I have a question conserning my 97 5.8.
The clutch on the AC compressor will click on and of repeatedly making a loud clicking sound at low RPM
If I turn the switch on the dash to off the clicking stops. I am wondering weather i should go about replacing the clutch/pully or if i need to add R-134
The AC works fine but the clicking is making me think I need to get this fixed before the cold Alaska winter sets in(LOL) Advice?...

PS Anyone have a cluch diagram or breakdown

 

Ford didn't put a 5.8 into any 1997 F150s.....

Short cycling compressor clutch is a sure sign of a low charge. That means you have a leak in the system that should be repaired before recharging.

The stock clutch plate can separate and cause a very loud click when engaging/disengaging, often accompanied by a rattling while disengaged. The outer clutch hub is available from Ford for around $50-60. you can look up the correct part number at www.motorcraft.com

For a 97 with a 5.4 (at least), the correct replacement is YB-3020. Do NOT purchase the after market POS from AutoZone.

Steve

 

It could be a 5.8 in a '97 if it is a Super Duty (old body style). You may just have low charge. My clutch wore. It wouldn't engauge at al unless I bumped the face with the ac on and the engine running. I lapped the shim down about .045", and it's worked fine for the last 30,000 miles.

 

Thanks I will start by adding some pressure with an elcheapo recharge kit.
See if i loose pressure over a couple of days and go from there.
My bad it is a 5.4.
Thanks

 

OK so I checked the r134 pressure and it is good and holding but i am still getting the clicking from the AC clutch. Should I go ahead and pul;l the clutch assembly or do you think I should try something else.
BTW it only starts clicking when the vehicle is warm.

 

It's like $10-$15 for a pressure switch. I would get a new one and see what happens.

 

You need to focus on describing the EXACT fault.

Sounds like it's just a noisy clutch, however, your posts are not clear as to whether the system is otherwise working correctly. A pressure cycling switch won't do anything for a noisy clutch.

Steve