Compressor HVAC: Description and Operation

NOTE: Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The FS-10 A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The A/C clutch A/C clutch pulley, the A/C clutch field coil, and the shaft seal are serviceable.

The FS-10 A/C compressor is a swash plate design 10-cylinder aluminum compressor utilizing a fixed mount. The A/C compressor main shaft is driven by the serpentine drive belt from the crankshaft pulley. A one piece lip-type seal (replaceable from the front of the A/C compressor) seals the A/C compressor at the shaft opening. Five double-acting pistons, positioned axially around the A/C compressor shaft, operate within the cylinder assembly. The pistons are actuated by a swash plate that is pressed on the A/C compressor shaft. The swash plate changes the rotating action of the shaft to provide a reciprocating driving force to the pistons. This driving force is applied through the shoe to the midpoint of each of the double ended pistons.

Reed-type suction and discharge valves are assembled on the valve plates, which are located between the cylinder assembly and the head at each end of the A/C compressor. Gas-tight passageways between the heads direct the refrigerant gas to the suction and discharge ports located in the A/C compressor head.

An A/C clutch drives the A/C compressor shaft. When voltage is applied to the A/C clutch field coil, the clutch plate and hub assembly (which is attached to the A/C compressor shaft) is drawn rearward by magnetic force toward the A/C clutch pulley, which rotates freely on the A/C compressor head. The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley together as one unit. The A/C compressor shaft then turns with the A/C clutch pulley. When voltage is removed from the A/C clutch field coil, springs in the A/C clutch move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley and the A/C compressor shaft stops rotating.