Value of compressor clutch flyback diode - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 02:10 PM

Does anybody know the part number of the air conditioner compressor clutch flyback diode? It should have a number, probably starting with 1N. The markings on mine are worn off with age. The purpose of the diode is to reduce arcing in the compressor switch contacts and therefore extend the life of the switch.

Andy4639 · 11-15-2020, 03:49 PM

This is on E bay. Looks close to factory but it says 1982 -96.Message Vvett he should be able to tell you.

https://www.ebay.com/i/274086621531?...kcid=28&chn=ps

RustyPile · 11-15-2020, 04:05 PM

The collapsing field of the clutch winding when the power is removed can get pretty strong, producing a pretty good voltage spike, referred to as Peak Inverse Voltage, or PIV for short.. I've never measured that spike but it probably exceeds 100 volts.. A 1N4004 is a 1 amp 600 PIV diode.. A 1N5402 is a 3 amp 200 PIV diode.. A 1N4007 is a 2.5 amp 1000 PIV diode.. A 1N5408 is a 3 amp 1000 PIV diode.. Any one of these diodes will work just fine....

Andy4639 · 11-15-2020, 04:29 PM

I checked all 3 of my owner manuals and none of them list it are even mention it except one and it calls it a rectifier, not diode. But it didn't give any info on it.
I'd ask some friends who are running the A-6 compressor on their vehicle to see what size it is.

**Steeveedee** · 11-15-2020, 07:59 PM

A diode will allow current to flow only one way (with a miniscule amount of leak).

A rectifier turns AC into DC, so they are not the same.

**HO455** · 11-17-2020, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyPile

The collapsing field of the clutch winding when the power is removed can get pretty strong, producing a pretty good voltage spike, referred to as Peak Inverse Voltage, or PIV for short.. I've never measured that spike but it probably exceeds 100 volts.. A 1N4004 is a 1 amp 600 PIV diode.. A 1N5402 is a 3 amp 200 PIV diode.. A 1N4007 is a 2.5 amp 1000 PIV diode.. A 1N5408 is a 3 amp 1000 PIV diode.. Any one of these diodes will work just fine....

RustyPile has posted good information. The function of the diode doesn't require it to be a specific value. I would bet that GM installed the diode to prevent warranty issues, so cost and not specifications decided which one they used. It is likely the diode installed in the harnesses changed over the years due to cost reasons.
You could try contacting one of the aftermarket wiring harness manufacturers for their recommendation if you want more specific information

**kwmech** · 11-17-2020, 03:27 PM

My thought with the diode was so you could shut the engine off with the AC on, otherwise the magnet would create power to keep the engine running

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 08:10 PM

A rectifier is a diode that is used to convert AC to DC. Rectifier indicates the function it is doing more than the device used to do the job. The rectifier diode allows electricity to flow just one direction, essentially interrupting the AC, which wants to flow both ways in a circuit, thus making DC.

If you use that same diode wired across the clutch terminals or across relay winding terminals, it's function is a clamp or spike suppressor.

Andy4639 · 11-15-2020, 08:36 PM

Well the 71 shop manual call's it a rectifier in the schematic. I only post what it says, I can't say weather it's right are wrong.
You will have to decide that for your self.

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 09:05 PM

I don't think I would call it wrong, but it's not the word I would have chosen. Perhaps it is the best word from an automotive engineering view, not necessarily from an electronics point of view. Whether they call it a rectifier or diode, those are the same thing and the diagram still does not indicate the orientation of the cathode side of the device. That is an omission or error in the diagram. It would be nice if somebody with a very good condition original diode on their truck could read the numbers off of it for me. I just like to know these things.

Andy4639 · 11-15-2020, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I don't think I would call it wrong, but it's not the word I would have chosen. Perhaps it is the best word from an automotive engineering view, not necessarily from an electronics point of view. Whether they call it a rectifier or diode, those are the same thing and the diagram still does not indicate the orientation of the cathode side of the device. That is an omission or error in the diagram. It would be nice if somebody with a very good condition original diode on their truck could read the numbers off of it for me. I just like to know these things.

I went out and looked at my 64 SS Impala with the A-6 compressor and it doesn't have it. It has spade connectors on it. I may order this one for it though. You got me thinking. The band on a diode always goes toward the positive side always.

https://www.repairconnector.com/prod...ith-Diode.html

https://www.compressorworks.com/Uplo...STALLATION.PDF

CG · 11-15-2020, 09:33 PM

I need a magnifying glass to read mine (which I dont have), but it does have the Motorola symbol and it looks almost like a 1 N. My old eyes even with my glasses cant quite bring it all the way in.

