spankrjs's Biloxi, MS '83 Scrambler

[HighSierra CJ]

The air conditioning compresor belt started squeaking upon initially turning the AC on a few weeks ago. The squeak gradually became a squeal so time to investigate.

View attachment 110810

All the pulleys are fine, no gouges or rough spots, all bearings spin free. I purchased this belt only two years ago, maybe it was on the shelf for a long time? Seems odd for a two year old belt to go bad? I changed the V-belts on my red Scrambler after 10 years of use and they looked way better then the above pictured belt.

Will keep an eye on it, for now an easy fix.

Must be something in the air. I changed this one today. It was almost 2 years old. It was on my 82 scrambler. It has the California serpentine set up. Wish it was a V belt. I hate the serpentine tension options. PITA!

 

[spankrjs]

Must be something in the air. I changed this one today. It was almost 2 years old. It was on my 82 scrambler. It has the California serpentine set up. Wish it was a V belt. I hate the serpentine tension options. PITA!

Had the same thing happen on my CA 1985 Spring Special CJ7 awhile back, belt was maybe 1.5 years old!!

 

[Belizeit]

Do the belts show where they were made ?

 

[spankrjs]

Do the belts show where they were made ?

Didn't think to look

 

[HighSierra CJ]

Do the belts show where they were made ?

It is stamped made in Spain.

 

[MrBeep]

It is stamped made in Spain.

The belt we put on Ref had to be replaced again last week. They don’t make them like they used to.

 

[ag4ever]

Raymond, you have a picture of the v-belt setup? I have a set of pulleys and an a/c compressor I plan to put on the Overlander. I have been putting it off due to the work in figuring out how it goes together. This is not a York compressor setup, but I think one from a 4.2 YJ.

 

[spankrjs]

Raymond, you have a picture of the v-belt setup? I have a set of pulleys and an a/c compressor I plan to put on the Overlander. I have been putting it off due to the work in figuring out how it goes together. This is not a York compressor setup, but I think one from a 4.2 YJ.

I'll post one up in a day or two. The setup I have is closer to the "dealer add on AC" versus the "from the factory AC" set up.

PS pump on driver side like normal. AC compressor (Sanden style) mounted low on passenger side. Alternator mounted above AC compressor with a short belt from compressor to spin alternator. Water pump and crank center of engine like normal.

IIRC the YJ 4.2 set up might be superior IF it comes with a belt tensioner for the compressor belt. That has been my biggest issue - the increased load when the compressor clutch is initially engaged will cause this belt to squeal unless the tension is perfect. A tensioner, like all modern serpentine belt set ups have, would prevent this. On my setup, the JeepAir kit, no where to really mount a tensioner. I added an idler pulley to the face of the timing chain cover between the crank and compressor pulleys, this was the longest length of unsupported belt. Seems to help, but belt tension has to be perfect.

I might be too picky, having been spoiled by modern AC equipped vehicles with serpentine belts with self tensioners. Never had an issue with my TJ or LJ. I seem to remember my mom's '78 Z28 and my dad's '83 Chevy pickup having squealing AC v-belt issues back in the day sometimes. Could be wrong, that was a long time ago!!! Neither of my '78 CJ-7's had this issue, but they didn't have AC LOL!!

IIRC the "factory air" equipped CJ's do not have a self tensioner, either. Maybe the clutch on the York style compressor engages easier/softer, not sure??

My set up will only squeal for a few seconds upon initial clutch lockup, only the first time. When the compressor cycles on and off, no issues. If belt tension is right, no squeal.

So far, with the new belt, no problems.

 

[spankrjs]

Raymond, you have a picture of the v-belt setup? I have a set of pulleys and an a/c compressor I plan to put on the Overlander. I have been putting it off due to the work in figuring out how it goes together. This is not a York compressor setup, but I think one from a 4.2 YJ.

Page 17 my initial AC install, lot's of pictures.
Page 23-25 is where I added an idler pulley.

Take a look at those and let me know what else you need.

 

[ag4ever]

Thanks, will do. my setup has a tensioner, but it is a manual adjusted tensioner that uses a bolt to clamp it in place. I need to get pictures of the parts.