A Cars forum. AutoBanter

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Home » AutoBanter forum » Auto newsgroups » Technology
Site Map Home Register Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old August 10th 06, 12:30 AM posted to rec.autos.tech
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1
Default Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?

I have a 1990 Plymouth Sundance, bought it new, have had it for 16
years, it's getting a little long in the tooth but I've kept it up
mechanically and it's a good "running around town" car.

A couple of weeks ago, the air conditioning cut out. I took it to my
mechanic and learned that what had happened ... since he found this
part laying on the engine where it had come off ... was the plate
that's the front part of the clutch assembly (you have this plate, then
the clutch, then the coil, if that gives folks a better idea of what
I'm talking about) had broken.

Of course you can't buy just that plate. You have to buy the entire
clutch assembly. I tried the recyclers and they wouldn't sell the
clutch assembly separate from the compressor, which is understandable.

However, I found a clutch and compressor assembly from a recycler, with
a one-year guarantee, for a very good price and ordered it. I figured
"what the heck," my mechanic could take that plate off to replace my
broken one and if the rest of the clutch and compressor go out ... and
they're all in good working order, FYI ... I'll already have the parts
in hand.

The clutch and compressor arrived today ... and it's not going to work,
at least from the standpoint of being able to take the clutch plate off
and replace my broken one, because they're two different plates, even
the shaft that goes through from the A/C to the clutch is different. On
mine, there's a nut that holds the plate onto the shaft, along with one
other part that I'm going to discuss later. On this one, there's an
actual bolt that connects into the shaft, looks like it literally
screws in. I imagine what the deal is, this compressor/clutch is not
out of a 1990 Plymouth Sundance but will work on one if you replace the
whole unit.

I'm sure the next question is "why not replace the whole unit?" My
mechanic, who I trust completely from him working on my cars for years,
says he would prefer not to do that except as an absolute last resort,
because of the trouble in doing it, the fact that I'd have to recharge
the unit after just recharging the Freon in my current unit, and
because in his judgment it could touch off other problems elsewhere in
my A/C system.

So, I sat that aside and went to the local parts store and purchased a
new clutch assembly ... cost significantly more than the
clutch/compressor I got from the recycler, but I'm trusting my
mechanic's judgment on whether to change the whole thing or not ...
took it to my mechanic and he said it will work fine, but there's one
problem.

I mentioned that there's a nut that holds this plate onto the shaft
coming out of the A/C in my car. There was one other thing, a little
rectangular looking black metal pin, almost like a key pin or
something. You can see the notch for this pin on the clutch plate. My
mechanic says it fits onto the shaft to keep the plate steady. He says
if you don't have this, all the parts will wobble, etc., and the end
result will likely be tearing everything up.

The problem is, this little pin broke when the plate broke off on my
car. And there was not a new one included with the clutch assembly.

I'm sorry to be going so long in getting to the point on this ...
basically, can anyone tell me what this pin is called and how I might
go about getting another one, or if it's not possible to get another
one what might work as an acceptable substitute?

Because as I said, I'm trusting my mechanic's judgment in his opinion
that the best course of action here is just fixing the plate instead of
changing out the entire clutch and compressor. But if I can't find a
replacement for this little pin, I may have to change out the whole
thing and just keep my fingers and toes crossed and say a prayer.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Ads
  #2  
Old August 10th 06, 12:32 AM posted to rec.autos.tech
Greg Bailey
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 12
Default Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?

Sorry for duplicate post.


  #4  
Old August 10th 06, 02:09 AM posted to rec.autos.tech
Bush
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3
Default Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?

Check out any Ace hardware for a straight key for this shaft.

Bush

On 9 Aug 2006 16:30:08 -0700, wrote:

