Got a 1991 Accord, 4 door, Manual, A/C was converted to R134 a while back, that I recently had a couple of items repaired on. Not blowing cold air, so system was evacuated, replaced the A/C compressor gasket (the compressor itself was installed 3 years ago), replaced freon and life was good. For a couple of days. Then, in apparently random fashion, I went to back out of the garage and car wouldn't go into gear. had car towed to mechanic shop and clutch slave cylinder replaced. Less than 24 hours later, driving home from gym, noted that vents were only blowing hot air (again). I live in Central Texas and it was 103 F that day, but figured I'd deal with it later. "Later" turned out to be about 10 minutes of driving (I noticed a 'clunk' sound when braking through a neighborhood, but didn't pay any mind), when I was sandwiched between 2 cars at a red light and noticed smoke billowing out under my car. Made a quick (illegal) u turn and managed to safely park by curb in residential area, switched engine off and tearfully called my mechanic. There were no puddles under the car. After allowing engine to cool 20 minutes, checked contents of radiator (full). I started back up (without turning A/C on), let it run for a few minutes, noted the temp gauge was on the C side, and limped home. Yesterday JFG I started engine, ran ok, til I pressed the A/C button. Then the burnt rubber smell....Just started up a few min ago (without turning A/C on) and it ran without any smoking or burnt rubber smell for 20 min. I'm not the mechanic but have been present on many repairs done in my garage and driveway. I know I'm crazy to hang on to my beloved antique. I'd rather not have it towed again, as that tow driver did something that caused my back window trim to shear completely off (nowhere to be found), and who knows what else was damaged. Ideas? Advice? thanks for reading.

 

My first guess is the AC locked up and the burning smell is the belt getting heated up by being forced around it. I suppose you could take the belt off and try to rotate the AC, or just as easily open the hood, have someone watch and turn it on for a second to see if it's the issue. Probably would make great smoke if running for a few. But you should see right away if it's seized.

 

Find another mechanic. You're likely being "hosed". Sorry to break it to you.

 

belt seems suspect here.

 

yes, I could tell the belt seemed pretty worn, but I didn't have a decent flashlight to see further in. As it turned out, when AC engaged, the belt was actually getting shredded (compressor clutch seized). For now, I'm just going without AC (again) until we replace AC compressor (again). Sure wish buying another vehicle was a possibility at this time, but it's not. Thanks for response.

 

You could always remove the AC and attempt to unseize it by taking it apart. It's possible that it's bearings or something you can fix. Otherwise maybe a visit to a junkyard to find and old one and swap it in.