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The compressor is installed and the system is recharged. You’re ready to start the car and run the A/C system. Before you do that be sure that you’ve taken the time to ‘hand turn’ the compressor clutch plate.

The compressor clutch plate is the outer most section of the clutch and is also referred to as the clutch hub. It is connected directly to the main shaft of the compressor. When you turn the A/C system on, the electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic field that causes the clutch hub to become engaged with the pulley (turned by the drive belt). Almost instantly, the clutch hub (and compressor) turns with the pulley.

The problem is that when charging, it’s possible to get liquid refrigerant into the compressor. Starting the vehicle and engaging the clutch at 1,000 rpm with any liquid in the compressor could cause immediate and catastrophic failure. That’s because you can not compress a liquid.

As a precaution, you should always hand turn the compressor clutch before starting the vehicle. That allows any liquid refrigerant that may have gotten into the compressor to be pushed out slowly as the pistons are moved back and forth. Typically, turning the compressor clutch about 10 times will assure that any liquid refrigerant has been removed.

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