HVAC System - Air Conditioning: Overhaul Mercury Montego III

A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly

Note. Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The variable scroll compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The A/C clutch, A/C clutch pulley and the A/C clutch field coil are serviceable.

The variable scroll A/C compressor has the following characteristics

1. A variable capacity function controlled by a suction pressure sensing device.
2. A fixed and orbiting scroll to provide refrigerant compression.
3. A non-serviceable shaft seal.
4. The A/C compressor uses PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil. This oil contains special additives necessary for the A/C compressor.

The A/C compressor contains a thermal cutout switch which senses the compressor housing temperature. The switch will disengage the A/C compressor clutch if the housing temperature exceeds 120°C (247°F).

Scheme 1

The magnetic A/C clutch has the following characteristics

1. It drives the compressor shaft.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.