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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

AC compressor clutch not engaging

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Old May 20, 2016 | 08:17 AM
  #1  
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AC compressor clutch not engaging

I had a mechanic replace the manifold hose and drier accumulator on my E350 dual AC van. Last night I pumped the system down to recharge it and noticed the compressor clutch is not engaging. We checked the plug to drier by jumping it. He said the compressor should kick on.

I pulled the connector to the compressor and reinserted it.

I had an intermittent problem with the compressor clutch not engaging and I could get it to work by wiggling the connection to the compressor.

Any ideas of what I should check?
 
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Old May 20, 2016 | 09:41 PM
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Have you added refrigerant? Usually after pulling a vacuum, the system will take a whole can of gas. There must be enough gas pressure to close the pressure switch on the drier. As the rest of the gas is added, the compressor will cycle rapidly until there is enough gas in the system for normal cycling. Running the compressor with no gas will ruin it.
 
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Old May 21, 2016 | 06:43 AM
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As Jim suggests if the refrigerant gas pressure isn't sufficient to engage the low pressure cut off switch that could one problem. You have charged the system again yes?

Not sure about the "had an intermittent clutch engagement issue"---does that exist now, does wigging the connector "fix" it?

If none of these ideas help visit the Cooling, Heating & Ventilation forum, look for member ProjectSho89----he has a somewhat extensive FAQ in the Tech Folder there that includes a quick check list. He does discuss the issue of the A/C clutch air gap being set properly which could be part of your current problem.

HTH
 
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