So a couple of months ago I replaced the clutch on my compressor when it first started getting hot because my AC was working Intermediatly. Well I didn't really get a chance to get it working as i've been really busy until now. All of the electrical to the clutch checks out fine, and with the engine idling it engadges and runs the compressor, but when the engine is reved up it starts to rub on the front of the compressor. I don't have any special tools or pullers for compressors, so how can I adjust this thing correctly and what kind of gap if any should there be between the clutch and compressor?

 

You mean that the pulley is rubbing against the face of the compressor? Because if that's the case, there is no adjustment. If I recall correctly, the primary item that holds this pulley in place is a snap ring which seats into a groove on the shaft from the compressor. However, it's been a while since I installed mine so I may be wrong.

 

No, the clutch is rubbing on the front of the pulley.

 

Ok, now I get it. Again, if i recall correctly, there are brass spacers that you use to adjust the spacing between them. You probably just need to add one or two more spacers. As far as removing the clutch is concerned, the only specialty tool that you need is a set of snap ring pliers. You also need the appropriately sized socket and a small screwdriver.

 

When I took off the old clutch I didn't find any spacers, I wonder if I can fabricate some of my own so that I don't have to go hunting for the silly things.

 

is there some type of coil behind the pulley? voltage to the clutch all check out but the clutch rarely engadges and when it does it rubs. I also see no place where any shims could be inserted inbetween the clutch and the pulley.

 

Tom is not sure. I did mine about 5 years ago and that is many beers ago. I just remember having to put some spacers in the for some reason and that there were in the box with the new clutch. Sorry that I can't be of more help.

 

So I'm kind of at a loss here. The clutch is brand new and has no visual defects. I have +12v on the BLACK/YELLOW wire on the clutch harness with the ac switch on, but the thing only engadges every once in a while and it usually disengadges when it' reved up, or it rubs. I've heard that there might be a coil behind the pulley, does anyone know if thats true?

 

Anyone know anything about AC?

 

Never really got any responses so i'll jjust respond to myself so this will go back to the first page...........someone help........please.

 

You said that you bought the clutch new and it didn't come with any spacers? I look online a bit but haven't seen any diagram for the clutch assembly. I am, of course, assuming that your clutch is the same as on my 1988. Perhaps you might ba able to go to autozone or advance and look at one of theirs? I seem to remember that there was a reasonably detailed set of instructions that came in the box and maybe they won't mind if you took a look.

 

I just can't figure out why its not engadging. Voltages are good and the clutch is good as far as I can tell. The things so simple anyway, it doesn't have many things on it that can breaK. I got it from my local Ford house, and it fits right on, but it isn't the same one that I have seen on many other broncos. The ones i've seen on other rigs have three large bolt heads or rivets or something sticking out the front of the clutch, mine is pretty flat.

 

Yes, mine is the type that you mentioned with the three big thingies.

 

I don't know anything about this but after reading your thread and looking at my service manual I feel I can try to help. First you need to make sure you have the right clutch. My manual shows 2 clutches, the gas engine one has the 3 things your talking about sticking out of the front, the diesel clutch has a flat face.

The "A/C Clutch Field Coil " is behind the pulley.

If you can get it to stop rubbing I can probably find some tests to help you to check the system out for proper operation.

My manual does mention using a spacer shim, the diagram actually shows 3 of them.

Here are the instructions for installing a new clutch copied/pasted from my manual.....

1. Clean A/C compressor pulley bearing surface of compressor head to remove any dirt or corrosion.

2. Install A/C clutch pulley and A/C compressor pulley bearing on A/C compressor. The bearing is a slip-fit on the compressor head and, if properly aligned, it should slip on easily.

3. Install pulley retaining snap ring with bevel side of snap ring out.

4. Place one nominal thickness spacer shim inside the hub spline opening and slide the hub on the end of the compressor shaft. Adjust air gap to 0.35-0.85mm (0.014-0.033 inch).

5. Thread a new 8mm hub retaining bolt into end of compressor shaft. Tighten hub retaining bolt to 11-13 N-m (8-10 lb-ft). DO NOT USE AIR TOOLS.

 

This decribes what is supposed to happen when it's working right....

A magnetic A/C clutch (2884) is used to drive the compressor shaft. When voltage is applied to the A/C clutch field coil (2987), the clutch plate and hub assembly (which is solidly coupled to the compressor shaft) is drawn rearward by magnetic force toward the A/C clutch pulley (2E884), which rotates freely on the compressor front head casting. The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the pulley together as one unit. The compressor shaft then turns with the A/C clutch pulley. When voltage is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the clutch plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley. The clutch plate hub assembly and compressor shaft cease to rotate.