Fo rlack of a better word, I'm noticing a kind of sputtering with the AC on. It's more like a real quick, sudden power fade, almost like it's missing. As far as I can tell, it's only with the AC on. Even a passenger can feel the shudder. I'd just forego the air, but the heat index has been around 115 lately, so screw that!
Before I head in to the mechanix, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. Maybe it's something I can take care of myself. All I can think of is a bad tensioner on the belt?
I'd at least like to avoid having my mechaninc drive around for an hour trying to figure it out.
Anyone?
Thanx...

 

4 banger + no torque + A/C = "sputtering"

only way to avoid this is to buy a car w/ a bigger engine.

 

Just to clarify my post a bit, this is the first summer this has happened. And it's not like the engine is being pushed. I can be loping with cruise on, straight an level hiway, 5th gear, 65 mph, and maybe every minute or so there's a noticable shudder. It has me a little worried...

 

Dude, that's spooky! Mine does the same thing. Only at low RPMs though. If I put it in a high gear and nail it w/ the A/C on it goes OK for a bit and then misses like you said. It will do this 2-3 times until I get above 2k and then it goes away. I have no idea what this could be other than the above mentioned low torque reason.