1993 Mark VIII Compressor cycling ON & OFF

[mark0101]

So my brothers Mark VIII compressor keeps cycling on and off. I first thought it was the refrigerant level because that's what I read on here. so I got one of the EZ chill cans to recharge but it is already high. The Ac blows cold air but not Arctic cold like my Mark VIII.

Here is a video. (YouTube- Mark VIII A/C Compressor) It's set on 60 degrees and MAX AC. Outside temp is 91 degrees. Where should I go from here? I am thinking complete Evacuation and recharge

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

So my brothers Mark VIII compressor keeps cycling on and off. I first thought it was the refrigerant level because that's what I read on here. so I got one of the EZ chill cans to recharge but it is already high. The Ac blows cold air but not Arctic cold like my Mark VIII.

Here is a video. (YouTube- Mark VIII A/C Compressor) It's set on 60 degrees and MAX AC. Outside temp is 91 degrees. Where should I go from here? I am thinking complete Evacuation and recharge

Dude your going to blow up that compressor, it looks to either be binding up or shot.. the AC Clutch is not fully engaging or weak. this is either a situation of the pump failing being over pressurized or the other (weak clutch)
I would suggest either replace the clutch see if it helps or replace the entire unit..
Trust me.. I found out the hard way it happened to me.. I didnt notice it before I had to replace the clutch and bearings.... now the pump has blown it inner seal, I have to replace it with another pump.. BTW PITA to remove and replace. by the sound of things the system is possibly over pressurized and the pump is having a hard time spinning, does it drag the motor down real bad when it engages? otherwise the clutch is slipping see quick note at bottom of post.

you might try taking out the bolt in the very center of the clutch, take off the front clutch plate carefully, there are a few small spacers in there and see if you remove 1 and only 1 to see if it allows a better bite when the magnet engages, it may help if the pump is not shot.
Good Luck , let us know how you make out.
bill

 

[BAD97LSC]

i'd say by the looks of how slow that clutch engages, you either need a clutch of replace the compressor. i'd replace the whole thing considering how old it is.

 

[mark0101]

Thanks for info 96_Lincoln.

And to answer your question, yeah it does bog down the engine when it does engage. So how would you go about reducing the pressure?

 

[BAD97LSC]

i just went through this with my 93, ac was still ice cold, pressure was fine, but everytime the compressor kicked on, it would stall the engine, if i revved it up while it was bogging down it sounded like the ac compressor was gonna explode, i changed the compressor and its been fine ever since.

 

[chicken]

i'd say by the looks of how slow that clutch engages, you either need a clutch of replace the compressor. i'd replace the whole thing considering how old it is.

i think the comp is toast that fukker is loud

 

[mistermaclincoln]

I am really taking note of all of this. I seem to have some of these same problems and my compressor either spins or stops also.

 

[bgck]

same also

my compressor was loud also, so i sprayed some lubricant(silicone spray) on the compressor and temperarily solved the problem. The AC still runs cold, just needs a little spray for time to time. Will replace the compressor eventually but not right know. but definitely spray of silicone spray on the compressor it'll solve the loud noise that its making. good luck.

regards,
ramon

 

[96_Lincoln_LSC]

my compressor was loud also, so i sprayed some lubricant(silicone spray) on the compressor and temperarily solved the problem. The AC still runs cold, just needs a little spray for time to time. Will replace the compressor eventually but not right know. but definitely spray of silicone spray on the compressor it'll solve the loud noise that its making. good luck.

regards,
ramon

if you sprayed it down with silicone, and the noise went away, you have a bad clutch assembly and will need to replace it before the bearings go completely and leave you stranded on the highway.. AGAIN THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME! replacing the clutch on the side of the road is no fun, carry lock pliers and puller with you just incase and oh yea carry atleast 125.00 in cash or credit for the parts. IT WILL FAIL.

 

[DieselDan]

1 Thing I noticed about that video. I think the pump looks like it is moving super slow, but I believe the frame rate of the video camera is doing that. At one point while engage, the compressor is rotating backwards. This kind of stuff happens when you watch dyno videos and it looks like the rear tires are spinning backwards, when obviously they are spinning forward. Any kind of lubricant on a clutch is retarded, a clutch is meant to work by friction, lube will wear your clutch out faster. You ever sprayed wd-40 on your old huffy handle brakes? Same thing. That compressor is loud as :q:q:q:q tho, and you may be able to add some oil to the system and quiet that compressor down, but its not a guarantee. Lastly, how does the system cool at highway speeds? Head pressure will get too high if the car is sitting still with high ambient temperature, causing the compressor to cycle. Once the car is moving and air is blowing over the condensor, it should blow colder A/C out of the vents.

 

[ssmoparviii]

Mine is starting to sound close to that... Not nearly as bad... I know I can feel it drag on the motor when it kicks on. Lets just hope it lasts tell summer ends and fall gets here. I really dont feel like doing any more car work this summer.

 

[bgck]

hey thanks for the info about the compressor, i didnt know that its was a problem. I will get it in the garage soon after the holiday.

regards,
ramon