Wondering if anyone could help before i spend money on new compressor. My compressor clutch sometimes engages then after while it dis-engages. When its on it blows cold air. I was reading on this forum, maybe the relay was going out but i ran direct current to compressor and again sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. Could it just be my clutch going bad or the entire compressor. Thanks to anyone, Fosno

 

Does the condenser fan also stop running? You might want to check the pressure switch. Did you recently add refrigerant? Did you overfill it?

 

Don't think i over filled but will. I did check the pressure switch and bypassed to test, seemed to work fine. Will check to see if fan works as the clutch stops. Thanks

 

Ok, did notice the fan does stop when the clutch dis engages. Is there something telling it to stop. When i rev the throttle up quickly it cuts off. Any suggestions?

 

Hook up a manifold gauge set to see whether the system is overfilled with refrigerant.

 

When the clutch won't engage jumped directly to the battery, there is something wrong with the clutch. Do that test only with the engine off. Jumping the compressor with the engine running can create dangerous overpressure that will blow a hose out.

If current is flowing to the clutch (you get sparks when connecting the wire to the battery) try pressing the clutch plate down (engine OFF) and see if it snaps in. If it does, you just need to reduce the clutch gap.

If no current flows, check the thermal protector switch on the back of the compressor, which I think on a '98 is still of the design where it is in series with the clutch. Make sure the compressor bolts are tight so it is grounded to the engine. Finally check the clutch coil for continuity. Should be 3 to 4 ohms. If the coil is open you can buy a new clutch set instead of the whole compressor, and install it while keeping the system charged with refrigerant.

To reduce the clutch gap, remove the shaft nut (conventional right-hand thread) and take the clutch plate assembly off. Remove some of the shim washers from the shaft and put the plate back on. You want less than 0.020 inches gap, or as close as it will get without dragging.

 

Thanks i'm going to try it this weekend, Again thanks