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AC compressor problem and fix

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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 09:03 PM
  #1  
vichang4's Avatar
vichang4
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AC compressor problem and fix

Thanks to the posts on this board I was able to fix a problem with my
AC compressor. I have a 2000 F250 with 200K miles. The AC would work great and then just blow hot air. If I placed the thermostat switch @ about the 8 o'clock position (not full cool) it seemed to work for longer. Also if you just started the truck and let it idle the ac would blow cold for hours (like at the mechanics shop). On the interstate it seemed like every time I backed off of the accelerator the compressor would go off.

I was checking for over-pressure switches, low charge, and everything in between. Then, with the compressor not working, I tapped the compressor clutch with a small flashlight and it engaged!

I measured the clutch gap and it was over .050”. Removed the clutch, removed the small washer in the nose of the clutch and installed a thinner one. Everything works great now.

PS. I did need a small puller to get the clutch off, but it did not take much force.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 05:29 AM
  #2  
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theswagg
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I think I will do that on mine. Awhile back mine would do the same thing. I replaced the friction disc only on the clutch and it cleared up for several months, now it's back to doing it again. I guess I should have replaced the clutch as a set and not just one side of it. I can tap it lightly and it will engage as well. It drives me and my girlfriend crazy in traffic when it starts blowing hot air for at least 10 minutes and we have to roll the windows down.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 08:52 AM
  #3  
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krewat
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Nice post vichang4!

The air gap on the compressor clutch has been a problem since the late 80's.

Nice to know it's such a simple fix, eh?

Replacing the clutch may not completely solve the problem, you still have to set the air cap correctly when putting on a new clutch.

And 200K miles on that SD! Whoo hoo!!!!!!
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 12:01 PM
  #4  
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vettdvr
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FYI,, the specs on the clutch gap are

.021 - .036 inches. The closer you are to .021 the better you are.
Max run out is .002" Torque on the clutch bolt is 10 - 14 ft #'s.

Jim
 
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