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1994 Mercury Villager Repair Question


Topics covered: Grinding, Water pump, Noise.
Mileage: 20,000 miles.

Asked on July 7, 2012

What does it sound like when the AC compressor goes out while driving?

I heard a grinding sound, the ac went war, small amount of smoke coming from the main belt area. Water pump? No leaks or overheating. Grinding loud 2-3 times a day, grinding soft all the time after 48 hours.
Avatar Asked by slomom

Answer

Replied on July 7, 2012

Can you only hear the grinding with the ac on or all the time while the engine is running?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,163 answers provided
Replied on July 7, 2012

Loud grinding comes and goes when engine is on, soft grinding all the time with no AC on since Thursday. Seems to be near main belt area, wondering if maybe water pump but no overheat or leaks yet..,

Tiny Response from slomom
2 questions asked
Replied on July 7, 2012

The water pump can still make noise even though there is no leak or overheating.You will have to get a long screwdriver to listen to where the noise is coming from.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,163 answers provided

Replied on July 7, 2012

If it was the water pump, would it grind all the time with occasional loud grinding? My brother said his AC compressor clutch froze and locked up with grinding and sparks..My repair manual is not very clear on the location of the water pump, is it behind the big item holding the front of the belt?

Tiny Response from slomom
2 questions asked
Replied on July 7, 2012

The water pump is in the center of the engine running off the inner belt.It should grind constantly pop the belt loose and see if the pulley is loose.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,163 answers provided
Replied on July 7, 2012

ok, I'll do that...I did the log screwdriver test first at the AC compressor and it is very loud and I can feel it through the tool...can I disconnect one or both of the electrical connections on top of it to see if that helps?

Tiny Response from slomom
2 questions asked

Replied on July 8, 2012

The ac compressor sound only have on connector.Does the nosie change when turning the ac on?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,163 answers provided
Replied on July 8, 2012

I disconnected the 2 elec connections on the compressor then I cut the belt off. No more noise. No ac, but that's ok for for a very old minivan..thanks for your help!

Tiny Response from slomom
2 questions asked
Replied on July 8, 2012

Your welcome thats what were here for.Most of the ac compressors i have seen only have one if the noise is gone and your ok without ac then its a win win.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,163 answers provided