|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Registered
|
AC Compressor Noise after re-seal
I have just completed a Griffiths AC upgrade with new evaporator and extra condensers but kept the original compressor. Griff provided an amazing amount of information/help all along the way. I tore down the compressor and used new seals and Ester oil. Put compressor back in car while trying to find a local shop to recharge the system.
I have driven the car with everything in and under a vacuum several times, not using the AC, with no issues. On about 1 1/2 hour drive over the weekend, I started to hear a loud droning noise from the right rear in the last half hour of driving. It was the AC compressor. Questions: Should the compressor make noise with no refrigerant in the system? Did I, more than likely, not put it back together correctly and the compressor bearing or something else has now failed? Any ideas on why it would make a lot of noise is greatly appreciated, John
__________________
1985 911 Carrera ROW |
||
09-08-2025, 06:38 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2025
Posts: 2
|
Before you do anything else, I'd recommend removing the compressor and inspecting it closely. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or debris. Check the bearings for play and ensure everything moves smoothly
|
||
|
09-08-2025, 08:48 AM
|
|
|
Get off my lawn!
|
Simple test one, remove the belt and be 110% sure it is the compressor making the noise. If it is not connected and you hear a noise, it wasn’t the compressor making the noise.
The pressure switch should prevent the clutch from engaging so the compressor should not be turning, just the clutch pulley. If the compressor is indeed making a noise when it is only the pulley turning, you have a problem. From what I have read, rebuilding a compressor is very difficult to get right at home. Even difficult when companies do it. Best bet, get a new one.
__________________
Glen 49 Year member of the Porsche Club of America 1985 911 Carrera; 2017 Macan 1986 El Camino with Fuel Injected 350 Crate Engine My Motto: I will never be too old to have a happy childhood! |
||
|
09-08-2025, 05:34 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Quote:
__________________
1985 911 Carrera ROW |
||
|
Yesterday, 03:51 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Park Ridge Il
Posts: 67
|
It could be just the clutch. Its best practice not to leave the system under vacuum with potential to run the compressor as its cooled and lubricated via oil in the refrigerant. Are you sure compressor was not operated? Now that you have the belt off, can you turn compressor over by hand? Disconnect lines, pull compressor and let it drain oil onto clear glass dish, look for metal particulate or waxy oil. Use a Kim wipe to swab inlet & discharge ports for debris. Turning over by hand with fingers over ports, you should feel suction on low side port and pressure on discharge port. Plug line fittings with a rubber stoppers when disconnecting suction and discharge hoses to minimize moisture and junk into system. Griffiths systems work great, mine was installed by PO in 2002 and the best is Griff's support with knowledge.
|
||
|
Yesterday, 04:46 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Just a little north of 13669/Nation's capital
Posts: 1,283
|
I agree with Spetrow's advice. I am guessing the AC was never switched on during your drive. Therefore the compressor clutch was not engaged (hopefully) so it shouldn't be a problem with the compressor. If it were engaged, no lubrication in the (absent) circulating refrigerant means the compressor will likely be damaged.
__________________
1986 Targa Guards Red 2021 MT09 SP |
||
|
Today, 03:07 AM
|
|
|
|
Registered
|
Quote:
Thanks for the questions, comments, and advice.
__________________
1985 911 Carrera ROW |
||
|
Today, 03:31 AM
|
|
Carrera