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 09:39 PM

When I am faced with that circumstance, I take a picture with my iPhone and then zoom in on the picture to read stuff like that. It usually works better to have plenty of light but not use the flash in the camera because flash sometimes causes glare.

CG · 11-15-2020, 09:43 PM

Thats how I tried to do it. Ill post the two pics I have, give me a second ....

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Thats how I tried to do it. Ill post the two pics I have, give me a second ....

Thanks. You have the M for Motorola, below that you have 1N and the rest of the number is probably below the 1N and not visible in the picture.

CG · 11-15-2020, 09:57 PM

I tried but couldnt get it to come in to focus. If you havent figured it out by tomorrow Ill try to scrounge up a magnifying glass.

**dmjlambert** · 04-10-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

I tried but couldnt get it to come in to focus. If you havent figured it out by tomorrow Ill try to scrounge up a magnifying glass.

Hi CG, if you have an opportunity to take a zoomed in picture of the other side of the diode to get the part number that follows the 1N that would be great. I know RustyPile gave a list of diodes that may be OK to use, but I would also like to know what the Chevy engineers designed.

**dmjlambert** · 11-15-2020, 10:44 PM

Thanks!

**VetteVet** · 11-18-2020, 12:03 AM

If you guys recall, the relays for the cooling fan and several others have the diode to dissipate the coil induced voltage when the relay is shut off. This voltage is sent to ground to prevent damage to the relay points and to prevent feed back current to the positive side of the relay coil.

Quote:

My thought with the diode was so you could shut the engine off with the AC on, otherwise the magnet would create power to keep the engine running

How would you explain the ones without the diode? Once you kill the engine you shut off the electromagnet which de-energizes the clutch.

**Sheepdip** · 04-10-2021, 04:05 PM

Here's the one I bought (the whole pigtail) and installed...works like it's supposed to.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-R4-LTR4-...l/283422620623

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 04-10-2021, 06:42 PM

Shoot me if I'm wrong -- I took Basic Electricity & Electronics at NAS Memphis 47 years ago -- but the silver stripe indicates the Positive side of the Diode's polarity.

--Strike That -- dmjlambert says it's the Negative.
I Stand Corrected.

MARKDTN · 04-12-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Shoot me if I'm wrong -- I took Basic Electricity & Electronics at NAS Memphis 47 years ago -- but the silver stripe indicates the Positive side of the Diode's polarity.

--Strike That -- dmjlambert says it's the Negative.
I Stand Corrected.

I have always looked at it like this: The point of the arrow on a diode is the direction where you want to power to go. The band stops it from coming back.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 04-12-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

I have always looked at it like this: The point of the arrow on a diode is the direction where you want to power to go. The band stops it from coming back.

I didn't have the whole picture. Also I drank a lot at the E-Club in those days.

**dmjlambert** · 04-10-2021, 07:01 PM

The stripe is the cathode, which is negative side. But it depends how you look at it. For a flyback diode wiring configuration, we are going to put the negative side of the diode on the positive power supply going to the solenoid, relay coil, or clutch. The anode or positive side of the diode is connected to ground. It won't conduct electricity until the switch is opened and the magnetic field of the coil collapses. Then it will conduct to discharge the coil and prevent an arc across the opened switch contacts. Here's a good article about it. https://www.electronicshub.org/flyba...heeling-diode/

CG · 04-10-2021, 07:29 PM

Its pretty messed up but it looks like 400, cant read anything else.

11-15-2020, 02:10 PM	#1
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Does anybody know the part number of the air conditioner compressor clutch flyback diode? It should have a number, probably starting with 1N. The markings on mine are worn off with age. The purpose of the diode is to reduce arcing in the compressor switch contacts and therefore extend the life of the switch. Attached Images Last edited by dmjlambert; 11-15-2020 at 02:11 PM. Reason: clarity

11-15-2020, 03:49 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode This is on E bay. Looks close to factory but it says 1982 -96.Message Vvett he should be able to tell you. https://www.ebay.com/i/274086621531?...kcid=28&chn=ps __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-15-2020, 04:05 PM	#3
RustyPile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Elkhart, Texas Posts: 1,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode The collapsing field of the clutch winding when the power is removed can get pretty strong, producing a pretty good voltage spike, referred to as Peak Inverse Voltage, or PIV for short.. I've never measured that spike but it probably exceeds 100 volts.. A 1N4004 is a 1 amp 600 PIV diode.. A 1N5402 is a 3 amp 200 PIV diode.. A 1N4007 is a 2.5 amp 1000 PIV diode.. A 1N5408 is a 3 amp 1000 PIV diode.. Any one of these diodes will work just fine.... Last edited by RustyPile; 11-16-2020 at 03:32 AM.

