Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

scusack71 on Tue September 13, 2011 5:52 PM

Year: 98
Make: Dodge
Model: Intrepid
Engine Size: 3.2L
Refrigerant Type: R-134a
Ambient Temp: 78

I'm trying to adjust the gap on my A/C Clutch since I have replaced the clutch assembly with one from the junk yard. It's for the 3.2L on a 1998 Intrepid.

I am following the OEM service manual and I have to attach a dial indicator on the front face of the clutch plate, energize the clutch and verify the the gap measurement of travel and adjust shims repeatedly until the proper measurement is acquired. However, the service manual doesn't tell you how to energize it. I want to do it properly without risk of damaging anything.

I did try briefly disconnecting the coil connector, attach some alligator leads to the A/C coil connector and attach them to the battery.... one wire is black and the other white... I tried both connector leads in both positions (white wire (-), black wire (+) no reaction and vice versa I got a little spark when connecting negative) but no response or movement of my dial indicator...so I released very quickly after that. I have 3.9ohms across my coil. It's a Nippondenso 10PA17C.

If anyone has a tip on how to do this without starting the car, of course, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you much.

From the service manual:

(5) If the original front plate assembly and pulley
assembly are to be reused, the old shim(s) can be
used. If not, place a trial stack of shims, 2.54 mm
(0.10 in.) thick, on the shaft against the shoulder.

(6) Install front plate assembly onto shaft.

(7) If installing a new front plate and/or pulley
assembly, the gap between front plate and pulley face
must be checked. Use the following procedure:

(a) Attach a dial indicator to front plate so that
movement of the plate can be measured.

(b) With the dial indicator zeroed on the front
plate, energize the clutch and record the amount of
movement.

(c) The readings should be 0.35 to 0.65 mm
(0.014 to 0.026 in.). If proper reading is not
obtained, add or subtract shims until desired reading
is obtained.

(8) Install compressor shaft bolt. Tighten to 17.5 ±
2 N·m (155 ± 20 in. lbs.).

Edited: Tue September 13, 2011 at 5:55 PM by scusack71

bohica2xo on Wed September 14, 2011 10:53 AM

What does the gap measure with no power to the coil?

Set the static gap to .020 inches before testing.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.