02 Explorer AC clutch question

[iamweasel43]

02 Explorer 4.0 XLS. While using my AC today the clutch froze. I have the compressor clutch thats roughly 4 inches wide with the nut that holds it on. All I can find is the 5 inch clutch that comes with the bolt to hold it on. Does anyone know of where I can find the right replacement clutch? I did read that this might be the same as the V8 compressor with a scroll clutch. That does look exactly like what came with mine.

 

[TechGuru]

I am also only finding clutches for the FS10 not the Scroll at major parts outlets. You may have to get one from a salvage yard.

A quick EBay searched turned up these two.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221902111326

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161395717120

But before you buy any of this what exactly do you mean by the clutch froze? Clutches don't freeze up...

 

[iamweasel43]

Well the pulley was spinning freely without the AC on, but with it on the pulley would turn, make a small grinding noise, stop turning and there'd be a bit of smoke coming out where the nut that holds it on sits.

 

[TechGuru]

Um your compressor is likely locked up or seized up unless your clutch is so worn that it's slipping under normal a/c load. Are you able to turn the clutch by hand either direction at all? If not your compressor is gone.

 

[iamweasel43]

Thanks, I'll try it a try in the morning and see what it does. I appreciate the help.

 

[imp]

Thanks, I'll try it a try in the morning and see what it does. I appreciate the help.

You can determine by hand whether the compressor is locked up, by grasping the tie-bars on the front of the clutch assembly, or the outer rim, one or the other is the side of the clutch which turns the compressor. The compressor should be "turnable" by hand in this way. Resistance will be felt due to pistons squeezing Freon, but it SHOULD turn. imp

EDIT: The pulley should spin freely. If it turns with effort, then you are turning the compressor, and the clutch would be either activated, or locked up. Hopefully you have everything turned off!
Locked up clutch very unlikely, as stated above.

 

[TechGuru]

Resistance will be felt due to pistons squeezing Freon, but it SHOULD turn. imp

Psst...scroll compressors don't have pistons...

 

[Number Twelve]

Psst...scroll compressors don't have pistons...

Not possible. imp is the undisputed expert here. If imp says there are pistons, it must be true.

 

[TechGuru]

Not possible. imp is the undisputed expert here. If imp says there are pistons, it must be true.

 

[Joe in NY]

Look up the FS10 compressor. It's a 5 piston compressor. Stupid that Ford would use it with Scroll compressors available...

Here:

 

[iamweasel43]

Thanks for the help guys. I could turn the clutch half way around then she would stop. So its new compressor time.

 

[imp]

Psst...scroll compressors don't have pistons...

First, I thought this was an axial piston pump. So, you're saying the gizmo above can't seize up? If I recall correctly my '04 has an F-10, replaced one several years ago, but can't recall what vehicle. Nice illustration you provided!

For my money, a variable-volume swash-plate adjusted axial piston design is a good way to go, especially in hydraulics, where typically lots of energy is wasted during partial-load by dumping flow back to the tank. Expensive to build, though. Long time ago, but I think the Pontiac Fiero used a swash-plate variable a/c pump.

You weren't ashamed to tell me about the pistons, were you? imp

 

[imp]

Not possible. imp is the undisputed expert here. If imp says there are pistons, it must be true.

Facetious? Or malicious? Can't tell. No matter. I am expert of nothing. However, I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken........
imp

 

[imp]

Look up the FS10 compressor. It's a 5 piston compressor. Stupid that Ford would use it with Scroll compressors available...

Geez, Joe! Could'ja at least have shown one that wasn't destroyed?

 

[Joe in NY]

Geez, Joe! Could'ja at least have shown one that wasn't destroyed?

Well why would one take a part and show pics of a perfectly good one? hahaha

That compressor looks just a but shot lol

 

[imp]

Well why would one take a part and show pics of a perfectly good one? hahaha

That compressor looks just a but shot lol

Yeah, good point. Do you remember the old GM Frigidaire A-6 compressor? Long and skinny, expensive as hell to manufacture, quiet, smooth-running compared to the York and Tecumseh in Fords and Chryslers. Lincoln used some, bought from GM. Here's a blown-up view. imp

 

[Joe in NY]

Yeah, good point. Do you remember the old GM Frigidaire A-6 compressor? Long and skinny, expensive as hell to manufacture, quiet, smooth-running compared to the York and Tecumseh in Fords and Chryslers. Lincoln used some, bought from GM. Here's a blown-up view. imp

Whoa, interesting!

 

[TechGuru]

Seems Scroll has the least number of moving parts...

 

[imp]

Seems Scroll has the least number of moving parts...

No doubt. I think maybe no valves either. A really cool, complicated scroll "adjusts" the distance between scrolls, to change volume flow, based on demand. I think such a scroll is used in some BMWs; maybe part of why they are so expensive. imp