A/C Compressor

[vangremlin]

The coupe I just picked up is the first Eagle I've had with air conditioning.  It sounds and feels like the A/C compressor kicks in anytime you turn the heater fan on, regardless of the position of the heat/AC slide control.  Is that normal?  Thanks.  And I'd like to switch to the Sanden compressor.  Anybody have a model number that works on the Eagle?

[carnuck]

There are lots of Jeep guys that would trade you. You need the brackets and all. Vee belt style is tougher to find though.

[eaglebeek]

The coupe I just picked up is the first Eagle I've had with air conditioning.  It sounds and feels like the A/C compressor kicks in anytime you turn the heater fan on, regardless of the position of the heat/AC slide control.  Is that normal?

No. The compressor clutch should engage only when the selector lever...the top lever on the heating-A/C control...is in one of the A/C positions or defrost and the fan switch is on.

And I'd like to switch to the Sanden compressor.  Anybody have a model number that works on the Eagle?

I'll try to find the requisite information for you over the weekend.

[rollguy]

I have and sell Sanden compressors with my Sanden retrofit kit for Mercedes Benz Diesel engines:  http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/345974-winter-special-617-616-sanden-compressor-retrofit-kit-$400-s-h.html
Does your car have the York style compressor?  If so, it would be best to get the bracketry from the newer engine made for the Sanden.  If that can't be found, I also have York to Sanden adapter plates (mounts Sanden on York mounting bracket).......Rich

[vangremlin]

Thanks folks!

[vangremlin]

I was able to stick my head under the hood today and do some more testing.  The power to the compressor is definitely on anytime the fan is on.  What is supposed to tell the compressor to come on or not?  Thanks.

[rollguy]

I was able to stick my head under the hood today and do some more testing.  The power to the compressor is definitely on anytime the fan is on.  What is supposed to tell the compressor to come on or not?  Thanks.

There is a low pressure switch somewhere in the system (on or near the receiver/drier).  If no or low pressure exists, it will remove power to the compressor clutch.  The refrigerant has oil in it to lubricate the system, so no refrigerant usually means no lubrication.  You can bypass the switch momentarily to check if the compressor works.  If it does come on, you have a leak in the system.  Chances the system is filled with R12, and the drier, charge ports, and Orings need to be replaced if retrofitting to R134a.

[carnuck]

Sometimes you have to bypass the switch after winter to get things rolling again. Mine does it every spring.

[vangremlin]

I guess I need to clarify my question.  There is power to the compressor anytime the heater/AC fan is on, and the compressor does work.  It was my understanding that the compressor should be on only when the top control lever is in the AC or defrost positions.  Mine is on even when I select Heat.  Is there something in that top control lever that turns the compressor on and off?  Thanks.

[IowaEagle]

In the A/C only mode the fan switch activates the compressor.  It should not do that in any other mode.   IIRC there is a set of contact points in the control head had when engaged energize the A/C system.  They may the stuck/corroded shut.

[carnuck]

I think the low pressure switch controls the clutch on and the high pressure switch controls the clutch off. You can put power directly to the wire going to the clutch and you should hear the clank of it engaging. If not, then something is wrong or the motor's ground wire is missing.