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 due to a failure that produces debris in the system, also replace the suction accumulator 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.
^ 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 PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.

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 plate and hub assembly is drawn toward the A/C clutch pulley.
^ The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch 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 plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.