A/C Compressor issue

[Mark Gibson]

Greetings gentlemen, I hope all is well with you guys......catching any fish lately?

Question for you on a 2000 Dodge Caravan 3.0 litre engine. When we 1st start the vehicle when its cold, and the A/C comperssor kicks on while at idle, it makes a helluva racket, sounds as if there a bunch of marbles clanking around in it. Pick up the engine speed and the noise kinda goes away, or is not as noticeable. I put my A/C Gauge on the low side, and it was reading 20 psi, so I added an 8 0z R134 and 2 oz PAG oil. Brought the psi's up to 45, which is in the safe zone, but I still have the noise, only while the clutch is engaged. TEMP on MAX is 45 degrees.

I am assuming the compressor is going bad, and will need to replace compressor, Dryer, orifice tube and expansion valve. Also, I would assume I need to evacuate the system, and recharge. Just parts I am looking at $400.00 or so. Am I heading in the right direction, or does my diagnosis need to be re-evaluated?

As always, I appreciate your advice. Do you know any good places to get an AC evacuating pump??

Best Regards

Mark Gibson
Jax FL

[re-tired]

Iwould verify my high side press.you are right about parts needed for comp replacement.Vac pumps can be had at tool trucks $$$$ ,NAPA parts stores.A outfit called Harbour Freight has them sometimes.

[way2old]

Could just possibly need a clutch assembly for the compressor. Remove the belt ans spin the pulley on the clutch and see if you can still hear the noise. If the clutch is what is bad, you do not need to discharge the system if you can get into the little hole to remove the clutch. Good luck and let us know. BTW, re-tires sent me some doctored pictures of fish he said he caught. But knowing him, he paid a kid toi catch them for him while he sipped the Walkers. ;D

[Mark Gibson]

Thanks Gents for the advice! As for doctored up pictures of fish......I would never ever do that with my catches......However, I have had to stop at the fish market and buy a few to make a picture.....Nuttin wrong with that is it??

Thanks again!

MG