Will a '94 A/C Compressor fit an '89?

[Marccus]

The clutch is gone on my A/C compresssor in my '89 - I checked the coil resistance.

But I found an '94.

Can the '94 compressor be put in an '89?

How can I test either compresssor on a bench to determine if they are working properly.

The A/C clutch for my '89 cost about $150.

Is it better to just buy a remanufactured compressor?

In other words, are there other parts that wear in the compressor besides the clutch. etc. that if I just replace the clutch on the '89, the compressor may soon fail when something else gives out and it will end up costing me more than if I had replaced the entire compressor the first time?

 

[Storm-Chaser]

The OEM compressor changed with the transition to R134a refridgerant:

• 
  1989 - 1994, 3.0L SHO, R-12 refridgerant (Motorcraft YC-105)
  
  1994 - 1995, SHO, R-134a refridgerant (Motorcraft YC-173)

The clutch assemblies may interchange. The OEM part number I ran (remember it's Sunday) showed the part number covered 1992-1995 3.0L and 1993-1995 3.2L, but did not trace back to any Gen I. Aftermarket - Ready-Aire shows their A/C compressors and clutches were compatible for 89-95; Factory Air reflected the same information as OEM (all SHO models 92-95).

The A/C bracket changed between 93 and 94 model years - whether this reflects changes in the transition to R134a I don't know.

 

[Marccus]

Well, it took me FOREVER to remove the compressor and I had to cut away all the hoses and pipes of the A/C system.

I just replaced all the components in my A/C system exept the compressor. But then the compressore quit.

I was told based on analysis that I need to replace the clutch/coil.

Can I replace this part while the compressor is in place?

If I can't I was thinking of installing the compressor I took off the '94.

But if that won't fit, I'm back to replacing the coil/clutch (which I think costs about $150) or replacing the compresssor with a remanufactured one.

Bottom line:

I don't want to remove everything I just installed to put in a new compresssor replace the coil/clutch.

I will if I have to though.

BTW:

Is there instructions available for removing the compresssor?

When I removd it from the '94, I had to remove the radiator in addition to what I mentioned above.

Thanks.

 

[jelloslug]

You can replace the clutch without removing the compressor (or discharging the system). It's a tight squeeze but I have done it before. To remove the compressor you will need to remove the battery, the battery tray, and the alternator. You should have enough room then to remove the hose bolts and get the hoses out of the way so you can get the compressor bolts out.