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Old 05-16-2011, 11:56 AM   #1
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First trip, couple of problems

On our return trip home, we got off of our exit (8 miles from home) and when I went to pull away from the stop light, there was very little power. Then engine sounded as if it were missing but it took off slowly. I also noted some smoke coming from under the coach behind the driver's tire. Limped home under low power and the thing shook a lot. Got home and didn't see the smoke any more. Oil pressure was good, temperature was good. No leaks could be seen. Engine runs fine now. I have read some posts and seen that there are issues with spark plug wires getting hot and catalytic converters getting plugged up. Will my coach spit out a code if I hook up to a code reader? Also, this is a 1994 P3 chassis, is the O2 sensor before or after the catalytic converter or both? I'm sure some of you can figure out why I am asking that.....

Second, and least of my worries is the dash A/C. It isn't blowing cold. Somewhat cool while on the road, but not at all when idling. Put 2 cans of R134a in it and still nothing. I do hear a chirp when I turn it on which sounds like a belt chirping. Gonna check the belt to make sure it is tight. Anything else I should look for?
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Old 05-16-2011, 05:45 PM   #2
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What engine is in your vectra? Weird that it is running fine now! Intermittant problems will be a bear to figure out, good luck!
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Old 05-16-2011, 05:48 PM   #3
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It has the 7.4L (454)
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Old 05-16-2011, 05:55 PM   #4
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Sounds like a clutch problem with the AC. Might not be totally engaging.
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Old 05-16-2011, 06:39 PM   #5
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My money is on the A/C compressor locking up. The slowdown and smoke was from the belt frying. The back to normal operation is after the belt broke.

Paul
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Old 05-16-2011, 06:43 PM   #6
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The belt is still intact but it isn't as taught as it should be. My wife did notice a whining sound shortly before this happened which I relate to a bearing freezing up. Might very well be the A/C compressor now that I think of it.

Is this a coincidence with my engine losing power?
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Old 05-16-2011, 06:45 PM   #7
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Does the a/c compressor turn?

Is there bearing noise from it?

Does the compressor clutch engage with the engine running?

Paul
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Old 05-16-2011, 06:51 PM   #8
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It is turning, but it makes a chirping noise. I sprayed the belt with some water just to see if that quieted the belt but it didn't. Must be in the compressor itself. The clutch is engaging and I got some cold air today right after I started it. The A/C lines were sweating too.
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Old 05-16-2011, 06:58 PM   #9
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If it is easy to slip the A/C belt off
You can spin it by hand to see where the noise is.

You may be lucky and just have to replace the clutch, but the system now has 2 extra cans of R134A to contend with.
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Old 08-10-2011, 01:20 PM   #10
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Thumbs up Update

A/C system needed to be evacuated and recharged. I believe there was a clogged line. Seems to be good now. Also had the belts changed which was quite a chore for the mechanic. $1000 later, we're rolling again. Ugh...
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