CHRYSLER, Ford & NIPPONDENSO 6-Cylinder Compressors: Description

The Chrysler, Ford and Nippondenso six-cylinder compressor is an axial-design, aluminum-bodied unit. The main body of the compressor is composed of front and rear halves, sealed with an "O" ring and held together by 6 through bolts. It has both front and rear cylinder heads and reed valve assemblies.

Construction of the compressor is similar to the General Motors six-cylinder compressor, with 3 double-acting pistons positioned axially around the compressor shaft and actuated by a swash plate.

The clutch assembly is electro-magnetic and built into the drive pulley. The coil, which does not rotate, is attached to the front of the compressor by a snap ring.

This compressor was originated by Nippondenso, but Chrysler and Ford have both introduced their own versions of it. Chrysler's C-171 was offered on some 1979 models and is used on all 1980 and later models. Ford used the Nippondenso in 1980 on some models, then used both the Nippondenso and its own FS-6 version in 1981.