Magnetic CLutch

[johnyreb69]

Recently i've noticed that when i have the AC engaged and the 4Runner comes to a stop the pressure plate locks and almost stops the entire engine. I've been told that it is the magnetic Clutch. I want a second opinon before i go ahead and take the whole damn thing apart. Also when i rev the engine high with the ac off the pressure plate will slip a bit and lock again. I know that when the ac is off and the engine running at any RPM the plate should not slip. ... Thanks in advance for all your help.  

[BUBBA]

  You are talking about the ac compressor engaging when the a/c isn't on right.

[johnyreb69]

when the a/c isnt on and the engine is reved high the pressure plate will slip and lock again, but yes it engages for that moment. When the A/c is on and you rev the engine high and allow it to rev back down to idle the pressure plate will lock up and freeze the compressor for a moment and then it will lossen up again. Sorry im having a hard time explaining it.

[BUBBA]

It's ok,sometimes it's hard explaining stuff.But yeah it sound's like your compressor clutch is bad.

[johnyreb69]

THanks, Should i just change out the entire mag. clutch system with new bearings? Or should i just look for a reman compressor w/ the clutch?

[Duffil]

if the compressor starts to turn, then locks, then spins again, like I think you mean, then the thing is shot...it should turn smoothly all the way around(but with some resistance)...if it stops, you have a compressor that is coming apart...
long story short, get a new compressor, and change the filter drier while the system is apart...you'll thank yourself later.

also, with the engine off(or on, for that matter) and the AC turned off, the plate SHOULD slip...the opposite of what your first post says...the clutch should have an air gap when turned off of something like .025" or something, and then when you hit the AC button, the coil energizes and pulls the clutch inward, locking the pulley to the compressor shaft.