Hello,
A few months ago i was forced to replace my compressor. It started out by making a little noise occasionally, then two or 3 months later, and after a 1200 mile drive, it basically totally failed. I would have AC for about 3 minutes until the engine/compressor heated up and then the clutch would start slipping.

After having the compressor (w/ a used one from a volvo mechanic, in great shape) replaced at a shop (I can't vouch for their expertise, but he said he replaced the compressor oil) the compressor made a similar screeching noise after about 200 miles, it would make the noise for a 10 seconds or so and then be fine. Now, after about 1000-2000 or so miles on the new (used) compressor the compressor started making a horrible grinding noise. I quickly pulled over and saw the clutch plate slipping. I turned off the AC and haven't used it since, figuring I should save it for a very hot day when I'm wearing a suit or something.


A little more background on this AC saga:
I left the car sitting for a few months a few years ago and one of the seals on the compressor went out so the freon would leak out over the period of 24 hours. To deal w/ the problem, not knowing where the leak was, I replaced everything except for the evaporator, from a parts car that I had. That solved hte problem until the first mentioned compressor failure in the first paragraph. I did evacuate the system for 30 minutes and used oil (in a combo w/ freon can) when refilling it.


What's the deal? What could be going on that causes these compressors to fail?


Now, I need to decide if I should keep screwing w/ the AC or if I should sell it to someone who lives up north. I will need the AC here in TX in a few months.

Thanks!