A/C Compressor Clutch Check: Check

A/C Compressor Clutch Clearance - Check

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1. Check the armature plate (A) for discoloration, peeling, or other damage. If there is damage, replace the clutch set - Refer to: A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Fixed Capacity Compressor) or A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Variable Capacity Compressor) .

2. Check the pulley (B) bearing play and drag by rotating the pulley by hand. Also check for grease leakage from the bearing. Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy, has excessive play/drag, or has bearing grease contamination on the clutch faces.

NOTE: The pulley and the armature plate were mated at the factory by a burnishing operation. Always replace the pulley and the plate as a set. Replacing only one part of the clutch set will cause clutch slippage.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

3. Measure the clearance between the pulley (A) and the armature plate (B) all the way around. If the clearance is not within specified limits, remove the armature plate - Refer to: A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Fixed Capacity Compressor) or A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Variable Capacity Compressor) and add or remove shims as needed to increase or decrease clearance.

NOTE: The shims are available in three thicknesses: 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm.

Clearance
Variable capacity compressor:0.30-0.70 mm (0.012-0.027 in)
Fixed capacity compressor:0.35-0.65 mm (0.014-0.025 in)

A/C Compressor Clutch Field Coil - Check

Variable capacity compressor

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Fixed capacity compressor

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1. Measure the resistance of the field coil. If resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil - Refer to: A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Fixed Capacity Compressor) or A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Variable Capacity Compressor) .

Field Coil Resistance
Variable capacity compressor:3.37-3.63Ω at 68 °F (20 °C)
Fixed capacity compressor:3.11-3.37Ω at 68 °F (20 °C)

A/C Compressor Clutch Oil Leak Check

1. Remove the armature plate - Refer to: A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Fixed Capacity Compressor) or A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Variable Capacity Compressor) , and inspect the armature plate and pulley friction surface for wear. If there is excessive wear, roughness, or scoring, replace the clutch set - Refer to: A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Fixed Capacity Compressor) or A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul (Variable Capacity Compressor) .

2. Inspect the friction surfaces and the A/C compressor shaft hub for excess oil. If excess oil is present and it is not from the engine or other system, the A/C compressor shaft seal is leaking. In that case, replace the A/C compressor .