A/C compressor clutch kicking in and out

[03-Blue-Powerstroke]

Hey guys I am trying to figure out how to fix my A/C. It's only 100* outside so Id like to fix it soon LOL. When I fire up the truck the A/C compressor clutch is kicking in and out every 5 or 6 seconds. When it does this it is also making a pretty loud noise. I have heard that this could be from a freon leak? How can I trouble shoot this myself? Also is there a way to check the charge level of freon in the system? Thanks

 

[zilla68]

only way to check the charge is with gauges. I know on my 7.3 when I did the a/c system it kicked in and out very quickly until I got freon in it, so it sounds like you have a leak and low on freon now.
There is some freon with leak detector in it that you can see with a light, but without a sniffer (little machine to detect leaks) your kinda limited on what you can do.

 

[03-Blue-Powerstroke]

Ok so its sounds like the idea is to take it somewhere.

 

[03_PSD]

mine did this a few months back, it was a loose electrical connection. cleaned it up and it works fine now. check all your connections just to eliminate them.

 

[chappy]

Sounds like the bearing or clutches are gone in it. Had a bearing lock up on a friends last week and you couldn't even turn the motor over it locked up so tight. couldn't even start the truck it was that tight. Had another friend a month ago lost the pulley and everything on the front of the compressor when the bearing lockd up and it broke the shaft. Blutches will throw a dust off usually around the compressor when they crap out and sound horrible also.

 

[chappy]

And its normal for it to kick in and out a lot when ever you have the heater,ac on. I think you are just noticing it because of the sound its making now.

 

[03-Blue-Powerstroke]

Alright thanks guys. I borrowed a gauge setup from a friend and Im going to try and check the level and/or add more r134a. I might be able to get a leak detector if I do have a leak. If thats not it Ill have to look at the clutch.

 

[DieselCowboy]

Check your pressure. The a/c system has a pressure switch that is a safety for when you have a leak in the system. That is why your compressor is cycling. If you have never added freon to a system before you need to do your homework so you don't over pressure or you will have a very big problem. Use water with soap in a spray bottle to check for leaks.