Been having a problem with A/C clutches burning out on me. It's happened twice with FOUR SEASONS 58096. Cost me $300 each time from RockAuto. Anybody have any experience with some other compressor? Got a better alternative?

Bill

 

Electrically burning up, or the clutch friction material mechanically failing? Big difference.

Jon

 

Clutch friction material mechanically failing. Then heating up the clutch bearing to fail.

 

I wonder if the clutch coil isn't getting enough voltage to stay fully engaged? Thus the clutch doesn't stay fully engaged and begins slipping, thus the friction plate overheating?

I dunno. That might not even be possible with a magnetic clutch. Perhaps it's purely engaged or disengaged.

I'm only two sips into my first cuppa coffee :-)

Cheers
DD

 

It could be voltage drop at the clutch when engaged, caused by a poor ground, poor wiring, bad clutch relay, or high resistance connections. Measuring the voltage at the clutch during operation should give a clue. The voltage shouldn't significantly drop when the clutch is engaged.
Another cause can be severe overcharging of refrigerant, locking up the compressor. Double check how many ounces of refrigerant are supposed to be used. A partial blockage on the high side could also cause the compressor to lock up. A/C gauge pressures should give you a clue if that is the cause.

 

I would hazard a guess that the compressor is getting overloaded, even perhaps liquid in it. Before fitting a new compressor I would have the system evacuated and recharged using a new dryer, and before that maybe a good plan to change the evaporator valve for a new one.

 

One other thing. Is the proper amount and type of compressor oil being used? Some compressors are shipped with oil, others without. Amount of oil should always be verified. Lack of the proper amount orvtype of oil could cause the compressor to start to lock up, burning out the clutch.