A/C is trying to kill my engine... I think.

[SplashMan]

OK, I have been plagued by the "bogging" problem that alot of the SOHC engines have and have taken the following steps to fix it...
1. Cleaned the entire intake system including TB and MAS.
2. Put new plugs and plug wires in.
3. Even cleaned and oiled the spring on the trotle cable.

All of that cleared it up pretty good, but not entirly. On the way home from work yesterday, I had no problems at all and after sitting around all night trying to figure out what I had done different, all I could think of was that I had the heat on "floor" instead of "floor/defrost".
I remember reading on the board here somewhere that the A/C cluch runs in all positions exept "floor" and "off". I just sat in my X for half an hour with it ideling and switched back and forth between "floor" and "floor/defrost". Every time I put it on "floor/defrost" and the A/C compressor turned on the engine "bogged" and did the idel surge. It didn't in "floor" mode.
I don't use my A/C anyway, so if I pull the fuse for the A/C cluch, will it hurt anything and will I still be able to use all the positions like "floor/defrost"?

 

[kps36]

You are probably better off just unclipping the connector on the compressor. Lord knows what else the fuse may power. Or, if you REALLY don't use the AC, just shortbelt it. That's the way mine has been for 2 years, cause the compressor siezed up. I'll get around to it, I like the mpg/power. By either method, the only loss you face is that for defrost, the air is cycled, via compressor, thru the evap system, and defrost/drys quicker (this is a trick GM/Harrison came up with MANY years ago)very much like a home heat pump. The Ford AC 'system' is very possibly the worst in the industry.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Clean or replace the Idle air control valve (IAC). That is what is supposed to keep your RPM's up when the compressor kicks in. If it is not functioning properly, your engine will bog down.

 

[SplashMan]

Originally posted by TPLYNCH
Clean or replace the Idle air control valve (IAC). That is what is supposed to keep your RPM's up when the compressor kicks in. If it is not functioning properly, your engine will bog down.

Forgive me, as I am quite stupid... where is the IAC and how do I go about cleaning it?

 

[SplashMan]

Originally posted by SplashMan


Forgive me, as I am quite stupid... where is the IAC and how do I go about cleaning it?

Anyone... I am going on a 5hr trip this weekend and need to try and fix it before I get stuck in bum f*ck WIS somewhere (no offense to all the CHEESEHEADS out there)!

 

[Robert]

The SOHC IAC is the small, round device right on top of your engine. You'll have to remove the black, plastic cover to see it. The IAC is about 3" long, 1" in diameter and has a 1" round, black button looking thingie on the side. The button looking thingie is actually a cover to a small felt filter. To remove and replace it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

 

[HATECHEVYS]

Just for S+G's, check to make sure you didnt, knock or leave off the vacuum line that is running to the intake tube right next to the MAF. I felt dumb after paying $55 to have a shop run the codes for the "Check Engine" light that came on, just to find out that that hose came off somehow causing a vacuum leak. Mine wouldn't idle either with that off.

 

[iceman]

is the compressor engageing and disengaging because if it is you probably just need to recharge the system

 

[SplashMan]

OK, here is what I did tonight...
I took this off and sprayed it down with Carb Cleaner and wiped it off real good.

Is that the IAC?? I didn't see any button on the side and the black end don't come off. The idle is MUCH better now, but the compressor turns on and off like every 30 sec or so... think it needs recharged. Since it is winter and I don't need it anyway, if I unplug the connector atached to the silver end in this picture, will that stop the compressor and not hurt my engine untill I get it recharged in the summer??

For anyone that cares, here is a pic of my dirty engine...

I just want to thank ALL of the people that have helped me trouble shoot this whole thing, I know there a about a hundred post on this, but none of them had any pics or procedures on them... THANKS GUYS!

 

[Robert]

That would be the IAC. From the view though it looks a little different than the one on my '97. My link to my photo gallery is down so I can't post a picture. I wouldn't unplug the compressor. You should at least let it run every week or so and turning on and off every 30 seconds isn't hurting anything. You can buy a recharge kit for less than $20 to do it yourself. That is what I did. If you know someone that already has the gauge and hose, you can just buy the can of H134A at Walmart for about $6. It is just a matter of screwing the right end of the hose into the top of the can and connecting the other end to the only A/C fitting that it will fit on which is by the accumulator. Turn the little knob on the can cap while your engine is running with the A/C on high. After a few minutes the can will be empty and you are done. The instructions will come with the kit. I can't believe you '98 is any lower than my '97 was since my A/C probably gets more of a workout here in Arizona than yours does. Mine took about 3/4 of a can.

 

[Maniak]

Right idea.. wrong place..

The AIC controls the idle.. not the A/C. there is a plug on the A/C that will turn the compressor on/off.. You can unplug it.. but then you lose your defrost for your winshield..

If I remember correctly the plug on the AC is actually right on the compressor with 2 wires.. just pull the plug and tape it where you can find it again..

~Mark

BTW: The AIC is about a $70 part from an autoparts store..