Think my AC compressor is going out
With everything going on with having a baby and all I hadn't driven the Miata in 4 or 5 weeks. Finally took her out and other than the fresh oil spot I noticed the car was real sluggish below 4 or 5k. Past 5k it picked up, but not as strong as it should. It bothered me. On the way home from work I dropped the top and decided to shut off the AC halfway home...the car was immediately peppy as she always is. Throttle response, power and overall zippyness was much improved. Clicked the AC back on and immediately sluggish and less power.
I know the ac is a power hog, but this was much worse than normal. Also my AC belt is squeaking when the compressor engages, I thought it was just a glazed or loose belt, but seems like the compressor has been getting more jerky lately along with more belt squeek. is my compressor going out? Is there something I can do to further diagnose (read: free or cheap, my wife isn't getting paid for all of her maternity leave, need to conserve the cash)? I need to get this fixed ASAP, I can't have the AC blow out in the middle of summer.
AC still blows cold, although maybe not as cold as it should, I really don't know, I don't have another miata to compare it to. I always assumed the Miata's AC system sucked anyway.
If someone has a spare compressor for cheap i'll take it off your hands.