issues cause by AC clutch replacement??

[shrinex]

I've replaced my ac clutch assembly (coil, plate, and pully) and now my car is rough idling and my brakes are stiff. I had to drop the subframe on the right side to reach the snap-pin for the clutch pully. Could I have messed with something in the process??

This is on a '03 duratec DOHC.

[Jeff K]

You probably popped off a vacuum hose. Look at the vacuum distribution block at the firewall near the brake booster and see if any hoses are disconnected.

[shrinex]

Originally Posted by Jeff K

You probably popped off a vacuum hose. Look at the vacuum distribution block at the firewall near the brake booster and see if any hoses are disconnected.

Thank you for you quick response.

I've noticed that the vacuum plug for a hose is cracked. One of the hoses that attaches to the intake and leads to the rear, by the firewall. Could this also effect my braking system as well?

[Jeff K]

Yes, power braking is provided using engine vacuum.

[shrinex]

Originally Posted by Jeff K

Yes, power braking is provided using engine vacuum.

I replaced the broken plug, which was a PCV elbow? (correct me if im wrong) and it did not resolve my issue. Now what it seems to be doing is idling at a WAY low rpm, after giving alittle gas, it simply stalls. Could my idle be too low and needs to be adjusted? I'm understanding that my engine doesnt have an idle plug for the throttle body, all controlled by the main computer.

I've uploaded a video for a better idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GQuRRDjy14

[behlinla]

Was the HVAC completely turned off in the video? The A/C clutch isn't engaging during the test or anything?

The idle speed is non adjustable. The only time you would have a problem is if the throttle body or IAC valve is full of carbon and blocking the airflow. Easy to check those.

But it does really sound like you have a big vacuum leak somewhere, so double check all the big vacuum hoses.

[sheila]

Sounds like you need to clean/replace iac (idle air control).

[shrinex]

the ac is turned off during this. when the ac is turned in, the engine stalls. the IAC was very dirty, i havent placed it back for testing. any idea of what hose it may be or where to look? its very tight spacing near the firewall so im not able to see what hoses are there. as ive stated, the brakes are stiff, so any vacuum hoses that effect the brakes as well.

thank you for all of your inputs

[sheila]

As Jeff mentioned above, carefully check the hoses attached to the black plastic vac. block on the drivers firewall, esp. the 1 marked BB (brake booster). Also check the block itself for cracks, damage.

[shrinex]

Thank you all!! I found a hose popped off near the brake booster. As you all expected. The spring clamps on the hose was to loose for it to be secured, I replaced them with some metal screw-on clamps.

I cleaned out the IAC while I was at it, since it was very dirty.


Now she runs better!! Thank you all!!