Any tips on where I can find the exact wire from under the fuse box for the AC clutch so I can find that diode?

 

Its by the clutch connector under the hood apparently

 

HI, thanks for the reply. I was looking for more specific information . Do you know or are just replying in generalities?
By the clutch connector where? Is it by the harness the where the clutch connects (which sits on top of the valve cover), or is it closer to where the fuse box is?
if its by the fuse box there is obviously a large cluster of wires. either way it is hard to locate without cutting into the harness's so before i do that I am hoping to find someone who knows or has done this to help narrow the area down.

 

Read carefully post #12, there is procedure to replace the diode. It's at the compressor clutch, not by the fuse box.

 

HeilIlm, I have read all the comments, that is left unsaid. Clearly the info has not helped being why I asked for further SPECIFIC info. I assume you have as well, if so you will see contradicting info. The red and black 2 wires coming off the clutch that are about 8" long to the plug DO NOT have a diode in it. What is the plastic casing being referred to? I cutaway the protective cover over the two wires...nothing. Someone else mentioned the diode attached to a stripe wire?
I assume you have done this , so can you specifically tell me, where this diode is exactly?

 

According to the wiring diagrams there is diode in that harness

 

Yeah, there is likely one there, but WHERE in the harness is it? Normally, they are on the connector for the compressor....... but, apparently, his is not.

 

You think they would have marked it on the diagram. People at Chrysler were slackin

 

I just about give up with it. I don't want to start ripping into the wiring harness if I dont know where it is, with my luck i'll clip some wires. Doesn't make sense to me that the diode wouldnt be coming directly off the clutch where it would be mos effective, but it isn't. Its all still stock too.
It seems to spin freely, but when the clutch is unplugged the fuse doesnt blow, so at least I narrowed it to the clutch.
at one point it would spin for a little and the AC would work. Now it pops the fuse right away.
I got a rebuild kit off ebay for 40 bucks.
I've changed these before, easy enough to do. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
Thanks all.

 

For those that find this and have this problem.
THIS is what worked for me.

I changed out the clutch ONLY. Can be bought off ebay for 40 bucks.
What was wrong with mine? Well, never found that diode....BUT where the red and black wires come off the back of the Field Coil they bend close to a 90 degree angle.
There is a rubber boot that is supposed to protect the wires. Over 20 years the boot disintegrated and it looks like the wires at the bend wore through their insulation and rubbed against the metal of the back of the Coil causing a short. Did not notice it when it is on the compressor. Even if I did it would be pretty tough to fix, though I am sure I could have rigged something. The clutch was in surprisingly good condition outside of that.

HOW TO CHANGE THE CLUTCH:
Some unbolt the compressor and tilt it up to get clearance. The shaft of one of my bolts holding the compressor to the engine seemed to be a little bent. If I cranked it out I think I may have snapped the bolt. Do this, unscrew the fan shroud (4 bolts) It can't come out put push it all the way to the block. I used a tie down of the shroud and to a slot in the hood. Pulled it up and as close to the block as it would go. This gives PLENTY of room to access the clutch. You will have a damn hard time doing this with the shroud in place.
You will have to rig something up to stop the clutch from spinning when you take off the retaining nut. Since I knew I was tossing it I stuck a flat head into one of the slots on the face of the Clutch Drive Plate and used that for leverage.
You''ll need a puller and the proper snap ring pliers. I suggest the Channellock 927. Other pliers will not open the snap ring wide enough. This can be found at home depot. The only other issue you'll have is getting the Pulley Assembly back on the Compressor. I used a long piece of wood to hammer it on.
All in all it is pretty easy. As long as you isolate the problem to the clutch , this will work.