On my 98 Ranger 2.5L, I noticed a squeal when starting the engine in the morning after putting the AC on. At idle it made the engine strain, I could hear the clutch clicking on and off every 5 or 10 seconds or so. The AC was blowing cold. I turned the AC off, and the engine ran normal. I tried it after reaching operating temp, and the AC ran with no problem, no squeal, no strain, and cold air.

It did the same thing on the trip back from work. So I parked it.

Later, I popped the hood and noticed my upper radiator hose (which was replaced in 9/06 with a NAPA one) had managed the come in contact with the AC pulley and wore a hole in hose. It must have recently happened because the radiator was full, but the reservoir was dry. There was coolant sprayed across the battery.

The AC pulley (with belt on) turns by hand with little resistance.

I will put the old hose back on, remove the belt and further check the clutch this weekend.

I was thinking Bearings initially, but now I am not sure (Why only when engine is cold?).
or Fried Coil (shorted from the coolant in the connector)?

Any thoughts would be appreciated?

 

Ok, I pulled the clutch / coil and I am going to replace them this week, along with the upper radiator hose. The compressor shaft turns fine, however I could not get the clutch to engage when putting the key in run (with starting the engine).

Any tips on installing the new clutch?



FS-10 Compressor