I had a new engine put into my car about a week ago. A noise on startup developed. It sometimes continued until the car was going faster. Today, it was worse, including a smell, and I called the mechanic, who guessed it was the alternator. He suggested Wd40 on the Alternator pulley bearing. I also applied to the other pulleys. The sound went away for 20 minutes or so. But it also sometimes went away on other days. Not being 100% accurate, some WD40 got on the belts. Turns out my new bottle of lubricant had a crack in the straw.

Then, after freeway driving, I had some smoke and a bad smell. I was able to get home. It appears to be coming from the A/C clutch or the belt for the A/C. I also pulled out my laser thermometer. The belt and pulley for the alternator were around 170 f, but the A/C clutch and belt were about 230f. This is maybe 15 minutes after parking.

The A/C compressor and clutch were replaced 18 months ago. Should I merely retension the A/C belt and see what happens? Is it possible the mechanic has something misaligned, too much or too little tension?

I have not had the air conditioning on recently.

Thanks

 

Remove the A/C belt and drive the car to verify that the noise and smell issues are resolved.

With the A/C belt removed, turn the compressor pulley and idler pulley by hand. Which pulley does not spin freely and grinds or makes noise? If the problem is the idler pulley, my guess would be that the mechanic did not reassemble the idler pulley correctly.

Aside: The mechanic's suggestion to spray WD40 on the pulley bearings was ridiculous.

 

At the shop, and they say the A/C clutch has melted to the coil. In effect, the A/C is always on. The dealer says it would require a new compressor, recharge, etc. i am not too happy. Same shop I had replace the air about 18 months ago.

 

^Makes no sense. Shops lie. They are motivated only by $$$$.

Don't believe them unless YOU have seen see what they want you to believe.

Do the simple tests I mentioned.

 

I did not get the air replaced. I had the belt removed. I asked about disconnecting a wire or fuse so the compressor would not have power. They said not necessary. I will probsbly disconnect anyway.

 

Are you looking for help or is this thread about you telling us how shops ripped you off?

 

I took a look and the clutch is damaged. Any opinion on replacing it without removing everything? It would be clutch and coil. Apppears that I have room. Would have to remove a mount to put a new belt on.