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)
- Lubrication is by a charge of Motorcraft YN-12b or equivalent meeting refrigerant oil in the refrigerant system
- The compressor mainshaft is driven by a drive belt from the engine crankshaft vibration damper.
- 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 gas-tight 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 plate 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 together, as one unit, the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley.
- The clutch plate 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 plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.
- The clutch plate and hub assembly and compressor shaft stop rotating.