Universal AC compressor shims?
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Universal AC compressor shims?
My ac has the common problem where I have to lightly tap the compressor to get it to kick on. I know I need to check the air gap measurement and probably buy the shim kit but I'm having a hard time finding one and there is no mitsubishi dealership near where I live. Does anyone know of some universal kit I can buy at autozone or something or am I able to just remove one of the shims as long as the air gap is still within spec, .012 - .020? Thanks
They are just thin washers, it isn't that critical. Any auto parts store should have a shim kit for a few bucks with a half dozen shims in it.
If you have to tap it to get it to engage, either the air gap is too great or the magnet is failing. I'd pop that clutch plate off and see how many shims you have and if there is more than one reduce them... or if only one and it is not massively thick, remove it. Then compare behavior.
If the clutch plate still needs a tap to engage with minimal air gap, you are going to be needing a clutch magnet soon more likely.
If you have to tap it to get it to engage, either the air gap is too great or the magnet is failing. I'd pop that clutch plate off and see how many shims you have and if there is more than one reduce them... or if only one and it is not massively thick, remove it. Then compare behavior.
If the clutch plate still needs a tap to engage with minimal air gap, you are going to be needing a clutch magnet soon more likely.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
They are just thin washers, it isn't that critical. Any auto parts store should have a shim kit for a few bucks with a half dozen shims in it.
If you have to tap it to get it to engage, either the air gap is too great or the magnet is failing. I'd pop that clutch plate off and see how many shims you have and if there is more than one reduce them... or if only one and it is not massively thick, remove it. Then compare behavior.
If the clutch plate still needs a tap to engage with minimal air gap, you are going to be needing a clutch magnet soon more likely.
If you have to tap it to get it to engage, either the air gap is too great or the magnet is failing. I'd pop that clutch plate off and see how many shims you have and if there is more than one reduce them... or if only one and it is not massively thick, remove it. Then compare behavior.
If the clutch plate still needs a tap to engage with minimal air gap, you are going to be needing a clutch magnet soon more likely.
Ya ya... pull it first before anything. Odds are you can slip a shim off and buy yourself some time. If there are no shims.... clutch magnet time. They are real easy to change if you have a three jaw puller. Do it right in the car.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I removed the shim inside and the clutch engages every time now. Is this ok for the time being or is this going to mess something up? thanks for the help btw
As long as it is not dragging the clutch plate while the AC is off, you are fine. Just be aware that the problem is not fixed, only masked. The magnet will get weaker and weaker until eventually even the reduced shimming won't help and you have to replace the magnet. That could be 30000 miles from now though for all we know.
If the clutch plate is dragging while the AC is off, you need to correct it though. That is the equivalent of the AC always being on and can cause compressor damage.
If the clutch plate is dragging while the AC is off, you need to correct it though. That is the equivalent of the AC always being on and can cause compressor damage.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
As long as it is not dragging the clutch plate while the AC is off, you are fine. Just be aware that the problem is not fixed, only masked. The magnet will get weaker and weaker until eventually even the reduced shimming won't help and you have to replace the magnet. That could be 30000 miles from now though for all we know.
If the clutch plate is dragging while the AC is off, you need to correct it though. That is the equivalent of the AC always being on and can cause compressor damage.
If the clutch plate is dragging while the AC is off, you need to correct it though. That is the equivalent of the AC always being on and can cause compressor damage.
how do i know if the ac clutch is dragging? Will the ac clutch continue spinning when the ac isnt turned on?
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post