Went to town today with the wife for about 2 hours. Its was hot and muggy so ran the ac all the time. About 4 blocks from home we both smell something burning. We dont see anything though and think its the car in front of us.

One block from home is a stop sign so we stop and can see smoke entering the cabin. I pull out to the right and see a lot of white smoke come out from under the hood on the right side. It was enough for me to think something was on fire. I rush the block home and soon as I pull in the driveway I shut off the car and jump out to open the hood.

When I open it I see nothing but a little smoke coming off the AC pulley. Its gone before my wife can get out and look. So I turn the AC off and start the car. I was worried my serp belt was damaged. But its all ok and fine. So I turn on the AC and its fine too. No smoke, no noises at all, and no smoke. The AC is blowing ice cold still.

So what could be up with that?

 

I had a similar issue with my 2000 V6. My AC compressor clutch started going out. Only difference is I nevervreally tried running my AC after that. Generally when the clutch goes, the compressor isn't far behind it. I went to AutoZone and got an AC replacement kit for a tiny bit over $300. Kit comes with compressor oil, compressor with clutch, orific tube and the dryer bottle. On my 2000 V6, you cant really remove the orifice tube out of the high pressure hose because its sealed in the little metal part. The high pressure hose cost about $50 with a one year waranty. The AC kit is lifetime warranty. If I remember correctly, my compressor clutch would kinda freeze up for like a second at a time and the 3 (i belive only 3) retaining cap things were kind abnormal looking. If you go the route of doing the kit, make sure you get the vacum machine and vacum the system for 30 minutes after the new parts are installed. You also gotta be careful you dont roll any of the seals on the dryer bottle when your installing. I work in shops so i have access to this type of equipment. Shop prices are outrageous, now that its summer everyone is bringing in there cars for AC work. For our shop to install an AC kit, its just under $1,000!!!! No joke after you vacum the system, just fill the compressor with the proper oil level and add UV dye to the freeon.

 

Check the belt ribs for glossyness/glazing, this is a tell-tale sign that the belt was slipping and the heat caused the smoke. Belt slipping would be from the Clutch getting stuck/frozen and the belt still trying to turn. Yeah, if you can, find a shop that will evacuate your A/C system, let you work on it, and let you vacuum it, then will recharge the system for you. Saves you a ton of money.

My dealership let me do that when I serviced our Escape a couple of years ago. Only cost me $150 for the evacuation and recharge. I covered the cost of the parts (about $250) and did the work myself. $400 vs about $1,200 from most shops in the middle of summer here in AZ.

 

Thanks guys. Looking like if thats the prices I may have to let it go. Dang prices on that item.