A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly - SC115

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The SC115 A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The clutch plate (2884), the clutch pulley and bearing (19D784), and the clutch field coil (19D798) are serviceable.

NOTE: 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 SC115 A/C compressor has the following characteristics:

Tangential mount design - three lugs.
The single manifold block of the compressor manifold and tube assembly fits to the suction and discharge ports. Two O-ring seals are used for sealing.
An eccentric bushing is driven by the shaft of the A/C compressor.
An orbiting scroll driven by the eccentric bushing compresses the refrigerant gas against the walls of the fixed scroll.
Single reed-type discharge valve mounted on the back of the fixed scroll. There are no suction valves.
Non-serviceable shaft seal fully supported on both sides by bearings.
The A/C compressor uses PAG oil or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.
The A/C compressor oil from vehicles equipped with an SC115 A/C compressor may have some slightly dark colored streaks while maintaining a normal oil viscosity. This is normal for this A/C compressor because of break-in wear of the scroll seals that can discolor the oil.
Use standard oil matching procedures when replacing compressors.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Compressor Clutch Components
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The magnetic A/C clutch has the following characteristics:

It drives the compressor shaft.
When battery voltage is applied to the A/C compressor clutch field coil, the clutch plate and hub assembly is drawn toward the clutch pulley.
The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the clutch pulley together as one unit, causing the compressor shaft to rotate.
When battery voltage is removed from the A/C compressor clutch field coil, springs in the clutch plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the clutch pulley.