2000 Mountaineer AC Clutch/Compressor

[blrigsby]

I need some advice on a compressor issue. The clutch broke - literally. One of the plates broke into pieces. I don't have the money to have the compressor fixed. I took the chance that I could replace the clutch and leave it uplugged. I did that today but the clutch stays engaged all the time. If I plug it in, it cycles off and on and starts to get hot and smoke. I screwed up and wasted $100 and still have the problem.

I cannot use a shorter belt because the way it is routed would bind. This is the 5.0 V8. I thought about the replacement pulley, but don't want to get arrested for venting the coolant.

Please help with any advice you have. I am in a very bad financial situation and cannot afford much money. I am recently divorced and this is the only transportation I have.

 

[blrigsby]

Maybe Installed wrong?

The more I think about this, the more I think I may have messed up on the install. There were several washers in the pack. But of course no instructions. Should the front plate - I don't know the terms, but the lat piece to go on with the small bolt in the center - spin even thought the clutch wiring is not connected?

I had assumed the clutch would be disengaged unless there was power to the coil. But it always spins...

I have searched for more instructions, but haven't been able to find any.

 

[clsimpson129]

You should have about a .025 inch air gap. Too much air gap and the magnetic clutch may not be able to pull the hub in, or be able to hold the clutch engaged under higher operating pressures. Too little of an air gap will cause dragging and eventual damage to clutch and hub surfaces.