Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: A/C clutch testing procedure?, amp fuse, mercury cougar

Question
I have a 1993 Mercury Cougar 6 cyl.  The original compressor, condenser, drier and liquid line were all replaced about 3 1/2 years ago and the system was coverted to r134a at that time.

The car sat unused for the last 2 months due to an injury I suffered which kept me from driving. When I went to use it for the first time, the A/C worked for a few minutes then stopped. The clutch wouldn't engage anymore. I found a blown 15A fuse for the clutch. I put in a 30A fuse due to lack of 15A fuses on hand and it worked fine for several hours last night with no apparent problems. Today I picked up some 15A fuses and popped one in. It blew as soon as I turned on the A/C. I popped the 30A one back in and the clutch engaged after a minutes hesitation but then I noticed some insulation smoking on one of the wires going to the clutch plug, so I turned it off. What's the procedure for testing the clutch to see if the coil is drawing to much current or developing a short? Any other suggestions are, of course, also welcome. Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.
Steve

Answer
NEVER EVER install a larger amp fuse in ANYTHING. Your just plain LUCKY that you did NOT melt the entire wiring harness and cause severe permanent damage to other components in the A/C system . WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ?.

You pretty well answered your own question as you most likely have a fault in the clutch coil for the compressor.


Testing the clutch coil should show continuity with minimum resistance using an ohm meter and should NOT exceed 5 amps MAXIMUM amperage draw.


autohelp