AC compressor or clutch???

[S.Dodge]

So I started the truck up one morning and there was no AC. I checked the fuses and then noticed the front if the clutch there was melted rubber and after moving it around the from plate or disc will just move freely. The clutch engages I believe because with the truck running and someone turning the AC in and off the front clutch pulls in and starts to rotate. Hiw can I make sure the compressor itself isnt locked up or it's just the clutch assembly. I'd like to do just the clutch because the compressor is expensive and the new refrigerant for these is crazy expensive too.

 

[Tach_tech]

First thing to do is check if there is pressure in the system. With the truck off you should be able to turn the compressor by hand since the clutch is not engaged. Just try to turn the centre part. If it turns the compressor is not seized.

 

[S.Dodge]

First thing to do is check if there is pressure in the system. With the truck off you should be able to turn the compressor by hand since the clutch is not engaged. Just try to turn the centre part. If it turns the compressor is not seized.

I put a gauge on it and it shows full pressure with the truck off and also with the truck on and the AC running. It sounds like the bearing in the clutch is shot and the rubber burnt up. I can spin the middle of pulley with the truck off. I bought a new compressor with a clutch from rock auto because my local dealer wants over a grand for a new one, I'm in Canada. I think I'll just pull the clutch from the new one and put it on the original compressor because of the price if the new refrigerant and the dealer is the only place locally set up to do the new stuff.

 

[CVX20]

Sounds like the coil in the clutch has melted down or the bearing is so bad the pulley is rubbing the coil.There's no rubber in the clutch.You'll need to replace the coil and the bearing.The air gap will have to be set when you install the outer plate of the clutch as well on installation.Just did this on a GM 6.0 liter myself.

 

[S.Dodge]

Sounds like the coil in the clutch has melted down or the bearing is so bad the pulley is rubbing the coil.There's no rubber in the clutch.You'll need to replace the coil and the bearing.The air gap will have to be set when you install the outer plate of the clutch as well on installation.Just did this on a GM 6.0 liter myself.

Yeah it looks like an easy job to replace it I'm just not sure about the air gap. The clutch has a rubber dampener in it I guess and maybe that's what's melted, also the bearing is **** because I can hear the grinding.

 

[CVX20]

Yeah it looks like an easy job to replace it I'm just not sure about the air gap. The clutch has a rubber dampener in it I guess and maybe that's what's melted, also the bearing is **** because I can hear the grinding.

There's usually about a .035 "gap between the clutch surfaces.I've done mostly GM's but when you tighten the nut on the shaft if closes the gap so you just can't wind it in until it is tight.You just tighten until you have the proper gap.

 

[NJMOPAR]

Just a tip: a standard matchbook cover is .035"
Always had to regap the points on my old Sportster after a long run, matchbook was easier to carry than feeler gauges.

 

[Tach_tech]

Spec in the service manual is 0.014-0.024” for the air gap.

 

[CVX20]

Spec in the service manual is 0.014-0.024” for the air gap.

Yeah wasn't sure.I've done mostly GM's.I should've Googled it.

 

[S.Dodge]

Well I got my new compressor from rock auto and pulled the old clutch off and went to install the new one and it doesnt fit. The spot that the bearing sits on from the compressor is just a touch to short on the old compressor so the groove that the snap ring goes in is just covered. So now I need to try and return this part or change the whole compressor. My local dealer wanted 900.00 for just the clutch assembly. I got the whole compressor and clutch from rock auto for 390.00 Canadian.

 

[darkav66]

S.Dodge...what did you end up doing? I am in a similar situation. I am in NFLD and my AC pulley seized. Wanted to change the clutch assembly only as the system is still pressurized . Can't find anyplace just selling the clutch and pulley /coil kit only the whole compressor, 2015 Ram Laramie, If I replace the whole compressor I will lose the refrigerant and need to get a vac and recharge,,,I thing one Crappy Tire in St.John's can do the 1234Y but not sure. Anyway wanted to know how you made out!

 

[Tach_tech]

You can get the clutch/pulley kit from a dealer. Part number should be 68232392AB.