A/C Compressors & Clutches for Mitsubishi Montero

Mitsubishi Montero AC Compressor Clutch

As a powerful element in your Mitsubishis air conditioning system, compressors can wear out over time. When they do, the air conditioner will no longer cool the interior. Because compressors run off the main engine, well-maintained compressors help give cars good gas mileage in warm weather.

In order to cool cabin air, the Mitsubishis AC system cycles refrigerant through several phases. The compressor part uses engine power to compress liquid refrigerant into a high-pressure gas. Without a working compressor, refrigerant will not be able to cool your Mitsubishis interior. Because compressors use very high pressure, cracks in this part often lead to refrigerant leakage. Depending on your year and trim, the Montero uses either R143a or R12 refrigerant. Here are the main parts of your Mitsubishis compressor:

• Compressor: This round metal case takes liquid refrigerant and turns it into a high-pressure gas. Rotation of the engine powers this part. Thats why you might notice decreased acceleration with the air conditioner running. Due to the high pressures involved, this part is all one solid piece.
• Clutch: This attachment piece looks like a cap covering one end of the compressor. When you set the temperature or turn the AC on, this part adjusts compressor strength accordingly. Viewed apart from the main compressor, you will see the clutch has three interlocking rings. If need be, you can replace these parts separately or as a unit. These three parts include the pulley, the coil, the hub. While the pulley looks like a ring with an empty center, the coil part has a cord attached and the hub looks like a solid circle.

The compressor fits snugly in the main engine compartment, directly connected to the main motor. In order to safely replace or repair this part, you need compatible fitting sizes. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

• Model and build: The Mitsubishi Montero includes a range of cars released from 1982 onward. Depending on model year and options, these cars can have very different internal systems. These differences include AC units, refrigerant type, and compressors.
• Montero Sport: Despite sharing the name, the Sport mid-size SUV is a very different vehicle from the base Montero SUV. For this reason, the two Mitsubishi SUV types have different air conditioning systems.
• Parts and kits: Depending on the needs of your vehicle, you can choose a compressor, clutch only, or related kits. Often, you will find compressors bundled with useful tools like oil and new evaporator. These optional add-ons can help ensure safe and easy installation.

Pajero is an alternate name for the Mitsubishi Montero used in some geographic regions. Different only in name, these Mitsubishi cars have the same build and parts as the Montero.