AC compressor?

Is the black ring forward of the belt supposed to turn when the AC is turned on? Mine doesn't, also, my AC doesn't work. Just seeing if that could be the problem

 

The compressor clutch won't engage if the Freon is low/empty.

 

Is it the outside part (clutch) that's not turning, or is the actually pulley wheel not turning?

The clutch is supposed to lock intermittently, and not move, it's part of normal operation. EDIT: @w666 is totally right also. The pulley should be moving all the time. Everything you've ever wanted to know about auto A/C clutches:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tP5utn-3Ak​

 

Pulley wheel is turning, clutch not turning ever, wether ac turned on or not

 

Video shows how to test clutch operation. If clutch is moving in/out with voltage applied as shown, you're probably low on freon.

 

Yep watched it, kk I'll try to give that a go

 

Thankfully our trucks are R134A, which is still readily available and fairly inexpensive compared to the 1234YF garbage newer cars a forced to use.

 

What do you think of this ? Seems like its an easy way to fill at home?

https://www.amazon.ca/Refrigerant-r...9749401#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

 

Before you waste any money on refrigerant, I would check the system for leaks by putting it under vacuum to see if it holds. Good luck.

 

This ^^

Don't try to fix on your own.

 

Why not try to fix on my own @shifty` ?

 

Don't try and fill your own A/C system.

You don't have a good concept of how to install pressurized coolant into a system, or how to it check for leaks, don't have gauges or a means to vacuum the system, you have no place trying to refill your own stuff.

It's easy enough to diagnose whether the system is working or not. If you have gauges and know how to use them, go for it, at least you'll know if a shop is screwing with you when you go. But don't run to the store and grab a can of refrigerant and try to fill your own system.

 

Yea I guess dealing with refrigerant is a different ball game. After completing my water pump / timing belt job successfully, I fell ready for anything haha. Maybe not this

 

You can do this...but not without hundreds of dollars worth of specialized tools and equipment. AC service is ~$59 at your local garage.

 

It wouldn't hurt anything to buy a can of Freon without any additives, a low side recharge hose for $12 and see what happens. It would cost you $25 to see if your A/C system works or you need a compressor and a system overhaul. If the system works but has a leak you can later add some freon with die to see if you can find the leak. I have this recharge hose from Amazon.

$13 SURIEEN AC Charge Hose with Gauge, R134A AC Refrigerant Recharge Hose Kit, 1/2” Can Tap Dispensing Valve and R134A Quick Coupler Fits for Car Air Conditioning Refrigerant 250 PSI

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VH4D2Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

What you're describing though, it's the best-case scenario on one side, i.e. it actually holds the refrigerant, but it's a sealed system so ... if it's low, we already know there's a leak somewhere, however small, so the new coolant will leak out. On the worst-case side, there are no looks and it's holding coolant fine (i.e. it's not low), he may be doing more harm than good by over-pressurizing. This is why throwing gauges on it is important. Either way, he's spending time and money only to find out whether he has to take it to an A/C repair shop anyway to get work done, which is more time and money.

This is one case where it's easier to cut out the middleman/work. Time is money all the same. OP is out at lest $30-40 minimum to buy the cheapest parts to throw refrigerant into the lines. Shops around me run $40-60 to test the systems for leaks and test for pressure then tell you the result if you use a specialty shop (I'd never got to an NTB or Firestone style shop for A/C work).