>I have a 1990 Plymouth Sundance, bought it new, have had it for 16
>years, it's getting a little long in the tooth but I've kept it up
>mechanically and it's a good "running around town" car.
>
>A couple of weeks ago, the air conditioning cut out. I took it to my
>mechanic and learned that what had happened ... since he found this
>part laying on the engine where it had come off ... was the plate
>that's the front part of the clutch assembly (you have this plate, then
>the clutch, then the coil, if that gives folks a better idea of what
>I'm talking about) had broken.
>
>Of course you can't buy just that plate. You have to buy the entire
>clutch assembly. I tried the recyclers and they wouldn't sell the
>clutch assembly separate from the compressor, which is understandable.
>
>However, I found a clutch and compressor assembly from a recycler, with
>a one-year guarantee, for a very good price and ordered it. I figured
>"what the heck," my mechanic could take that plate off to replace my
>broken one and if the rest of the clutch and compressor go out ... and
>they're all in good working order, FYI ... I'll already have the parts
>in hand.
>
>The clutch and compressor arrived today ... and it's not going to work,
>at least from the standpoint of being able to take the clutch plate off
>and replace my broken one, because they're two different plates, even
>the shaft that goes through from the A/C to the clutch is different. On
>mine, there's a nut that holds the plate onto the shaft, along with one
>other part that I'm going to discuss later. On this one, there's an
>actual bolt that connects into the shaft, looks like it literally
>screws in. I imagine what the deal is, this compressor/clutch is not
>out of a 1990 Plymouth Sundance but will work on one if you replace the
>whole unit.
>
>I'm sure the next question is "why not replace the whole unit?" My
>mechanic, who I trust completely from him working on my cars for years,
>says he would prefer not to do that except as an absolute last resort,
>because of the trouble in doing it, the fact that I'd have to recharge
>the unit after just recharging the Freon in my current unit, and
>because in his judgment it could touch off other problems elsewhere in
>my A/C system.
>
>So, I sat that aside and went to the local parts store and purchased a
>new clutch assembly ... cost significantly more than the
>clutch/compressor I got from the recycler, but I'm trusting my
>mechanic's judgment on whether to change the whole thing or not ...
>took it to my mechanic and he said it will work fine, but there's one
>problem.
>
>I mentioned that there's a nut that holds this plate onto the shaft
>coming out of the A/C in my car. There was one other thing, a little
>rectangular looking black metal pin, almost like a key pin or
>something. You can see the notch for this pin on the clutch plate. My
>mechanic says it fits onto the shaft to keep the plate steady. He says
>if you don't have this, all the parts will wobble, etc., and the end
>result will likely be tearing everything up.
>
>The problem is, this little pin broke when the plate broke off on my
>car. And there was not a new one included with the clutch assembly.
>
>I'm sorry to be going so long in getting to the point on this ...
>basically, can anyone tell me what this pin is called and how I might
>go about getting another one, or if it's not possible to get another
>one what might work as an acceptable substitute?
>
>Because as I said, I'm trusting my mechanic's judgment in his opinion
>that the best course of action here is just fixing the plate instead of
>changing out the entire clutch and compressor. But if I can't find a
>replacement for this little pin, I may have to change out the whole
>thing and just keep my fingers and toes crossed and say a prayer.
>
>Thanks in advance for any help.


  #5  
Old August 10th 06, 12:28 PM posted to rec.autos.tech
Kevin
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 146
Default Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?

Replies inserted in quoted text:

> wrote in message
ups.com...
>I have a 1990 Plymouth Sundance, bought it new, have had it for 16
> years, it's getting a little long in the tooth but I've kept it up
> mechanically and it's a good "running around town" car.
>
> A couple of weeks ago, the air conditioning cut out. I took it to my
> mechanic and learned that what had happened ... since he found this
> part laying on the engine where it had come off ... was the plate
> that's the front part of the clutch assembly (you have this plate, then
> the clutch, then the coil, if that gives folks a better idea of what
> I'm talking about) had broken.


I know exactly what you mean.

>
> Of course you can't buy just that plate. You have to buy the entire
> clutch assembly. I tried the recyclers and they wouldn't sell the
> clutch assembly separate from the compressor, which is understandable.


Yes, I've been down that road.

>
> However, I found a clutch and compressor assembly from a recycler, with
> a one-year guarantee, for a very good price and ordered it. I figured
> "what the heck," my mechanic could take that plate off to replace my
> broken one and if the rest of the clutch and compressor go out ... and
> they're all in good working order, FYI ... I'll already have the parts
> in hand.


Makes good sense, but I already know what you are going to say next.

>
> The clutch and compressor arrived today ... and it's not going to work,
> at least from the standpoint of being able to take the clutch plate off
> and replace my broken one, because they're two different plates, even
> the shaft that goes through from the A/C to the clutch is different. On
> mine, there's a nut that holds the plate onto the shaft, along with one
> other part that I'm going to discuss later. On this one, there's an
> actual bolt that connects into the shaft, looks like it literally
> screws in. I imagine what the deal is, this compressor/clutch is not
> out of a 1990 Plymouth Sundance but will work on one if you replace the
> whole unit.


