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96 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with a 3.1 ... The AC was not working and the Pulley/Clutch assembly was making a slight grinding sound and had metal flakes on outside of the clutch plate which did not engage. I replaced the clutch assembly and set the clutch to pulley gap to .015 in. Now all is back together, sound is gone but clutch plate doesn't engage. Is it possible low refrigerant or different gap setting or just a DIY'er over my head.
Optional Information: Year: 1996Make: OldsmobileModel: Cutlass SupremeEngine: 3.1 Already Tried: replaced clutch with new compressor works clutch/pulley assembly, set to .015 as no gap specs were included with clutch so used avg of internet findings.
The coil may be bad, or not getting power. First check if the coil wire has 12V when you have the a/c on. If it has, the coil may be bad: disconnect the wire and measure resistance across the wire terminals on the compressor, or if it's just one wire, then the terminal and ground. If you have no continuity, the coil is bad and needs to be replaced. if you don't have any power to the wire, then it could be a low or high pressure safety switch that doesn't allow power to the coil. You may have a bad switch or low refrigerant charge. (or too high pressure due to overcharging it, but it's less likely). Also check the fuse and relay. It could also be a bad control switch on the dash. By the way, before spending more money on parts, make sure the compressor turns by hand. It could be locked up, which could explain the metal shavings on the clutch. Did the clutch look overheated?
Experience: 20 years of automotive repair & modification, USA, Asian, Euro, old & new cars. Porsche technician.
i replaced the coil as part of the pulley/clutch assembly. I will test the old and new coil for cont' .... This vehicle is a back up and may be driven a couple hundred miles a year... is it likely that seals are bad/ dry and possible low refrigerant is the problem. Also the rubber seals on the pulley bearing were worn bearings were worn as well creating a little wobble in the pulley when turned ... think the shavings may have come from the bearing wear.