Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

jgcox6 on Wed August 21, 2013 3:51 PM

Year: 2003
Make: fORD
Model: EXPEDITION
Engine Size: 5.4
Refrigerant Type: 134A
Country of Origin: United States

Will someone tell me if the clutch gap on a 2003 Expedition is adjustable? My friends truck blows cold air most of the time, but will just stop blowing cold when the engine heats up on a road trip.

TRB on Wed August 21, 2013 4:53 PM

Shims.

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webbch on Wed August 21, 2013 5:01 PM

Verify the compressor is NOT running at these times when it blows hot. Assuming that is the case, several things control the cycling of the compressor:
1) clutch - tap it when it's NOT running and you think it should be. If it engages, then excessive clutch gap is your problem
2) relay - if not getting voltage at the compressor, try swapping with another relay or checking to see if input has voltage
3) evaporator temperature sensor - it appears to be part of the the thermal expansion valve on the 03 models. If it fails, the engine computer thinks the evaporator is too cold, and won't send the signal to turn on the compressor.

On a side note: I've noticed manufacturers switching from CCOT systems to TXV setups. For example, up to 2002, Ford was generally CCOT wasn't it? Why the sudden switch to TXV? I suppose accumulators used with CCOT are larger than receiver/driers used with TXV, but otherwise don't see why a manufacturer would switch mid-stream like that.

Edited: Wed August 21, 2013 at 5:05 PM by webbch

mk378 on Wed August 21, 2013 8:40 PM

To adjust the gap on most compressors (the exception being older GM ones), remove the shaft nut or bolt in the center and take the clutch plate off. You will find small shim washers on the shaft. Remove some of them and reassemble. The gap can be as small as you like as long as it doesn't drag when the compressor is supposed to be disengaged.

Chick on Fri August 23, 2013 1:11 PM

Your truck uses a "scroll" compressor similar to this one from a van.., and it's a common problem.. Can be done right on the truck.. Remove the 13mm nut, slip off the clutch plate and remove a shim... here's a couple pics that might help..
Chick



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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Chick on Fri August 23, 2013 1:13 PM

http://www.autoacforum.com/forumimages/clutch gap 003.JPG

http://www.autoacforum.com/forumimages/clutch gap 004.JPG

Ok, I've been away a while, so you'll have to copy ad paste the links to see the pics.. I have to be re-trained it seems....
Hope this helps..






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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Fri August 23, 2013 at 1:22 PM by Chick

ghiotom on Fri August 23, 2013 11:02 PM

Wow, Chick is back! Welcome back, I was so grateful for all your help in the past.

Chick on Fri August 23, 2013 11:09 PM

Thank you..Been busy.. but will try to stop by more often....
chick


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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

jgcox6 on Tue August 27, 2013 10:10 AM

Thanks guys...and Chick thanks for the picture...always worth a thousand words! You guys are great!!!

Number4 on Fri January 03, 2014 12:59 PM

Number4 on Fri January 03, 2014 1:05 PM

Hopefully someone still see's this.
I have a 2004 Explorer, every time the AC clutch would engage, it would chirp.
Found a TSB stating to replace the clutch/pulley/coil.
However, running a feeler gauge in the air gap, I found it to be (Sorry, I only have Metric feelers) 0.85mm.
According to the TSB is should be between 0.254 - 0.61 mm.
There was only one shim behind the clutch, without it, the gap is somewhere between 0.15 - 0.20mm.
Spinning the pulley it was free and not binding.

So even if the TSB states minimum of 0.254, 0.15 would be okay if there's no contact when disengaged?
What's the down side to the small gap?

I've had no luck finding a shim assortment for it.

Thanks - Sam

Dougflas on Fri January 03, 2014 1:56 PM

Without the shim, can you place a regular business card in there as a measuring device? That has been done sucessfuly many, many times.

Number4 on Fri January 10, 2014 1:07 PM

Use the business card to just measure the gap? Or to act as a spacer?

I've since actually contacted 4 Seasons. They are going to make an assortment and ship it to me.