Ford How to: Fix A/C Clutch (Air Gap)

This video will show you how to fix a common problem with Ford AC compressors, when the clutch does not engage.

The example used is a Ford 7.3L diesel, but this method works on many Ford A/C systems
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[markwagner]

This was the fix needed for my 2000 F250 7.3. It started intermittently throwing warm air from the AC. I performed the shim-ectomy as described in this video and cleaned up some crud under the clutch face, and AC works as good as new. Thank you for this video. Great camera work and to the point explanation of the procedure. Great job.

[robinarmentrout]

2003 F350 Crew Cab 6.8L 4x4 - 248, 000 mi. A/C would work until I got out on the road and then it would go out. Removal of a single shim fixed this problem. The compressor is accessed underneath on the passenger side. Nothing needed to be removed to gain access to the clutch bolt. 8mm. 10 minute job. Thanks so much for the demo! Easy fix to a frustrating problem.

[charliehurley]

Did the max A/C mod about a month and a half ago, and was having issues with my A/C only being cold on acceleration. Just finished up doing this, removed one shim and gapped it at .015 mm and it is night and day difference.

This was by far the best video explaining how to do this and well as the fastest and easiest.

Appreciate the video man! Definitely got a new subscriber.

[howarddanko]

We did this repair and it fixed our intermittent AC problem. The AC would work fine when we were not towing. Once we hooked up our fifth wheel, especially if it was hot outside, the AC would cut out. Our AC system is original to our 2003 F350 with V10 engine. We had the clutch outer plate removed and one spacer was in place. We removed that one spacer and reinstalled the plate. That fixed our problem and the AC now works in hot or cold weather and whether towing or not.

[Tuaher]

Thank you. This fixed my A/C problem. It was coming on for a few minuets then going off. It just had too much of a gap. Saved me around 200.00!

[jerrodeshleman]

Thanks!! Worked perfectly on my 2000 Ford F250. I noticed that the clutch was not opening & closing when I was turning the AC on & off. I only had 1 spacer inside and I removed it. Once I did that the clutch would engage and dis-engage just fine. I've got consistent AC now. I appreciate the clear instructions and well shot video.

[TurmiteRS]

Worked like a charm on my 2005 f150 - had over 0.35 gap, pulled the plate off and removed last shim, buttoned it up and now i've got ice cold A/C once again.
Prior to this the A/C would only run for 10-15 minutes then we'd have hot air blowing through. Saved me close to 800 bucks thinking the compressor was shot!

[davidschneider]

MY MAN!!! I have owned this super duty for three years and cursed every summer since the ac never worked. Thanks to this video I am saving money on repairs and saving my sanity. Thank you!

[keithnoneya]

This ALSO WORKS on most 2nd gen Dodge trucks and cars as well. I had to do this on my 2002 Grand Caravan years ago. What a lot of folks don't know is these same compressors are used by several car manufactures, Ford, Dodge, GM etc. I was actually looking for a clutch replacement video on the 2001 F350 7.3L, as I haven't done one on my truck. I'm doing my research on doing a series on diagnosing and repairing the AC system on the 7.3L F250-F350 series trucks. Mine when out so I thought it would be a good time to do one for my subscribers. Yeah I've been a subscriber of yours for awhile, love the truck vids bro. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[ElitheBeeGuy]

Super thankful for this video... I live in Victorville California which is basically the desert and the temperature can exceed 108° f.... You are a lifesaver, super easy to do as well!

[michaelray]

your a life saver man! this was exactly what was wrong with my truck, only took me about 10 minutes to fix thanks to your video. I had been dealing with shotty a/c for a few months, but now it works great!

[phillipcarter]

This fixed mine. I live in was much appreciated. I owe you a beer as summer is creeping in here.

[Arceo]

Great video! Super helpful! Only one thing, I looked up this video because my AC clutch wasn’t engaging and part of the fix required the AC clutch to engage to remove that 8mm bolt. I had to get creative but figured it out and followed the rest of your instructions 🤘🏽. Thank you!

[whytebredd]

Trey, I used this video when I first bought my truck in ‘14 and just had to use it again. Thanks bruh very helpful

[billjones]

Seemed to work for me on my 2000 ranger. I also found a surplus of grease behind that ac clutch plate, which I removed much of it. I removed 1 washer spacer. Thanks. Edited. I drove 1 hour yesterday and AC worked perfectly. Thanks for the video. Took me 10 minutes & 8 Mm socket!

[danford]

Just fixed my ac this morning with this info. Took 5 mins, thanks a million

[Audiosweat]

Thank You! This completly fixed my problem i was dying of heat all summer. Have a ford f350 7.3 liter only had one washer left took it out and boom cold air 4 eva! Thank you for this video!

[michaelgreene]

Thanks man. I want to echo what others have said, good job on the camera work and concise presentation.

[brentsparks]

Great video, i had intermittent ac, was usually good at start up but would disengage after driving. Gap was .055 got it down to the .02 and been good so far.

[johngabriel]

Brah....Much Mahalos...you saved me around $200.00 just for a new A/C Compressor not including any other crap I may have needed to replace my 2002 F350 7.3 A/C Compressor. I actually only had one washer, but it was caked with crud too. I used braqke cleaner and removed the one washer, which totally closed the gap and it all works like a champ now. Took like you said, around ten minutes...

Mahalo