C3(72)AC compresser

[Rob C.]

I need help. I trying to find some one in the New England area that will rebiuld my AC pump. The pully froze up on it the clutch still turns free.
Is this some thing that I can do? Thank you.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Are you talking about the front of the clutch turns free? This is the compressor turning. If the pulley is frozen, the clutch bearing has gone out

[Rob C.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Dick
Yes, The front turns free. I just went out and tried to turn the pully again and it moved about 1/2".
Rob

[Jack H.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Follow the directions in your copy of the Chassis Service Manual (CSM) to R&R the pulley/clutch assy. This can be done 'on-car' without losing R-12. You'll need a pair of snap-ring pliers and the A-6 form of the clutch/pulley tool (most major auto parts stores for about $25).

Once the pulley is off, remove the snap-ring that holds the bearing in place and press out the old bearing. Fresh new ones are available from most major auto parts stores, typically discounted from $70 list to something like $35.

Now, press in the new bearing are re-assemble. Be sure to follow the directions in the CSM when pressing the pulley/clutch assy onto the A-6 drive shaft to get the clutch air gap right (around 0.025-inches). You're done!

Alternately, if you don't want to buy the special tool for pulley/clutch removal and do it yourself, you can pay any auto shop with A/C service expertise. But, understand folks like Firestone/Goodyear are charging out burdened shop labor in the $60-85/hr range these days.... Your purchase of a pulley removal tool will probably pay for itself on this one job alone!

[Dick W.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Rob, your clutch idler bearing is shot. As Jack stated you can do this yourself with a few new tools. One thing he did not mention was that you will need a non magnetic feeler guage to measure your clearance. Most clutches I have dealt with have become somewhat magnetic. The original Kent Moore tool kits had these guages.

[Rob C.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Jack thank you, Were can I get a chassis overhaul manual? I have the service manual. Barnes&Noble dose not have it.
Rob

[Rob C.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Dick thank you, Do I get these guages from an auto parts stoor as well?
Rob

[Jack H.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Most Chassis Service Manuals are in stock at the NCRS Merchandise Center (STORE pulldown; this web site). If you want more info from the Chassis Overhaul Manual or the Fisher Body Manual, then you probably want to go get these books directly from the US distributor (Helm, Inc. of Detroit, MI). Fire up your Google search engine and you'll get to Helm's website. The lion's share of useful information is in the CSM including sections on the Corvette body because Corvette was NOT a Body by Fisher vehicle. You'll get a little more in-depth info in the COM book, but most don't find what's there that much worthwhile....

[Dick W.]

Re: C3(72)AC compresser

Rob, Snap On list them (FB305A) in their catalog for $3.25 a set. I did not know that you could open one of their catalogs for that amount