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A/c compressor clutch

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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 12:44 PM
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A/c compressor clutch

Ok a/c wasnt working took it to a mechanic told me the the compressor was missing a clutch he recommended i put a new compressor. Is it possible just to put a new clutch in it and if so do i have to remove the compressor to put the clutch on it. Once again thanks.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 08:38 PM
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anyone have any ideas on this
Originally Posted by Ridenred333
Ok a/c wasnt working took it to a mechanic told me the the compressor was missing a clutch he recommended i put a new compressor. Is it possible just to put a new clutch in it and if so do i have to remove the compressor to put the clutch on it. Once again thanks.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:25 PM
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How the compressor can be missing the clutch and the belt is still on?
I guess front bolt come off and the clutch is not engaging the compressor? The clutches used to be sold as separate item, but times are changing and now dealers want to sell you whole assembly when you need a washer, or seal only.
Did you try to call a dealer or other part place?
 
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 04:56 AM
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You can buy just the clutch. I wouldn't do it. The clutch often wears out because the compressor is failing and takes more torque to turn it. A new clutch won't last long, either. The best way to fix this is to replace the clutch and compressor.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 07:22 AM
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thanks for both replies. ya they do sell the clutch by itself but as mark stated I wounder how long it would last.. The clutch is around $80 doing the whole system if i pay someone is about $600 meaing clutch compressor orfice tube and evap seperator thing plus labor.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 04:58 PM
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I replaced the clutch and pulley on my old 97 at around 160K. Sold it to my nephew at 200k and the compressor is still going strong.

YMMV, but for my money, replacing the external wear items made a lot of sense (and dollars).
 
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Ridenred333
Ok a/c wasnt working took it to a mechanic told me the the compressor was missing a clutch he recommended i put a new compressor. Is it possible just to put a new clutch in it and if so do i have to remove the compressor to put the clutch on it. Once again thanks.
By not working what do you mean? Is it just blowing warm air? Is the clutch engaging properly? If not have you checked the gap between the clutch and pulley surface? You can get a shim kit from a Ford dealer and reduce the gap so the clutch can engage properly.
 
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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 01:33 AM
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A quick check is to measure the clutch air gap. If it's too wide, the magnetic coil can't get the clutch plate to engage dependably.

So many people were having a problem with this that I did a write-up so that it wouldn't have to be explained over and over.

Take a few minutes and try what you read here:
Compressor Clutch Air Gap

Let us know how it goes.

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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 07:14 AM
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Sorry all i should have said what truck i have also. I have the f250 with the v10. I will check it out spring pop..Ya if blows but is warm air and i dont hear the compressor engaging at all. I will take a look tomorrow or this weekend.
 
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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 08:27 AM
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The V-10's compressors are at the bottom, not the top of the motor, but the idea is the same.

Things are pretty tight and cramped around that compressor, so to get some room to work, you may want to test things, determine how much you need to adjust, then remove the de-gas bottle (coolant recovery tank) to actually remove the clutch plate.

It's not as easy as a diesel 7.3, but the repair is the same.

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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 01:40 PM
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I have an 04 F250 that I am having problems with my A/C as well. I was reading up on the clutch issue, but when I went to look at mine I did not see a bolt in the center of the clutch. Is there suposed to be one on that year model?
 
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Old Jun 30, 2011 | 03:57 PM
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Yes there is! Got one FAST and install it!

In the meantime, pull your clutch plate off completely. You won't have A/C, but you won't have a metal disk fly off into the degas bottle or fan/radiator! Be sure to save the shim(s) that are there, too, for replacement/modification.

Here's what that bolt looks like:
http://springerpop.net/F350/images/compressor7.jpg

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Old Jul 1, 2011 | 07:06 AM
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so do you think that would solve my a/c issue? I guess it would draw the clutch closer to the compressor right so that it would inguage? Thanks for your help
 
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Old Jul 1, 2011 | 07:15 AM
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I noticed in the pictures that this compressor is on top of the motor behind the raditor cap. On my 04 F250 is it on the bottom of the motor?
 
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Old Jul 1, 2011 | 01:29 PM
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That just means you don't have a 7.3, but either a gasser or a 6.0.

You still have an FS-10 compressor.

The physics of the whole thing remain the same. Your room to work may differ.

Have you heeded my note about urgency of getting a bolt in there? DO NOT drive your truck without a bolt in place!!!

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