AC compressor

Had the AC compressor replaced on my 04 (3.4) a few years back and it always worked pretty well. This year (and the end of last summer), it’s been giving me some problems. When the weather is 80-ish and below, the AC blows cold and works as it should, however when it gets hot outside (over 90), the compressor will not turn over. I’ve broken two belts from them spinning around the seemingly seized compressor when it’s hot, but when the weather cools off, the compressor spins as it should and it blows cold. Belt tension is verified to be good. Any ideas what the problem could be?

 

Yes, You have an issue with your condenser, bugs/blockage or your fan clutch is not operating properly. I am assuming that there is a shroud on the radiator, if not, get one. Next, have someone with a set of AC pressure gauges check the pressures. There is a condition called "stone walling". It is so named because on hot days peeps pull up right to the stone wall of a store and they leave the motor running with the AC on. The fan pulls in this super-heated air across the condenser, the pressures go over 400 psi and the compressor either locks up or the burst plug blows out the back the AC compressor... if equipped. Do a search on this forum for the "green" fan clutch if you have to replace it.