Compressor clutch gap but still disengaging.

replyguy · Post by **replyguy** » 07 May 2021, 09:32

I installed zip ties but this brought my gap to 0, and the clutch would seize up. Now I have installed 22 gauge wire, and the gap is within spec, but I’m still getting clutch disengagement after a few minutes of driving.

Any tips to get this clutch engaged on a consistent basis? Should I install thicker wire to narrow the gap to under spec?

Thanks!

Post by **kallekula** » 07 May 2021, 10:24

Try using a relay. Use the tiny on/off cable as trigger. The increase in amperage will grab the clutch plate much harder.

replyguy · Post by **replyguy** » 07 May 2021, 10:35

Can you elaborate here? I am a novice

Post by **kallekula** » 07 May 2021, 11:24

The power to the compressor comes in a tiny little cable im not sure wattage but it's not high. Google relay and read up about it, its not complicated.

replyguy · Post by **replyguy** » 07 May 2021, 12:24

Should I replace the relay? Or augment the existing one in some way?

replyguy · Post by **replyguy** » 07 May 2021, 14:50

can you provide any more clarity? where am I adding a relay? can i just use one of the relays in the fusebox(ie, swap out the one for the back wipers)?

Post by **abscate** » 08 May 2021, 03:24

Measure the voltage at the clutch wire when it pulls in to see if it’s close to the battery voltage. You could be loosing voltage somewhere, causing the clutch to open

You have to be careful with the AC clutch onaP2, it does fancy thing like kick in on cranking for a moment to eliminate pooled refrigerant on start up. Jimmy57 knows this in more detail. If you get it too close it might never release which won’t be good

I got a gap too tight on my P80 which eventually killed it.

replyguy · Post by **replyguy** » 08 May 2021, 05:58

Thanks. I’m getting conflicting info on how tight. .3mm?

Post by **abscate** » 09 May 2021, 06:06

replyguy wrote: 08 May 2021, 05:58 Thanks. I’m getting conflicting info on how tight. .3mm?

0.3-0.5mm , 0.6 should not go in anywhere around plate

BROOKLYN850 · Post by **BROOKLYN850** » 29 Jun 2021, 16:10

Ebay has a Valeo AC compressor for $ 150. When do we stop ( I have the same problem as you V70 2002 - tried zip ties couldn't get them in gap ) fiddling with the clutch and just put a whole new compressor (with clutch)? I don't know what to do.