A/C compressor replacement - question

[Arriva]

When A/C is off (1996 Bonneville SE non SC) compressor pulley makes noise and I see sparks coming off, I quit driving the car. When A/C is on mag clutch locks up and noise and sparks go away. I plan on replacing the compressor (been making noise also) and mag clutch.

Question: Will it cause damage to drive to A/C repair shop (after I install A/C compressor) to have system evacuated and charged?? No oil other than what is left in system -

[alec_b]

As long as you keep the A/C off no it won't hurt it. The oil in the system is only for the internal workings of the compressor, not the pulley. Leaving the compressor turned off essentially just turns the compressor into a regular idler pulley. You'll be fine.

[Arriva]

Thanks for the reply, I have been driving my pick up but need to get going on changing the compressor. Saturday is the day.

[Blownville]

My 98 is doing the same thing and I have been trying to figure out what step I want to take. I have replaced a clutch assembly on the 95 I used to have and I would do it on this one. However the puller I need is unable to be rented around here and I dont want to spend $75 on a complete puller/installer kit for any vehicle from Napa. When I did the 95 I used a puller that a friend of the family has but I cant get ahold of him to borrow it. If yo utake it to a shop for a compressor replacement they will require replacing other parts (don't remember the names of them of hand) in the AC system. I am thinking about calling a few shops to see if they can adjust the pulley for me though. There is a procedure for doing this but you need the correct puller. Good luck.

[myfirstbonnie]

First off, the system will not let the compressor come on without the A/C charged (unless the pressure switch is bad) to prevent the compressor from destroying itself on a low charged system.

Also, you need to have the system evacuated first. If you are changinging the compressor, you will need to remove the lines and it is dangerous and illegal to release the freon into the air.

[fleettech2252004]

The shop will also recommend replacing the accumulator and orifice tube. That is also required for compressor warranty.