AC Clutch

Rick Jay wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
NO Class A motorhome has a dedicated fuse for the AC clutch. There IS a fuse for the compressor/clutch, but the wiring going thru the Various Tstats and Lo and hi pressure switches will melt before the fuse for the Comp/clutch blows if the clutch is the cause of a short. Doug

Hi Doug,

Ok, thanks for the clarification. The majority of my A/C work has been on cars and I only had to change out the compressor on my moho, I didn't have a "fuse/no voltage" issue. I just assumed that since the manufacturers usually do it on cars, and the compressor is mounted on the engines of the class A's by the manufacturers that.... Oh well, that's what happens when you ASSUME! LOL

So, there is a fuse, but it also protects the other devices in series with the clutch. Is that correct?

Thanks for the clarification! Your wisdom on these boards is much appreciated! :)

~Rick

Yes, there is a fuse. Usually, On Ford/Chevy/Workhorse/Freightliner/Roadmaster, They use a Comp fuse usually at the Chassis builder fuse control since the chassis builder installs the compressor, but the controls that I mentioned are thru the same fuse. So, if you suspect a Clutch short, you will usually find one of the smaller gauge wires to the various pressure switches melted or burnt. It would not hurt to install an inline 20 amp fuse between the Clutch and the clutch harness. MOST follow this rule, but there are exceptions. But, there are wiring that will not melt and the comp fuse WILL blow. You can usually look at a clutch if you suspect a clutch short and it will show extreme heat build up as it was failing and the clutch plates got red hot before it failed and shorted out. Also a distinctive smell if it happened recently. Doug