Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

A/C compressor and Clutch Assembly:

NOTE:
- Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The FS-10 A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The A/C clutch, A/C clutch pulley, A/C clutch field coil and the shaft seal are serviceable.
- Whenever the A/C compressor is replaced, also replace the suction accumulator/drier and the A/C evaporator core orifice.

The FS-10 A/C compressor has the following characteristics:
- A ten-cylinder swashplate design utilizing the tangential design mount.
- Displacement of 154 cc (9.4 cubic inch).
- A one-piece lip-type seal (replaceable from the front of the A/C compressor) is used to seal it at the shaft opening in the assembly.
- Five double-acting pistons operate within the cylinder assembly. The pistons are actuated by a swashplate that changes the rotating action of the shaft to a reciprocating force.
- Reed-type discharge valves are located between the cylinder assembly and the head at each end of the A/C compressor.
- The A/C compressor uses Motorcraft YN-12b refrigerant oil F2AZ-19577-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.
- The A/C compressor oil from vehicles equipped with an FS-10 A/C compressor may have a dark color while maintaining a normal oil viscosity. This is normal for this A/C compressor because carbon from the piston rings will discolor the oil.

Compressor Clutch Components:

The magnetic A/C clutch has the following characteristics:
- It drives the compressor shaft.
- When battery positive voltage (B+) is applied to the A/C clutch field coil, the clutch disc and hub assembly is drawn toward the A/C clutch pulley.
- The magnetic force locks the clutch disc and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley together as one unit, causing the compressor shaft to rotate.
- When B+ is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the clutch disc and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.