Can't remove a/c clutch - 80 C3.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
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Can't remove a/c clutch - 80 C3.
Need 
help removing an 80 a/c clutch. I have already removed the front part of the clutch using the tool, but now need to remove the housing that contains the clutch electrical connector. With the front removed, I can see a sleeve (about 1.25 inches across, about the same depth) around the threaded shaft. In the very back I can also see a snap ring that appears to be about 1.5 inchs across. I don't see any way to remove the snap ring without removing this sleeve. Just can't figure out how to get the rest of the housing off.
Compressor itself is OK, but the clutch with the electrical connectors was trashed when the belt broke.
Would appreciate any help you can give.
Bob
help removing an 80 a/c clutch. I have already removed the front part of the clutch using the tool, but now need to remove the housing that contains the clutch electrical connector. With the front removed, I can see a sleeve (about 1.25 inches across, about the same depth) around the threaded shaft. In the very back I can also see a snap ring that appears to be about 1.5 inchs across. I don't see any way to remove the snap ring without removing this sleeve. Just can't figure out how to get the rest of the housing off. Compressor itself is OK, but the clutch with the electrical connectors was trashed when the belt broke.
Would appreciate any help you can give.
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
special pliers
You need a set of deep snap-ring pliers. They come in straight and 90 degree styles and they essentially are just a really long-nosed type. Even if you have to buy them, they are not that expensive, at least not the last time I checked. Once you get it off, the bearing and hub assembly slides off. Pay attention to the shape of the snap-ring, as it is tapered (that's what holds the bearing tight) and must go back in the same side up.
If the clutch assembly got hot when it failed, the seal will be stressed or damaged and will most likely leak if you don't change it, and you guessed it, it takes a special tool. I would get the clutch and coil off, the have a local A/C shop change the seal.
Hans
I just re-read your post and I would want to be very certain that compressor was OK. Typically if the belt fails it's because the compressor locked up and fried the belt. However, clutch failures ('fried clutch') are just as common if the compressor gets "tight", so check it over carefully! It's worth saving the original equipment if possible, but the R-4 is a notoriously wimpy compressor assembly.
If the clutch assembly got hot when it failed, the seal will be stressed or damaged and will most likely leak if you don't change it, and you guessed it, it takes a special tool. I would get the clutch and coil off, the have a local A/C shop change the seal.
Hans
I just re-read your post and I would want to be very certain that compressor was OK. Typically if the belt fails it's because the compressor locked up and fried the belt. However, clutch failures ('fried clutch') are just as common if the compressor gets "tight", so check it over carefully! It's worth saving the original equipment if possible, but the R-4 is a notoriously wimpy compressor assembly.
Last edited by Wrencher; Sep 25, 2007 at 11:54 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Just to verify ....
Just wanted to verify what you said:
1. Remove the clutch face. (Already done).
2. Using the long snap ring tool, remove the back ring.
3. The entire assembly should then slide off.
It is that simple ???
Thank you.
Bob
1. Remove the clutch face. (Already done).
2. Using the long snap ring tool, remove the back ring.
3. The entire assembly should then slide off.
It is that simple ???
Thank you.
Bob
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Just to verify ....
Just wanted to verify what you said:
1. Remove the clutch face. (Already done).
2. Using the long snap ring tool, remove the back ring.
3. The entire assembly should then slide off.
It is that simple ???
Thank you.
Bob
1. Remove the clutch face. (Already done).
2. Using the long snap ring tool, remove the back ring.
3. The entire assembly should then slide off.
It is that simple ???
Thank you.
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
pretty much. Once you get the clutch face off (it slides off of the 'sleeve' you mention - actually part of the compressor front end) you will see another snapring holding the coil on. That's it for the clutch. The seal is waaay down around the threaded shaft inside the sleeve.
Hans
Hans
