Smoking A/C pulley

MATT1190

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
MANUAL

Hi there, I have '98 escort that shut off on me yesterday when driving back from San Diego. My friend and I noticed a scent that smelled like something burning. No lights had came on before the car shut off. When I pulled over I noticed smoking coming from the engine bay. When I popped the hood I saw smoke coming from down low so I looked under the car and saw that a/c pulley was smoking and melted the serpentine belt and snapped it in front of my eyes. I did have the heater on if that has anything to do with it. Do you know if I have to replace the a/c pulley or is there possibly a different problem why this has all happened.

Sunday, November 16th, 2014 AT 7:00 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It looks like the A/C clutch/pulley got seized and that lead to the belt to burn up and break.

The clutch/pulley needs to be replaced (along with the belt of course). However seized clutch can damage the A/C compressor. If that happens the compressor will need to be replaced as well.

It does require special tools to remove the clutch form the compressor. Typically, you can rent those tools from your local auto parts store.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Images (Click to make bigger)