Best shot is go to the Sanden Compressor site. http://www.sanden.com/
I've salvaged a few SD 709 Compressors from wrecks and that extra wire can
be either a fusible link or a RPM limiter / cutout.
I think since it's solely tied to the clutch it can be used as a default
ground unless it's got "A" specific clutch for a specific application.
You will probably need the clutch part number to get specific information
from Sanden support services.

Stan Wilder

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Fisher" <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 9:16 PM
Subject: AC question

In the top -front middle of my SD 709 compressor, there is a wire attached
to the body by a screw. Mine is not connected to anything, and I see no
other free wire ends in the engine compartment. I see on pictures of new
compressors on vendors sites that they come with these wires. I thought it
strange that the compressor would require an additional ground (which is
what I first took it for), so I checked the Bentley and the only reference I
could locate as to what it might be had to do with a compressor overheating
fuse (I haven't had a chance to open the side pillar and look for it, yet).
Is this what this wire is for, or is it for something else? Where do I
connect it? What issues does/will it cause by being disconnected?

Thanks,
Robert

'87 Vanagon GL