Admittedly, this isn't for my LR3 - but my full size l322.

Can an AC compressor go bad and fizzle out like a bad alternator?

I've had a alternator go on my LR3 and the burning smell (and the smoke) was unmistakable.

Not being too familiar with the 4.2 SC engine, I thought it was the alternator again - then realized that is on the other side of the block. Instead, I got smoke, a burning electrical smell from the AC compressor side...although admittedly I didn't see smoke coming FROM the unit. It may make sense that it's finally kicked it...I've lost AC R134a even though I did a recharge and it's not blowing cold at all...

Any input here appreciated.
Thanks.

 

AC Compressors can go bad in a number of ways. If it blows it can send metal shards throughout the entire system.

If yours blew out you're looking at 2-4k to replace the entire system. Maybe less if they don't find metal everywhere.

 

Well there is a good first in the morning answer :/

couple of follow up questions:

1) how do you know if your compressor “blows” up?
2) how do you determine if metal got through the system?
3) what needs replacing - what is “everything”?

 

I've not done it myself but you need to open up the system and inspect for metal fragments. They will be visible.

If there is metal inside the entire system these need replacing: compressor, condenser, receiver/dryer, and possible the expansion valves.

 

these compressors are designed with a breakaway pulley as the weak link

so any complete compressor or belt failure/seizure should not ruin the system like you are describing

 

Thanks...that's good news...Just can't figure out the smell /smoke issue...certainly smelt like a alternator that fried its bearings....

 

Update - I ran my GAP tool - here's the fault: 0x1D compressor clutch driver fault

so therefore....new compressor...and parts...i guess?

 

It's a somewhat common worst case scenario.

 

Maybe not, depends on what caused the clutch to fail.

Best case: a short caused a blown fuse.

 

There is not really a clutch on these. You sure its the same compressor as an LR3?