a/c question

[Dominic M.]

Was wondering if any one out there has ever rebuilt one of these. I've been runnin my truck for the past two years without the pump ever kicking on. I've been to lazy and cheap to get it fixed and now it's making a ticking noise that follows the engine speed. Is it worth tearing into or should I just get a new pump? Thanks, Dom

[HowieE]

If your clutch has never engaged for the last 2 years and you are now hearing a sound that tracks the engine speed I would look at the clutch first. Jumper out the low pressure switch just long enough to see if the clutch comes on and the sound stops. If the clutch works and there is any sign of the suction pipe getting cold at the compressor your system is most likely tight and you might consider charging the system. If while the clutch was engaged and no cooling was present its time to put a set of gauges on and see if there is anything in there. If the clutch has failed it can be changed out without opening the system.