AC compressor

[ChimpAndy]

Hi all, my AC compressor has seized on my 2016 mustang (30,000 miles) and it's snapped the AC drive belt. Are the compressors prone to seizing? I'm trying to decide whether I buy a new compressor or a salvaged compressor. The last thing I want to do though is fit a salvaged compressor that only lasts a couple of months. Also does anybody know if there is a diference between the compressors in the 2.2 and the 5 litre? I have the 5 litre but I would imagine that the compressors are the same?

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[FMJ]

Sorry I can’t answer all your questions but yes failing compressors are common. I run my aircon for at least some of the journey every time I drive it in the hope of keeping things lubricated as I think it’s a seal issue? I even run it in winter on recirc and it keeps the moisture out as a by product.

 

[raptor17GT]

Sorry I can’t answer all your questions but yes failing compressors are common. I run my aircon for at least some of the journey every time I drive it in the hope of keeping things lubricated as I think it’s a seal issue? I even run it in winter on recirc and it keeps the moisture out as a by product.

yeah i try run it more often than not and it's amazingly good at keeping the windows clear when it's damp or raining outside.
Not sure on compressors but maybe if you check out RockAuto.com and compare part numbers?
edit: looks like the compressors do vary across the models

 

[Chappers]

i dont know if its just a quirk of the AC but on my car it's extremely loud and the belt whines like a supercharger when the AC is on in my car, does anyone have this same issue or am i also looking at a new AC comp?

 

[Garvin]

The AC compressor should not whine and certainly not audibly within the cabin.

It is best practice to leave the air con running all the time come rain or shine. Two main reasons:

1. It prevents bacterial growth and subsequent bad smells forming within the system.

2. The specific compressor oil is circulated with the gas and keeps the compressor and system seals nicely lubricated to a) prevent the compressor seizing; and b) helps prevent loss of gas from the system.

I was never impressed with the air con even when the car was new. I’ve just had it regassed and the system is now working much, much better than ever. The air con guy said the system was only half full of gas and he recons that a lot of gas escapes during the long time of inactivity between build in the US and actual delivery and use in the UK.

 

[Chappers]

The AC compressor should not whine and certainly not audibly within the cabin.

It is best practice to leave the air con running all the time come rain or shine. Two main reasons:

1. It prevents bacterial growth and subsequent bad smells forming within the system.

2. The specific compressor oil is circulated with the gas and keeps the compressor and system seals nicely lubricated to a) prevent the compressor seizing; and b) helps prevent loss of gas from the system.

I was never impressed with the air con even when the car was new. I’ve just had it regassed and the system is now working much, much better than ever. The air con guy said the system was only half full of gas and he recons that a lot of gas escapes during the long time of inactivity between build in the US and actual delivery and use in the UK.

Funny thing is I leave mine on, I got an air con regas as my AC went hot a few summers back but they said it wasn't completely empty but I feel it being that empty caused issues with the AC comp. I may look at getting a replacement AC comp then in that case as it is very audible, I posted a YouTube video on it...

https://youtube.com/shorts/uv4BiE12swI?feature=share

You can here that when stationary and then a whine under load I'll have to get a video of that too

 

[Gregs24]

Funny thing is I leave mine on, I got an air con regas as my AC went hot a few summers back but they said it wasn't completely empty but I feel it being that empty caused issues with the AC comp. I may look at getting a replacement AC comp then in that case as it is very audible, I posted a YouTube video on it...

https://youtube.com/shorts/uv4BiE12swI?feature=share

You can here that when stationary and then a whine under load I'll have to get a video of that too

Did they vacuum it out, then add refrigerant and oil of the correct quantities ?

The noise sounds like the bearings are shot.

For a climate controlled car like the Mustang. Day 1 press 'auto' and set the temperature. Never touch it again! I have done that with my last 10 Ford cars.

 

[Chappers]

Did they vacuum it out, then add refrigerant and oil of the correct quantities ?

The noise sounds like the bearings are shot.

For a climate controlled car like the Mustang. Day 1 press 'auto' and set the temperature. Never touch it again! I have done that with my last 10 Ford cars.

yeah it doesnt sound right, i did wonder if replacing just the clutch will sort it but i think i'm probably better off replacing the entire unit.

they say they did whether or not they did is another matter, i thought i had the dreaded evap defect but it's remained cooling for the last 2 years now so i think i've got lucky with that one

 

[Garvin]

The air con compressors for the Ecoboost and GT appear to be different. Personally I wouldn’t get a salvage unit or a new one but rather have the existing one rebuilt/refurbished. There are quite a few places that will do this and at a substantial reduction over the price of a new unit (but you may have to be without A/C for a week or so).

Once fitted don’t be tempted to refill the system using the cans as that’s a sure way to reduce the life of the system. A professional with appropriate rig will vacuum out the system and test it for leaks, dry it (important) and then refill with the correct amount of gas and oil.

Once refilled follow Gregs’ sage advice above - switch on, select temp, select auto and leave on permanently only adjusting the temp ’to taste’ or hitting the magic Max A/C button on those really, really hot days when the car has been in the sun.

 

[Chappers]

The air con compressors for the Ecoboost and GT appear to be different. Personally I wouldn’t get a salvage unit or a new one but rather have the existing one rebuilt/refurbished. There are quite a few places that will do this and at a substantial reduction over the price of a new unit (but you may have to be without A/C for a week or so).

Once fitted don’t be tempted to refill the system using the cans as that’s a sure way to reduce the life of the system. A professional with appropriate rig will vacuum out the system and test it for leaks, dry it (important) and then refill with the correct amount of gas and oil.

Once refilled follow Gregs’ sage advice above - switch on, select temp, select auto and leave on permanently only adjusting the temp ’to taste’ or hitting the magic Max A/C button on those really, really hot days when the car has been in the sun.

I never considered refurbing the existing unit thanks for the tip, I'd need to take it somewhere to get the gas removed prior to removing the unit in any case and yes I wouldn't touch the car with the cans I'd want a pro to do it

 

[Chappers]

Here's a video in car of the AC compressor whine

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