Well I bought the nifty little tool I read about so I could try adjusting the a/c compressor clutch. The 13mm nut came out all right but the tool would not start into the threads like it was supposed to. I tried some pb blaster in there to clean things up and then blew some air in to clean it out but no way would it start. Finally I got a little mirror out and looked in the end and saw that the threads were all pulled out of the first 3/8" or so, they were broke right out and still in there. I think someone tried to adjust this before and failed, pulling a bunch of the threads out doing so. I guess the next option is replacing the compressor should it get much noisier. Also, how do you hold the clutch from spinning while you work on it? I stuck a screwdriver against a pc of it but figure there is a better way I don't know about.Thanks for listenin.

Dave

I use a large channel locks pliers.

I'm not familiar with what you are working on, but can you re-tap the hole with the damaged threads? Failing that, can you drill it out and tap it one thread size later? I apologize if this generic response does not apply to the specific repair you are working on.

This is what I believe is stripped, there is no way to tap the outside set of threads without removing the clutch, and you can't remove the clutch without the threads.

Which clutch tool do you have?

More then likely he has this one.

I was thinking he might be able to catch a thread or two with a different brand tool.

The clutch has about 8 threads that are 21mm x 1.5 metric threads. Some clutch pulling tools do not have 8 threads and can’t reach all of the threads in the clutch.

The clutch puller for older GM compressors use a course thread 7/8” x 14 sae threads and will not work on our compressor clutch. If you try to use the older 7/8” x 14 thread puller you will trash the first 4 threads in the clutch.

Another option might be using something wide and flat like putty knives or kitchen knives to wedge the clutch back far enough not to grind.

That might explain why his first threads are damaged.

I do think my tool is 7/8 x 14. Just measured it by my tape measure but it looks like 7/8. No wonder it would not start. I may try the correct metric one if I can find it.

Also, the idea about prying it out a bit, where exactly would I pry? And this would be with the 13mm nut removed from the middle shaft I am guessing.

I sprayed a bit of WD 40 on it this morning because after messing with it the noise was a bit louder than usual. It did help a good bit and the ride home was quiet.

Hey that is my tool exactly! I just looked and it is the same part number and all. Is that the correct one?

Thanks guys.