Hi Everyone! I have a 2004 F150 that the A/C works when I first start it and sometimes it will work for quite a while other times it stops after 5-10 minutes. When it stops I notice that the Clutch is not engaged on the compressor. All I have to do just ever so softly tap the front of the clutch and it will snap on and start cooling. Then in 5-10 minutes it will stop working again and the clutch doesn't engage.

Is the clutch just that worn? Seems like the coil is working because it will snap on when I tap it. Could the air gap be off enogh due to wear to cause this?

Thanks for your help!

 

Absolutely could be the air gap. It should be around .020" try taking the plate off the front and see if there's a shim washer behind it. If so remove it reinstall and check the gap again.
I'm betting this gets you fixed up.

 

Yes. Perform a shimectomy.