How hard is it to change a/c clutch,I was idling ,eating lunch today and smoke started coming out from under hood.Opened hood and a/c clutch was smoking away.Hope it doesn't need the compressor too.....Thanks...

 

Pete,

That can't be good. If the clutch engagement coil is fried, the clutch can be replaced separately from the compressor. You'll need a few specialized tools to hold the hub while you turn the nut, and to pull and install the clutch. You shouldn't have to reclaim and exacuate refrigerant from the system as long as you do all the work with the compressor on the vehicle.

If the clutch was smoking due to slippage instead of a failed coil, you may have oil contamination on the faces. Higher temperatures mean higher refrigerant pressures and more power to turn the compressor, so some slippage is possible on an oily clutch. If the clutch still pulls in (engages) try degreasing the clutch while on the car. Aerosol brake parts cleaner can do a good job of this.

Later,
Vader.

------------------
"Some Body...Someone"

 

If the clutch is slipping, the compressor either has way too much friction (you need a compressor) or it leaks oil out the front seal (you need a compressor) or the clutch itself is bad (costs as much as a compressor, so you need a compressor).

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but you need a compressor. Like Vader said it is possible to replace the clutch on the vehicle without discharging and refilling the system, in fact you can "rent" the necessary tools from AutoZone and others for free, but the odds are very low that the clutch itself is the problem.

------------------
"So many Mustangs, so little time..."

 

Oh well, it wasn't real cold anyway,maybe a new compressor will help,and I guess I'll fix those dam "oil leaking " connections at the hose to accumulator (high side?)It's only money,I need a/c during the summer more then a new motor and trans anyway,I can just keep on ADDING oil to eng and trans !!!