In June, what I assume was the original compressor clutch broke. One of the 3 blades that hold the movable part of the clutch broke. I replaced the entire clutch/pulley/magnet with a used one and the same thing happened on Labor Day. I ordered a new one ($178) and installed it yesterday. As I was putting on the nut that holds the last piece of the clutch on the shaft, I noticed that using a 3/8" ratchet I could turn the compressor with moderate pressure (about what I'd use to start the removal a spark plug). I wondered if this was requiring to much effort, and if there was something wrong with the compressor that would also ruin the new clutch. I tried this with a spare compressor on the bench and it turned easier, but it didn't have refrigerant in it. The compressor is quiet when it runs, but I don't have any experience with the internal mechanism of one. Do compressors become difficult to turn before they seize? Are the broken clutches a symptom of something else? Should I be planning to replace the entire compressor? Thanks.
Marlin