1954 a/c clutch solenoid premature failure

[Phil Terry]

The solenoid above the compressor keeps dying after a short time. I have had
them rebuilt & even got a NOS one on ebay...same lifespan.
the longest one has lasted is less than 4 hours.
Any thoughts?

Phil Terry
602-840-4308

[Dave Shepherd]

Could be the compressor clutch is drawing too much current.

[CEC #20099]

CEC  #20099
Check Voltage & Current draw at the solenoid, with the engine at a fast idle. Compare to voltage across battery terminals. You will probably find a several volt drop, thus drawing more current & burning out the solenoids. I have had several Mopars & a Ford with the same issue. Answer is to feed the solenoid with a relay drawing current directly from battery positive terminal. Relay is switched by the old solenoid lead. 12 volt headlight relays work fine. Advise if there are other issues.
c.chleboun

[Phil Terry]

I tested the current draw @ .6 a. with a DC current clamp.   There is no voltage drop.   I did , however, use a jumper wire to the battery to  adjust the clutch per the service manual first & I gotta tell ya...it was waaay out of spec!  I played with it awhile & finally got the .018 feeler just right.  I replaced the inline 10 a. fuse w/ a 3 a.  It appears to be working properly now.  It's already over 100* this morning, so I'll have to road test early tomorrow morning.  I'll post my results.

Phil

[kudims]

Here is what you want to know about this solenoid