need both replaced.
Does your user name indicate you're in Arizona? It doesn't get that hot there, does it?

 

I was told it is only "dry heat" and Arizonans are used to it, something like the hot air blowing from their politicians. lol

I notived thet Rock Auto has an assortment of compressors for the car running from around $200 for a rebuilt to $370 for new.

 

Thank you all for your tips and pointers, gives me a better idea on how to approach this problem. I will get a used, reman or new compressor and dryer and install them myself. Then I'll take it to an ac shop and have it serviced and repair leaks if needed.

BasicConcepts, I checked our local junkyards and found one for 85 grade A at www.car-part.com

Camaro69,z28pete, as of today here in Tucson the high is 100 degrees, so the hot days are not here yet! for that kind of weather I just roll down the windows and get some fresh air.

If I could drive it without AC I would, but only if I can get a shorter belt and bypass the compressor for a while, that will give me time to do some research and buy parts while I still drive the car...I'll check into that as well.

 

You system may need flushed. If the clutch failed on a system with no freon then the compressor would be shreded. There is metal all thru the system. Both high and low sides would be suspect. You could try to blow it out with an air hose but if you miss just a few shaving on the low side they could get into the compressor and cause it to fail, if you miss some on the high side it will end up in the orfice tube and your system will plug up.

 

I cringe just hearing this. When mine went, it threw the belt and toasted the motor. Good to see yours didn't take that kind of hit. There is an AC delete pulley if you want a cheap quick fix. Call it weight reduction.

 

My compressor did not lock up but the seals are leaking. I can charge my system up and it will work for about 4-5 Days. Last time I put UV freon in it. After it leaked out I Jacked the car up crawled under it and all around it with a black light at night and the only place I could see any trace of the UV dye was dripping from the compressor so I am doing this also right now. I have ordered tonight off of ebay a New compressor and accumulator for $138.50 and $36.25 shipped. I am still going to need an orifice tube, Pag 150 oil, two cans of freon, and an o-ring seal kit that I will buy local. All total I will spend about $225-$250.

I could not see buying a used compressor as all the other cost would be the same and if the used one was bad I would have to spend all of that money all over again. Now if you are not interested in the ac working or do not have the money you can put a used one on and it should turn and allow you to drive the car