My `88 Iroc 383 TPI has the original air conditioning system which has been leaking oil from a fitting and the compressor cycles on and off rapidly. I stopped using the air until I can afford to up-grade. Can the compressor lock up or freeze up due to old age if it is not turned on? I have a 600+ mile road trip planned in a few weeks and don`t want to be sitting on the side of the road out in the middle of the desert due to a break down related to the compressor. This is the first car with air I have had since my `71 Charger 37 years ago so I am not up to speed about air conditioning. Thanks for your help.

 

Is the compressor making any noise????? A/C clutch making any noise??????? I have seen 20 yr old compressors with no problems...

Its cycling fast because its low on freon...... As long as you dont turn it on, you should be OK...

Which fitting?????? Usually its an O-ring, and can be replaced easily.....

 

when I had compressor problem I got the shop guy to remove it and I drove for a while until I got a new one.

 

I disconnected both electrical connections on the compressor so I can`t turn it on. I believe the leak is from an o-ring that has dried up from lack of use. My car sat several years before I bought it(March `07) so the air was not used for severall years. I figure to leave it alone until I can afford to up-grade the system. Thanks for your help, Jim

 

The AC clutch has a pretty stout bearing in it, should be fine for years if it's not making noise now. I'd manually turn the compressor over every now and then to keep it lubed though, just turn the front center part of the clutch.

 

Thanks for the help, now I won`t worry about it on my road trip. Jim