i just recently got the components to put a/c into a 96-00 civic but im not too sure if the compressor is working correctly. I do not have any r-134a in the system because i dont have the receiver/drier yet. But my question is should the pulley on the compressor move by hand even when it is empty? Or is my compressor completely ruined since it doesnt spin? The top part moves but the pulley does not. Do i just need to do an overhaul on the clutch or do i need a new compressor?

 

bump i just want to know if an a/c compressor is supposed to spin by hand even when empty.

 

yes the compressor should spin by hand, easily

if it is hard to spin or doesnt spin at all then the compressor would be seized.


your compressor is just fine

edit: the pulley should always move freely, you should grab the clutch part (on the outside) and make sure it spins freely, it should.

 

thank you for answering my question.now i have an other question. Is there a way to overhaul the clutch without buying a clutch holding tool, just so i dont have to go through the hassle of buying and returning it?

 

well thank you h-t i figured it out on my own. i jammed a screwdriver under the armature plate and loosened the bolt i then found that a ball bearing was jammed into two other ball bearings somehow causing it to not spin. im pretty sure i will have to now buy a new clutch for my compressor.