It's an 84 Vbelt system. Can you replace just the clutch? How much would that run as compared to the whole assembly?

Also..this is a really dumb question I know...but what would happen if I welded the clutch solid? I live in south florida so I never turn off my AC anyway...would it cause a dangerous high pressure type situation in the lines??

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"American made baby. 100% American iron. The muscle among the masses. My hero. Yep, you can take your ergonomically designed, space age, computer controlled, 4 door, cup holding map lighted split double wishbone split fold down retractable cargo covered moon roof piece of transportation and keep it. For I have felt the thunder. And I know the difference!"
JSP Motorsports
ICON Motorsports

 

I checked a few manuals and found no answers.

But I really don't think you can weld the clutch even if you run the a/c at all times.

They mention in the manual that you can tighten the clutch. But they naturally don't tell you how to tighten the clutch. (typical)

On a side note though.
We had a few problems in the past with the a/c and they wound up being the serp belt both times!

Just this past weekend the A/C compressor was making a strange noise with the A/C on. I did the screwdriver to the ear thing in order to listen too what was happening inside. I heard what sounded like bearings going out.
Figured OH NO!

I replaced the belt on a hunch and the noise went away. And everything was peachy again.
And the belt I replaced did not look worn at all, but the wear indicator was getting near the replace notch.
It was about an 1/8" away from the mark.

Sorry I couldn't help.

 

Don't weld the clutch. You will probably destroy the shaft seal from the heat. You also might have a starting problem if you try to start the engine with the clutch engaged to turn the compressor against a high head pressure. The clutches are not hard to remove. You need a special set of snap ring pliers that will go to the bottom of the clutch hub. Snap On as well as other
tool companies make snap ring pliers for G.M. a/c clutches. as well as tools to replace the shaft seals with. If you ever have to replace a shaft seal, don't touch
either sealing surface with your fingers.
You have to work on it under compressor oil.

 

I should have mentioned that you can probably find a lot of good clutchs in do it yourself wrecking yards. The same compressor is used on all late model G.M.
cars and trucks. The pieces shouldn't be that expensive. Buy a bunch and find a good one.

 

I also forgot to mention, there is a puller
for the clutch.

 

If that is the only problems with welding the clutch..I'll try it. I can submerge the unit in water and just spot weld it a few times so I don't burn the seal. If I have a hard time starting..I can just take the belt off and be out nothing. Sure I'll ruin the clutch..but so what, it is anyway. I'm mostly worried about doing damage to the rest of the AC system.

If I'm not happy wih it I can replace it with a junkyard clutch later.....but a free fix is always a good thing..at least temporarily.

------------------
"American made baby. 100% American iron. The muscle among the masses. My hero. Yep, you can take your ergonomically designed, space age, computer controlled, 4 door, cup holding map lighted split double wishbone split fold down retractable cargo covered moon roof piece of transportation and keep it. For I have felt the thunder. And I know the difference!"
JSP Motorsports
ICON Motorsports

[This message has been edited by Jester (edited August 14, 2001).]

 

btt