ac problem

[greensplode]

i have had a problem with the fuse for the ac compressor clutch keeps poppin on me. its a ten amp fuse, but now i have a 25 amp cuz texas is too hot and im not goin without ac. sometimes it lasts for weeks and sometimes minutes. i think the clutch is getting too hot and im gonna replace it, but has anyone else had this happen and is there a cheaper fix. someone help me out

 

[greensplode]

to the top

 

[Bruce Rock]

Before you replace the clutch make sure it's not in the wiring going to the clutch.

What is the resistance across the clutch coil? and to ground?

With the electrical connector disconnected at the the clutch, what is the resistance to ground at the clutch fuse?

 

[mrboyle]

Do yourself a favor, unless you want to burn your X to the ground, DO NOT run any fuse larger than specified in the curcuit. They use diffrent amperage fuses in each curcuit for a reason and the wireing isn't designed to handle current higher than the fuse rating. Amperage = resistance. If a curcuit is needing more amperage than the fuse can handle, its because there is too much resistance in the curcuit. Resistance = heat. The more resistance in a curcuit the hotter the wireing will become (especially if the wireing can't handle the amperage requiored to overcome the resistance). The result is the wire overheating potentially starting a fire.

 

[Bruce Rock]

Do yourself a favor, unless you want to burn your X to the ground, DO NOT run any fuse larger than specified in the curcuit. They use diffrent amperage fuses in each curcuit for a reason and the wireing isn't designed to handle current higher than the fuse rating.

GOOD ADVICE!

Amperage = resistance. If a curcuit is needing more amperage than the fuse can handle, its because there is too much resistance in the curcuit. Resistance = heat. The more resistance in a curcuit the hotter the wireing will become (especially if the wireing can't handle the amperage requiored to overcome the resistance).

I can't agree. The formula is V=IR or Voltage equals Current times Resistance. Assuming a constant 12 volts, INCREASING the resistance must DECREASE the current. Amperage and resistance are related but it's an inverse relationship.

To take it to the extremes; zero resistance, also known as a SHORT curcuit must produce very high currents, infinate resistance, also known as an OPEN curcuit, results in NO current.

greensplode needs to look for a short to ground with an Ohm meter (he can get a digital one for about $5.00)

 

[greensplode]

thanks for the help guys im almost positive there is a short but one of the a mech friend of mine told me the clutch was getting to hot and blowin the fuse, is that becuz of the short. man do i hate electrical ****

 

[Bruce Rock]

was getting to hot

I don't know what getting "to hot" is.

If you check the resistance across the two terminals on the clutch (after you remove the electrical connector) and between the two terminals (one at a time) to ground, I will do like wise on my '94 and we can compare the readings.

 

[Bruce Rock]

I'm getting three to four Ohms across the terminals, which, with 12 volts feeding it equals about three to four amps. Between the terminals and ground the resistance is infinate.