<VV> 66 A/C Update

[William Garrison]

Garry,

I have a '66 I drive daily and had the exact same problem as you have.  I
replaced the A/C clutch, adjusted the clutch, tried everything I could
think of related to the compressor and still would get that grinding sound
when running the A/C on hot days, usually when I was stopped at a light.  I
would turn the A/C off immediately so as not to ruin things.

Trying to prove a theory, then I removed the lower shrouds, thinking that I
might improve the air flow.  My theory was the pressures were climbing and
causing the A/C clutch to slip.  That seemed to help, but didn't do the
trick.  Still sometimes got the grinding sound.

Next I replaced the weatherstripping around the engine cover and also
sealed up the engine compartment everywhere I could find an air leak.  Not
may air leaks, and the engine weatherstrip didn't look that bad, but I did
seal off the recirculation opening below the oil cooler and put a plug in
the hole '66s have on the other lower shroud for the smog tube (even when
they didn't have smog).  Problem solved.  I have been driving all summer
and the A/C works better than ever and no problems with the compressor
clutch "grinding".

I can't say this is your problem, but I spent a summer trying to "fix" the
compressor when the real problem was air flow.  I've been a lot cooler this
summer and the weather has been at least as hot if not worse.

Regards,
Bill Garrison
Philadelphia Corvair Association