With warmer weather approaching, I'd like to try to get the A/C on my Saab working again. The problem is the compressor clutch. The coil is shot, and I can't find a replacement. I don't doubt that something likely interchanges (it's a Seiko compressor), but again I can't find the information that would allow me to pursue this. Can these things be rebuilt? There aren't many old-school electronics shops left around here, but if it's a possibility I'm sure I can track one down.
What year and model is your Saab?
89 900S. The compressor is a Seiko-Seiki 170PSS.
It seems the Sanden units are better supported. Theoretically, any place that could re-wind an electric motor or a transformer could re-wind the clutch coil. You might even be able to DIY. Salvage the connector, remove the wire, note the gauge and number of turns. Buy new wire of the same insulation type and gauge. Wind the new wire on the core. Replace the connector.
Most of the ones I've seen look to be sealed up pretty good, with epoxy or similar, so getting the old wire off could be a bear if not downright impossible. I've never attempted it.
Good luck!
Rockauto claims to have the whole reman compressor with clutch for 300 bucks.
I'd rather not replace the whole compressor, as it was working perfectly before the clutch issue.
I briefly considered trying it myself, but decided that was a recipe for failure. I'll have to hunt down a shop and see what they have to say about it. It would be so much easier if I could just find a replacement part, but these seem no longer to exist.
Junkyard find would be a long shot. Being a simple coil of wire, the coil itself should last forever. I've found that the pulley bearing is the failure point, and that can eat the coil if left to go long enough.
That's probably what happened. The bearing failed last summer. I replaced it, but now the coil is not working well enough to keep the clutch plate engaged under load. I wasn't sure if the failing coil killed the bearing through heat build-up, or if the failing bearing killed the coil. Either way, the bearing's good, but the coil isn't.
Oh, and all the junkyards are long gone around here. Quite depressing, really.
I too searched far and wide and found nothing. No remans and no JY units. You might find one through a junk yard network tho. That said, I think you're on the right track by having it rewound. Otherwise, you might consider buying a cheap used comp, w/clutch of course, as a means of getting your hands on a clutch assembly.
eB*y has one for $65 shipped (you'll need to contact the seller to make sure it includes the clutch)
AC Compressor R12 Fits 86-91 SAAB 900 7910
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