Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

The FS-10 A/C compressor has the following characteristics:
^ The FS-10 is a swashplate design, 10-cylinder aluminum A/C compressor using the tangential design mount with a displacement of 170 cc (10.4 cubic inches).
^ The compressor mainshaft is driven by a drive belt from the engine crankshaft pulley.
^ Lubrication is by a charge of Motorcraft YN-12b refrigerant oil or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B in the refrigerant system.
^ A one-piece, lip-type seal (replaceable from the front of the A/C compressor) is used to seal it at the shaft opening in the assembly.
^ Five double-acting pistons, positioned axially around the compressor shaft, operate within the cylinder assembly. The pistons are started by a swashplate that is pressed on the compressor shaft.
^ The swashplate changes the rotating action of the shaft to provide a reciprocating force to each of the five pistons. This driving force is applied, through shoes, to the midpoint of each of the double-end pistons.
^ Reed-type discharge valves are assembled on the valve plate.
^ The valve plate is located with the suction reed valve between the cylinder assembly and the head at each end of the A/C compressor.
^ The heads are connected to each other by gas4ight passageways through the cylinder assembly which direct the refrigerant gas to the suction and discharge ports located in the rear head.

The magnetic A/C clutch has the following characteristics:
^ It drives the compressor shaft.
^ When battery positive voltage (B+) is applied to the A/C clutch field coil , the clutch disc and hub assembly (which is solidly coupled to the compressor shaft) is drawn rearward by magnetic force toward the A/C clutch pulley (which rotates freely on the compressor front head casting).
^ The magnetic force locks the clutch disc and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley together as one unit.
^ The clutch disc and hub assembly then turns the A/C clutch pulley, causing the compressor shaft to rotate.
^ When B+ is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the clutch disc and hub assembly move the clutch disc and hub assembly away from the A/C clutch pulley.
^ The clutch disc and hub assembly and compressor shaft stop rotating.