Air con compressor, where to listen?
 

Just tried to listen for the clutch on the air con compressor but the engine is "so loud" I could not hear it.
where is the best place to put myself to listen? From underneath? Is it under the alternator?

macafee2

Can I use the method shown in this video to test if the clutch engages or not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8IQnkqvXIQ

macafee2

you just need to be able to see the compressor where the belt engages , if the outer is spinning and the inner is still then the comressor is not running. if the center is spinning then it is running.

As Dave Linc's advised on your other thread , the chances are you have a refrigerant leak . The way forward is to have gauges fitted to your system to check pressures If your system is low on refrigerant the pressure in the system wont be sufficient to enable the trinery switch to engage the clutch on the compressor so the chances are you will not hear the clutch engaging as it wont be. Usually you hear a distinct clunk as they engage

oh, I did not know or I had forgotten the clutch wont work if low on refrigerant, thank you.
Did not hear anything distinct.
Ok I'll move to finding a mobile air con engineer.

thanks

macafee2

if the compressor has been running , even if you cannot see it , or here it , then most certainly the aircon pipe will be hot on the small diameter pipe that the trinary valve sits on. or it should be if been running .

I did not notice either pipe to be hot. I am out of my depth and I have a feeling I am about to ask a stupid question.
Would it be hot if low or no gas?

macafee2

Hi Ian.
With some help start the car, have a torch to hand and then get someone to press the demist button or auto and shine the torch onto the clutch on the compressor and se if it move in and out each time you turn on and off he A/C

In the video below at about 28 seconds.


You should also hear change in the note of the engine, when the compressor kicks in.

Arctic, brilliant, thank you, I now know where to look for the clutch. I think the engine note changed but then that could have been the fan coming on. Will try again with the wife this morning.

macafee2

Ian, Arctic's video is of a V6. The compressor on your diesel is in roughly the same place but is below the alternator and power steering pump (according to MGR drawing).

Simon