A/C Clutch gap

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Jun 19, 2014 | 12:29 PM

Innocent Bystander

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A/C Clutch gap

I measured my clutch gap and it was about .045 with a .033 shim. Removed the shim and replaced it with one from the autozone kit (in this kit they are all .015) for a final measurement of about .026-ish. The clutch engages and releases according to the test, but it also engaged and released with no shims, but is that gap too close for to guarantee the clutch will always release? What is the minimum gap measurement? I'm going to test it on the road today to see if it works but I'm curious. Also, the new bolt that comes with the AZ kit has a 10mm head instead of the OEM 8mm.

Jun 19, 2014 | 02:29 PM

mueckster

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From: Damon (South East Texas)

~ .020 (+/- .003) is ideal. As long as the shoe is not touching the pulley face when disengaged, you are good to go. I'd leave it where you're at.

Jun 19, 2014 | 02:32 PM

Icicle

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From: Spokane WA

Here is springerpop's writeup of the whole procedure.

SpringerPop's Compressor Clutch Air Gap

It should be within .003 of .020.

I doubt the bolt size matters, but many say to use loc-tite.

Jun 19, 2014 | 02:48 PM

Innocent Bystander

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Thanks for the replies guys! Road tested it and it seems to be back up to snuff so I will leave it where it's at. I did use springerpop's writeup to do this, very thankful for the knowledge base on this site!

Jun 19, 2014 | 06:17 PM

twg1966

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From: Ezzell, TX

I am actually running without a shim and have been for about six years with no issues. Good cold air is all I get.

Jun 20, 2014 | 06:19 AM

danskool

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From: Buffalo, NY

you write that stuff down? I shimmed mine about 6 years ago and i can't remember what it measured, Shim or no shim. Heck i can't remember what i had for dinner last night.

Just funnin

Aug 6, 2014 | 07:48 PM

OhioSuperbike

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From: Canton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by twg1966

I am actually running without a shim and have been for about six years with no issues. Good cold air is all I get.

+1

I pulled out the single .040" shim altogether ('02 F250SD/5.4L), which left me with a tight .014" clearance. The clutch now behaves properly with no problems.

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May 12, 2015 | 11:47 AM

Sous

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From: Lake Hartwell, GA

The page has gone available for purchase again it seems. I just did this yesterday on mine, but it appears that my compressor may have been replaced already during its life. I cleaned both surfaces off really well and a bunch of crap from the splines. There were no shims in the bore of the clutch to remove, so I put the disc back on and it is not much closer. I am not sure if the screw had backed out a bit or if simply cleaning both surfaces made a difference but it works well now.