A/C Clutch Gone

[Jackmldog]

Hey everyone. Today during a quick trip out to get some presents I smelt this terrible smell and a ratcheting noise. Of course I pulled over and thought at first it was my alternator(just replaced 2 months ago). But when I turned the heat on I saw sparks fly from the ac compressor. Luckily over the summer I had an extra compressor because I thought there was a leak in mine. But my question is, if I replace this tomorrow.. How can I discharge the system, if it is even dangerous. Keep in mind I'm 16 and strapped for cash. Thanks all

 

[ELVATO]

What year Expy do you have?

Isn't it illegal to just release the refrigerant out in the atmosphere? Granted, not sure how much a shop would charge to do it for you...

 

[KWT2000]

yes it is illegal to discharge it into the air... any ways is the clutch bad or the compressor... if it is just the clutch just replace the clutch

 

[Jackmldog]

Already done, just got to fill it with freon and a new orifice tube... It's a 2000 expy. I just went to autozone and they kindly let me use there vacuum to evacuate it. The clutch was bad but I just went ahead and replaced the entire compressor because I had a spare from a prior job. Thanks for the help. If anyone does this word of advice, before removing the mouning bolts take the fan shroud off to make it easier to get out.