DIY 2006-2011 8th Gen Honda Civic Si FREE AC FIX - AC clutch shim adjustment

My AC stopped working consistently and was blowing hot air intermittently.
Not a good thing during the summer!
After some research found that this is common issue related to the AC compressor clutch air gap growing too wide over time. This ended up being my issue, the gap I measured was outside of largest factory specification.
The acceptable specification for the AC clutch air gap is 0.35mm to 0.65mm (about .014" to .024").
Unfortunately I wasn't able to document everything due to the weather and technical difficulties, but I caught the majority of this job. I hope this helps somebody else with the same issue.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Other common no-engagement cause is failed USDM Omron A/C (and many other circuits) relay. Replace with Honda/Mitsuba 39794-SDS-A05 (Made in Vietnam), once and done. Oh man! Doing this in the rain shows your high level of task focus and dedication. Respect!.*

[@letsplaygamesd3991]

to anyone does this now, you dont have to undo the motor mounts you have access to get all 4 compressor bolts, you can undo those and push the compressor a little bit and you'll have enough room to get the clutch out.

[@c11poul544]

Fix my AC problem because of you thanks :)

[@cruz_control3925]

I am happy to hear my video helped you out! 👍

[@FernandoHernandez-uq8jt]

Great video, just the info i was looking for

[@KaiHinLkh]

Thanks! Followed your instructions on my FN2 and it seems to be working now, but i ended up using a pair of snips to cut the shim off instead of trying to remove the plate, since i can't be bothered to deal with the engine mounts.

[@justicator]

how much space was there to get snips in? I have either small or large snips, but the small ones might not be strong enough to cut the shim

[@KaiHinLkh]

@@justicator Mine is a 250mm snips at it was just about enough space to cut. The shim are pretty thin so it should not take much force. Anyway I fixed the clutch only to find out the compressor is dead too (unable to build pressure), so it was all for nothig :(

[@vincentwelshman8435]

Ive heard of ppl no having to remove mounts...does anyone have a good way todo this ?

[@SavNout01]

Does anyone know what the proper gap should be? .20? What is the shim gap supposed to be. I've got a 09 Civic DX 1.8, but seen this done on the car with belt on

[@blackrifle6736]

*Like Cruz stated: Air gap should be 0.35mm to 0.65mm (about .014" to .024"). Cheers!*

[@indiomonk123]

@@blackrifle6736 for reference a credit card is approximately .70mm

[@elgatogordo9523]

What’s the air gap measurement? I recently did a clutch job and replaced the clutch and coil. Now it won’t engage. I think I over shimmed it 🤨 Thanks for the informative video 👍

[@cruz_control3925]

The air gap should be 35mm to .65mm (about .014" to .024"). Good luck! 👍

[@elgatogordo9523]

@@cruz_control3925 Thanks for your speedy reply 👍

[@cruzerkids5101]

Nice