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I just bought a 2006 F350 6.0L it has a 161,000 miles on it. The ac cooks in the morning but through out the rest of the day forget it. It has plenty of Freon in it and blows good just not as cold as it should be . What are some suggestions before replacing the compressor and dryer on it?
The first thing to check if it works at first and later diminishes is the clutch air gap. From the constant apply and release the clutch friction material wears and it’s not unusual to have excessive gap and poor holding ability after 150,000 miles.
Adjusting the gap is done easily with a change in shims (little washers), once the actual gap is known.
Had the same problem around the same mileage.
After reading a ton of threads i narrowed it down to excessive air gap like TMT suggested.
My suggestion is to carry a wooden handled hammer in your truck and the next time your driving and the AC stops blowing cold pull over .
Slide under passenger side front end and use the wooden handle to whack the front of the compressor clutch.
If it starts blowing cold you just cofirmed the air gap is too big and that a costly compressor change is not needed.
I took an 8mm ratchet and removed the clutch and it only had 1 small washer.
Removed that and used contact cleaner to clean up the mating surfaces.
So for once i fixed my truck with NO MONEY!!
The first thing to check if it works at first and later diminishes is the clutch air gap. From the constant apply and release the clutch friction material wears and it’s not unusual to have excessive gap and poor holding ability after 150,000 miles.
Adjusting the gap is done easily with a change in shims (little washers), once the actual gap is known.
I'm about to try this fix. Am I going to need a special tool to hold the clutch still while I remove the bolt?
Well, you can certainly buy a holding tool. I have one but I don't think I've ever bothered using it. A long screwdriver levered between one of the "nubs" and the outside of the 8mm socket does it for me.
Also, a parts kit that includes an assortment of shims and a new bolt & clip is stocked at most AutoZone stores. Santech MT0986, two bucks or so.
I'm about to try this fix. Am I going to need a special tool to hold the clutch still while I remove the bolt?
Screwdriver method across the face of the clutch didn't work out for me but seems to be what most people use.
I had to get more cave man style and used large channel locks as gently as i .could to keep it from spinning.
Good luck with it.
The first thing to check if it works at first and later diminishes is the clutch air gap. From the constant apply and release the clutch friction material wears and it’s not unusual to have excessive gap and poor holding ability after 150,000 miles.
Adjusting the gap is done easily with a change in shims (little washers), once the actual gap is known.
Hmm...I just measured my air gap, it’s approx .042”, as measured with .025” and .017” feeler gauges combined. Well outside the specified range. My AC is “working”, but certainly not cold like it was even a few weeks to a month or so ago. I’ve heard that if it blows cold and then hot it’s the air gap, but that if it’s consistent but not cold it’s a different issue. But could mine be enough of a gap to be slipping? Is mine too large of a gap to adjust? If so, I’m guessing new compressor ($170) is smarter since new clutch is almost as expensive ($105)?
Hmm...I just measured my air gap, it’s approx .042”, as measured with .025” and .017” feeler gauges combined. Well outside the specified range. My AC is “working”, but certainly not cold like it was even a few weeks to a month or so ago. I’ve heard that if it blows cold and then hot it’s the air gap, but that if it’s consistent but not cold it’s a different issue. But could mine be enough of a gap to be slipping? Is mine too large of a gap to adjust? If so, I’m guessing new compressor ($170) is smarter since new clutch is almost as expensive ($105)?
Sounds like you probably have another issue going on. All i can add is definitely change orifice tube and accumulater-dryer if you change the compressor.
When i was researching changing compresssor the people who bought the el cheapo got the pleasure of doing it again not long after and its not a quick or easy job so consider that when making your decision.
Clutch tends to be at startup A/C is cold, 15 to 60 minutes later not.
Ahh, ok, then even with that large clutch/air gap my issue is probably something else. What’s crazy is mine seems able to cool more when outside temp is hotter, say 85-95 degrees, than it does when outside temp is in the 70’s to low 80’s range.
Sounds like you probably have another issue going on. All i can add is definitely change orifice tube and accumulater-dryer if you change the compressor.
When i was researching changing compresssor the people who bought the el cheapo got the pleasure of doing it again not long after and its not a quick or easy job so consider that when making your decision.
Yep, sounds like mine is the “not easy” fix, as usual.
There’s a new compressor with orifice tube and accumulator for $230 at Advance, lifetime warranty. Don’t know about reputation of the manufacturer, Factory Air.