11-15-2020, 04:29 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode I checked all 3 of my owner manuals and none of them list it are even mention it except one and it calls it a rectifier, not diode. But it didn't give any info on it. I'd ask some friends who are running the A-6 compressor on their vehicle to see what size it is. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-15-2020, 07:59 PM	#5
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,577	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode A diode will allow current to flow only one way (with a miniscule amount of leak). A rectifier turns AC into DC, so they are not the same. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

11-17-2020, 03:27 PM	#7
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,592	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode My thought with the diode was so you could shut the engine off with the AC on, otherwise the magnet would create power to keep the engine running

11-15-2020, 08:10 PM	#8
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode A rectifier is a diode that is used to convert AC to DC. Rectifier indicates the function it is doing more than the device used to do the job. The rectifier diode allows electricity to flow just one direction, essentially interrupting the AC, which wants to flow both ways in a circuit, thus making DC. If you use that same diode wired across the clutch terminals or across relay winding terminals, it's function is a clamp or spike suppressor.

11-15-2020, 08:36 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Well the 71 shop manual call's it a rectifier in the schematic. I only post what it says, I can't say weather it's right are wrong. You will have to decide that for your self. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-15-2020, 09:05 PM	#10
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode I don't think I would call it wrong, but it's not the word I would have chosen. Perhaps it is the best word from an automotive engineering view, not necessarily from an electronics point of view. Whether they call it a rectifier or diode, those are the same thing and the diagram still does not indicate the orientation of the cathode side of the device. That is an omission or error in the diagram. It would be nice if somebody with a very good condition original diode on their truck could read the numbers off of it for me. I just like to know these things.

11-15-2020, 09:33 PM	#12
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,980	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode I need a magnifying glass to read mine (which I dont have), but it does have the Motorola symbol and it looks almost like a 1 N. My old eyes even with my glasses cant quite bring it all the way in. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

11-15-2020, 09:39 PM	#13
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode When I am faced with that circumstance, I take a picture with my iPhone and then zoom in on the picture to read stuff like that. It usually works better to have plenty of light but not use the flash in the camera because flash sometimes causes glare.

11-15-2020, 09:43 PM	#14
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,980	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Thats how I tried to do it. Ill post the two pics I have, give me a second .... Attached Images __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

11-15-2020, 09:57 PM	#16
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,980	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode I tried but couldnt get it to come in to focus. If you havent figured it out by tomorrow Ill try to scrounge up a magnifying glass. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

11-15-2020, 10:44 PM	#18
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Thanks!

04-10-2021, 04:05 PM	#20
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,577	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Here's the one I bought (the whole pigtail) and installed...works like it's supposed to. https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-R4-LTR4-...l/283422620623



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04-10-2021, 06:42 PM	#21
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,419	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Shoot me if I'm wrong -- I took Basic Electricity & Electronics at NAS Memphis 47 years ago -- but the silver stripe indicates the Positive side of the Diode's polarity. --Strike That -- dmjlambert says it's the Negative. I Stand Corrected. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 04-10-2021 at 08:03 PM. Reason: wrong assumption

04-10-2021, 07:01 PM	#24
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,803	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode The stripe is the cathode, which is negative side. But it depends how you look at it. For a flyback diode wiring configuration, we are going to put the negative side of the diode on the positive power supply going to the solenoid, relay coil, or clutch. The anode or positive side of the diode is connected to ground. It won't conduct electricity until the switch is opened and the magnetic field of the coil collapses. Then it will conduct to discharge the coil and prevent an arc across the opened switch contacts. Here's a good article about it. https://www.electronicshub.org/flyba...heeling-diode/ Last edited by dmjlambert; 04-10-2021 at 07:24 PM. Reason: clarity

04-10-2021, 07:29 PM	#25
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,980	Re: Value of compressor clutch flyback diode Its pretty messed up but it looks like 400, cant read anything else. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

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