2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C fuse keeps blowing

[dblake]

First my A/C quits working and I notice that the compressor clutch is barely engaging. Now the 10 amp fuse blows every time I turn on the A/C. I disconnected the compressor clutch wire and the fuse doesn't blow when I turn on the A/C. I also swapped relays with no joy. The coil on the clutch reads 3-4 ohms. I think I've got a bad clutch. Has anybody change one of these? It looks like my manual shows some special tools needed. Can an A/C shop change one without discharging my system and costing me more $$$? Any other ideas out there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[HHhuntitall]

An A/C shop is your best shot. I've seen lots of problems here, especially now that these trucks are getting older. The bearing has gone out on several, and I've caught some before they went out. Most major parts stores will only sell a compressor assembly. Check and make sure the wire is not worn through on the holding clamp, if it has one, on top of the compressor. I've seen that before, albiet, the first one I didn't find until it was OFF the truck. A little tape and it works fine..... If the coils have gone bad in the magnet, well, you need to find a clutch. And once you have the clutch off, there are two types out there for the Dodge... a tapered, keyed shaft, and a splined tapered shaft. Both work great, but sometimes you can't find a clutch for either... . especially when it's 105*!! These are the guys I use in Denton, Co. Texas... . Automotive Air Conditioning Products in the Automotive Aftermarket New OE, Aftermarket New & Remanufactured Compressors as well as Parts, Tools, Accessories, Hose, Fittings, Chemicals & MORE Austin Baker Industries



These are the guys I use in Abilene... they're a little more helpful, and perhaps the better of the two if you're not a $100k account... ... . http://abileneradiator.net/



Good luck.

 

[dblake]

Since this is my second compressor and a rebuilt at that I think I'm going to just bite the bullet and spring for a new Sanden and be done with it. I'll probably have to buy a new filter and orifice tube while I'm at it. The good news is I can do it all myself at work since we have the recovery/charge machine. We use a blend refrigerant called FR-12 that really works great. You can check it out here. FR-12

 

[WDixon27]

a new compressor is usually the best route, been a while since i looked but the clutch use to be as much as a rebuilt compressor, which comes with a crappy old clutch coil that is probably about to go. when i did mine i scored a new compressor off ebay for slightly more then the local places were selling reman's for

if you really want to boost ac performance sneak a fan or two under the grill, did wonders for mine

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