A-C compressor question

[rrman61]

On a 09 f-150 if I have a bad compressor clutch can it contaminate my ac system?

 

[Janicholson]

On a 09 f-150 if I have a bad compressor clutch can it contaminate my ac system?

Not unless it is allowed to heat until the compressor seals fail. it (probably can be replaced W/O recharging. But if it failed because the compressor is locked up that is way different. Does the front of the clutch turn? if it just does nothing it could be system charge is low/gon. If you feed it 12v does it click and engage? (not running) Jim

 

[rrman61]

Not unless it is allowed to heat until the compressor seals fail. it (probably can be replaced W/O recharging. But if it failed because the compressor is locked up that is way different. Does the front of the clutch turn? if it just does nothing it could be system charge is low/gon. If you feed it 12v does it click and engage? (not running) Jim

Not unless it is allowed to heat until the compressor seals fail. it (probably can be replaced W/O recharging. But if it failed because the compressor is locked up that is way different. Does the front of the clutch turn? if it just does nothing it could be system charge is low/gon. If you feed it 12v does it click and engage? (not running) Jim

I don’t know a whole lot about AC systems so I brought it to a mechanic.he said it’s just the clutch.reason for the question is every time they want to change all the pertinent parts when they get in to it.it was cooling fine until the clutch went out .i really didn’t want to spend a bunch on it if no trash got into the system got to watch some mechanics

 

[wore out]

Sadly, nowadays, most likely a clutch will cost as much or more than a compressor and clutch assembly.

 

[rrman61]

Sadly, nowadays, most likely a clutch will cost as much or more than a compressor and clutch assembly.

Ya he said that and it is what it is as long as I don’t have to replace everything else in the system

 

[RedMF40]

2010 Honda Fit, they replaced the compressor to the tune of just shy of a grand. I could have lived without AC but it was making so much noise it sounded like the engine was coming apart. People stopped and stared. It was eventually going to throw the belt when it all came apart. On a positive note I have working AC now.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Ya he said that and it is what it is as long as I don’t have to replace everything else in the syste

Summit racing has clutches for around $70.
A 15 year old used compressor form an auto salvage may be very cheap.
Take the clutch off a used compressor.

 

[farmersamm]

94 F-350. Compressor seized, disconnected the clutch, been running it for years without AC. No biggy.

The pulley will freewheel without the electrical connection that makes it grab. If the bearings are still good, it's a win win. No need to worry, unless you have to have to have to have AC. I grew up without it, don't miss it if it fails.

And........................might be, if you do a deep dive............it might be the compressor that failed, not the clutch. Either way, disconnecting the clutch will work if the bearings are still good.

 

[Cliff Nelson]

Ya he said that and it is what it is as long as I don’t have to replace everything else in the system

That being said, most replacement compressors require system flush and replacement of the receiver/drier and expansion valve or orfice tube to activate the warranty on the new compressor. I know what you are saying with no contamination but I also understand the shop following protocol as you will expect them to cover any problems down the road. As someone else said, a used clutch could work if you can find someone to install it.

 

[Blackhole49]

On a 09 f-150 if I have a bad compressor clutch can it contaminate my ac system?

I had an AC clutch go out on my 98 F-150 causing the AC to work intermittently. The shyster radiator shop closest to me said everything was shot and needed replacing to the tune of $1,900. I took it to a different shop and they replaced the clutch assembly for around $250. I sold the truck 3 years later (2008) to a friend at work. It was still working when his son sold the truck in 2018.

 

[Hobo,NC]

That being said, most replacement compressors require system flush and replacement of the receiver/drier and expansion valve or orfice tube to activate the warranty on the new compressor. I know what you are saying with no contamination but I also understand the shop following protocol as you will expect them to cover any problems down the road. As someone else said, a used clutch could work if you can find someone to install it.

Blog - Mac's Automotive Service & Radiator Repair

macsradiator.com

I thought I knew AC quite well till I started watching Tom Lech.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

AC on my old F 250 wouldn't work. The clutch was operating but would not turn the compressot. I took the clutch off and found it had worn to where it would not engage. There is a shim washer on the shaft, took it out and it worked fine.