Yep, This is common. What actually happens is that the car maker dosen't use
the same compressor on every car made that year. Sometimes they find a
source for a cheaper compresor during the production run on a model and
begin using the different compressor. They might even do it because they
found out that the original compressor they were using had a problem, so
they switched to a different compressor.

>
> I'm sure the next question is "why not replace the whole unit?" My
> mechanic, who I trust completely from him working on my cars for years,
> says he would prefer not to do that except as an absolute last resort,
> because of the trouble in doing it, the fact that I'd have to recharge
> the unit after just recharging the Freon in my current unit, and
> because in his judgment it could touch off other problems elsewhere in
> my A/C system.


Exactly. Changing just the clutch is a much better idea if you can get away
with it.

>
> So, I sat that aside and went to the local parts store and purchased a
> new clutch assembly ... cost significantly more than the
> clutch/compressor I got from the recycler, but I'm trusting my
> mechanic's judgment on whether to change the whole thing or not ...
> took it to my mechanic and he said it will work fine, but there's one
> problem.
>
> I mentioned that there's a nut that holds this plate onto the shaft
> coming out of the A/C in my car. There was one other thing, a little
> rectangular looking black metal pin, almost like a key pin or
> something. You can see the notch for this pin on the clutch plate. My
> mechanic says it fits onto the shaft to keep the plate steady. He says
> if you don't have this, all the parts will wobble, etc., and the end
> result will likely be tearing everything up.


That pin is called a key. They come in many shapes and sizes. but you have
to have one that will fit correctly, and you can not just leave it out.

>
> The problem is, this little pin broke when the plate broke off on my
> car. And there was not a new one included with the clutch assembly.


Seems to me that the last time I bought a clutch, the key came with it.
Maybe you should ask the parts store to check and see if the one you got had
the key missing, or maybe they could get you a key for it.


>
> I'm sorry to be going so long in getting to the point on this ...
> basically, can anyone tell me what this pin is called and how I might
> go about getting another one, or if it's not possible to get another
> one what might work as an acceptable substitute?


Most parts stores or hardware stores carry an assortment of keys . You might
be able to find one that will fit and buy just the key. You might even be
able to make one if you find something close enough to fitting with just a
little filing or grinding. Perhaps a drill bit the correct size, cut to
length and ground flat if necessary.. Be careful though. Some times the key
is half moon shaped (thats called a woodruf key) and the new key must be
exactly the same shape. It must fit well or the clutch may begin to move
back and forth on the shaft and eventually fail again.

>
> Because as I said, I'm trusting my mechanic's judgment in his opinion
> that the best course of action here is just fixing the plate instead of
> changing out the entire clutch and compressor. But if I can't find a
> replacement for this little pin, I may have to change out the whole
> thing and just keep my fingers and toes crossed and say a prayer.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>


As long as you are sure the compressor is still good, you would be better
off just replacing the clutch. I wonder though, if the clutch plate did not
maybe brake because the compressor locked up or something like that. Make
sure the compressor shaft still turns freely and doesn't get in a bind, or
you will just ruin the new clutch.

Good luck,


--
Disclaimer:
Due to the nature of solving problems over the internet being mostly
guesswork,
please do not consider the above recommendations as the only possible
solutions.

--
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green



  #6  
Old August 10th 06, 01:48 PM posted to rec.autos.tech
Greg Bailey
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 12
Default Need help on repairing A/C clutch assembly ... replacement for missing pin?

"Kevin" > wrote in message
news:dLECg.173$JR5.165@dukeread11...
> Replies inserted in quoted text:
>
> As long as you are sure the compressor is still good, you would be better
> off just replacing the clutch. I wonder though, if the clutch plate did
> not maybe brake because the compressor locked up or something like that.
> Make sure the compressor shaft still turns freely and doesn't get in a
> bind, or you will just ruin the new clutch.
>


My mechanic checked the compressor, shaft still turns freely.


 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
GT 1.9 JTD clutch slip @ 26K miles? Grahame Alfa Romeo 13 May 27th 06 02:26 PM
Problem with clutch - bad smell.....Any ideas? [email protected] Technology 13 March 13th 06 12:28 AM
squeaking clutch at friction point sandheep Mazda 26 February 17th 06 02:30 PM
What now?? (Clutch slave again) Eric Jeep 11 May 29th 05 06:38 AM
stuck caliper... Abeness Honda 113 December 7th 04 02:22 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:23 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 AutoBanter.
The comments are property of their posters.