Why does the FSM Say you need to buy a new compressor to service coil/clutch. Then couple pages later they go into complete detail how you can replace coil with out evacuating system. Problem is you can't buy just a coil,except possibly on E-Bay. There was a link for a coil only. Question , is this smart or should i just go ahead and do the new compressor and have cool air before Monday. Or is there any adjustment to shims or air gap to keep the clutch engaged?

 

I had the same question last fall. I found a clutch, but the spline was the wrong size. Even the dealer does not offer the clutch alone. I havce seen the ones on ebay, but seller cannot tell me the size of shaft or spline size. I wanted to get one as the compressor I had to take off is still good, if I can only find a clutch.

If you can find a clutch alone, you do not have to evacuate system. Clutch can be removed and reinstalled without having to remove compressor or disconnect any lines.

I thought about buying the clutch anyway, but hate to just gamble. I don't need the extra compressor, but I will not throw it away either! I would prefer to have it sitting on the shelf fully assembled and ready to throw on should I ever need it.

 

Go to your local JY and get a compressor, then try this. http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl249i.htm

 

That's where I started, but only one JY within 60 miles....and the clutch was shot. But in larger areas, certainly a great idea. Takes one wrench to remove clutch.\\Can't imagine them asking more than about $10 to $20 for it....

 

The E-Bay site has coil only for 35.00,but, says for 2000,2001,and 2002 and take week or so to get here. I have a 99 and no way to verify it's the same. This is first problem I've had with a/c pushing 213,000 miles on truck. Seems like repairs are starting to snow ball. Does the coil lose it's magnetism or does the clutch wear or combination of both parts aging,why it won't stay engaged?

 

Check with dealer and see if the part number for a 99 compressor and a 2000-2002.

That may explaine why the clutch I bought did not fit!

 

Better yet, check the free parts manual, available in the FAQ/DIY section. Then call the dealer and see if the part is still available or it has a new number.

 

The dealership and parts stores all list clutch and coil serviceable only with new compressor. This site has coil only and i don't know if that would be chancing it, replacing coil only. www.e-bay.com/itm/Dodge-Ram-15...#ht 1211wt 922 What if after clutch disengages with a/c request still on and engine running,you took a hammer and punch or big screw driver and give center non moving part a wack, carefully? Would that indicate weak coil like checking if coil wires have an open circuit?

 

Don't know that I would take a hammer to it....but there should be a spec for the air gap from the coil to the plate. If this gap is too large, the coil may not be able to pull it in. If the coil is "getting weak" then it is on its way to failure. It is simply a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field. Another simple thing that can be checked and may cause intermittant operation may be a loose connection at the connector. Make sure it is tight and latched.

 

Just got done driving until disengaged, about 30 minutes,it varies. Took small bar and tapped it with a hammer lightly and it sucked right back in. Am going to check that air gap before throwing new compressor at it, that's for sure. Watched good video on you tube about replacing clutch/coil on Sanden compressor. Possibly heat from shaft seal can mess up coil, also said more often than not that's what takes out the clutch bearing. I wanted to blow it up with some TNT couple times this last month. I once used a hammer to adjust my alternator, when it was discharging,wack, and it would start charging. This will eventually fail to work though. That is probably why they don't sell just the clutch kit because heat from failing compressor is what takes out clutch.