Turned on defroster A/C clutch smoking

[rkpatt]

I turned on the defrosted today and the A/C clutch started smoking. I stopped and found the compression to be locked up . I disconnected the compressor wires and completed my trip . It looks like that I will be replacing the AC compressor this spring . What fits ( is this one common to many Ford models and years ) and any suggestions on where to find one for a good price ? Assuming that it is sort or generic and easy to find , is it worth installing a used one (about $35 at the local pick-n-pull junkyard with a 30 day warranty) ? - Thanks

 

[adrianspeeder]

Same thing for me and the '84. I picked up one from the junkyard, but not to excited about dealing with the R12.

Adrianspeeder

 

[highest_vision]

Should be able to pull it off without recovering what's in the system. If not many ford compressors had shutoff valves on the compressors that you can use to limit your losses. Espeecially if you can get the compressor to work for a few minutes.
James