A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly - FS10

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Excursion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Compressor And Clutch Assembly

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The FS-10 A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The A/C clutch, A/C clutch pulley, A/C clutch field coil and the shaft seal are serviceable.

NOTE: Whenever a new A/C compressor is installed due to a failure that produces foreign material in the system, also install a new suction accumulator and the A/C evaporator core orifice.

The FS-10 A/C compressor has the following characteristics:

A ten-cylinder swashplate design utilizing the tangential design mount.
A one-piece lip-type seal (replaceable from the front of the A/C compressor) is used to seal it at the shaft opening in the assembly.
Five double-acting pistons operate within the cylinder assembly. The pistons are actuated by a swashplate 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 (R-134a Systems) or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor.

Fig 2: Exploded View Of Clutch Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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 plate and hub assembly is drawn toward the A/C clutch pulley.
The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch 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 plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.
A/C Compressor Pressure Relief Valve

Fig 3: Identifying A/C Compressor Pressure Relief Valve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

An A/C compressor pressure relief valve is incorporated in the compressor manifold and tube to:
relieve unusually high refrigerant system discharge pressure buildups. For specifications regarding operating pressure(s), refer to CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
prevent damage to the A/C compressor and other system components.
avoid total refrigerant loss by closing after the excessive pressure has been relieved.
A/C Condenser Core

Fig 4: Identifying A/C Condenser Core
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The A/C condenser core has the following characteristics:
It is an aluminum fin and tube design heat exchanger located in front of vehicle radiator.
It cools compressed refrigerant gas by allowing air to pass over fins and tubes to extract heat and condense refrigerant gas to liquid refrigerant as it is cooled.