Figured out AC issue, need to know tricks or special tools

[moabsystems]

I troubleshot my AC issue and determined that I have power to the compressor, however the compressor will not engage. I found a compressor coil and clutch kit for around $70. Has anyone changed just those parts, and do I need any special tools? If you have changed it and know any tricks of how to get to it easier, I'm all ears. I could always change the compressor, if that is proven to be easier. I have my vacuum pump and all AC tools to change that.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Welcome to the forums!! This is a great place to learn about your truck - and hopefully spread some knowledge as well.

First, please fill on your signature so we have an idea of what truck(s) we are talking about.

Do you have a factory service manual? If not, I recommend you get one since it will answer a lot of your questions.

Now onto your question - sort of: Are you sure the clutch is bad? What is the resistance of the coil? Just because you have power (12V) does NOT mean you have enough current to actuate the clutch. I'd at least verify the clutch is really bad before any work is done.

Dan

 

[Tuesdak]

Clutch gap in spec? Too wide and it may not pull in.

 

[moabsystems]

Sorry, the truck is a 2006 5.9. I'll check the voltage and get back to you. I've read that when the coils start to go bad, they can stop pulling in. I'll check the voltage and get back to you. Thanks for the help and I'll do my sig as soon as I'm at a computer.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

If you are going to check voltage. Do that while it is connected to the coil. If you have 12 V while the wire is connected to the coil, then either you have a bad coil or a bad ground. If it drops below 12 V, or battery voltage, then you have a resistance drop somewhere that needs to be fixed.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

When you measure the coil resistance, the factory service manual should give you the specifications. Typically it is roughly 3 to 4 ohms. That, of course, is provided that I actually remember the specs and needs to be taken into account that I am very tired.

 

[Bob4x4]

[TABLE="width: 100%, align: center"]

Charge Capacity
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/8.3L - 0.728 kg (1.604 lbs.)
5.9L Diesel - 0.850 kg (1.873 lbs.)
Also see A/C Underhood Specification Label located in the engine compartment


A/C Clutch Field Coil Draw
3.2 - 3.3 amps @ 12V ± 0.5V @ 21° C (70° F)
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/8.3L engines


3.1 - 4 amps @ 12V ± 0.5V @ 21° C (70° F)
5.9L engine


A/C Clutch Air Gap
0.35 - 0.60 mm (0.014 - 0.024 in.)
3.7L/4.7L/5.7L/8.3L engines


0.35 - 0.75 mm (0.014 - 0.030 in.)
5.9L engine

[/TABLE]

 

[Bob4x4]

Many ac clutches require a puller and some will also require an installer,you should also have an assortment of shims to be able to get the gap correct

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Bob gave the amperage draw - now you have all you need to determine if it is really bad.

Bob is also correct on the installer/puller. Some don't need it - 95 Neon for instance. But you need snapring pliers. If the clutch has a center bolt - USE A TORQUE WRENCH. I also add a dab of blue locktight to that bolt.

Let us know what you find!

 

[BigPapa]

Don't know about your '06 but my '95 clutch had two threaded 6mm bolt holes on it to "press" it off. Since there was not enough clearance to get a pair of snap ring pliers between the compressor and what's in front of it and it was too deep to use 90* tips, I bought a cheap pair of snap ring pliers and bent them enough to get them in there.

 

[moabsystems]

I ended up changing the entire compressor. Found one on closeout deal, and it was only $140. It was the compressor coil, I checked the voltage on the plug going in and it was still strong.