Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

A/C COMPRESSOR AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

NOTE:
- Internal A/C compressor components are not repaired separately. Install a new FS-10 A/C compressor only as an assembly. The A/C clutch, A/C clutch pulley, A/C clutch field coil and the shaft seals are repairable.
- Installation of a new suction accumulator is not required when repairing the air conditioning system except when there is physical evidence of system contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the suction accumulator.

The FS-10 A/C compressor has the following characteristics:
- A 10-cylinder swash plate design using the tangential design mount.
- Displacement of 170 cc (10.4 cubic inches).
- A one-piece lip-type seal (repaired from the front of the A/C compressor) is used to seal the compressor at the shaft opening in the assembly.
- Five double-acting pistons operate within the cylinder assembly. The pistons are actuated by a swash plate 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 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B. This oil contains special additives necessary 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 discolors the oil.

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 disc away from the A/C clutch pulley.