A/C removal, can it be temporary?
 

Hey everyone,

I am thinking about getting a decklid / tail for track days and still keep my stock lid. I currently have functional A/C that works pretty well and would like to keep that. How hard is it to temporarily disconnect the A/C and connect again at a later date?

I know I would lose the charge etc., but is it as simple as disconnecting, store parts, reassemble later, recharge and I'm back in business?

I keep thinking about pulling out the A/C completely, but it's a daily driver and it really comes in handy when I need it.....

Thanks in advance for your thoughts SmileWavy


-Chris

All you have to do is disconnect the hoses on the condensor and remove the engine lid (of course disconnect the wires for the lid light and ground).

Chris, you will need to have the refrigerant recovered. You'll also want to cap the lines off. Moisture and and any type of dirt or particles are not friends of an AC system. When you put it back together the system would need to be pulled into a vacuum to make sure you have no leaks and remove any moisture. Most of the time people recommend replacing the liquid line dryer if the system is open to the elements. Hope that helps.

Hi Chris (I'm also in Petaluma),

I'm sure one of the A/C experts will chime in, but I'd assume the biggest issue in a temporary disconnect is moisture. If you could cap the lines and draw a vacuum on the system (or pressurize with an inert gas), that would be best for something other than a few day disconnect. Not sure what the effects on the filter/dryer might be.

Don

edit: I was a little slow on the draw...

Can anyone chime in who has put the system BACK on? I know Jack Olsen has added a system to a car, and also Jim Sims if I remember correctly. but I think they were both using (mostly) new parts.

I guess what I'm saying is sometimes people think they can just pull the system off and throw it back on again, but it rarely happens.

Andy,

Rarely happens because it can't or people just "adapt" to no A/C and never put it back?

I like my A/C :)


-Chris

I don't really know, chris. I think it's too much of a pain to put back on and nobody ever gets around to it. I've just seen the parts in a box lots of times. Especially with a car for sale: oh I have all the A/C parts (points to grimy looking box of junk). Like I want to deal with that ....

I think if you are careful not to take too much stuff off and plug hoses etc it won't be a big deal. you will need to get the old refrigerant evacuated first.

It seems like you could use a hydraulic coupling on the hoses. The quick disconnnect type to keep the refrigerant in and moisture out. I had these on a tractor to allow for different hydraulic implements.

Something like:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1128453942.jpg

I found this pic at http://www.snap-titequickdisconnects.com/products/drybreak_non-spill_couplings/71_series/index.html

Might be worth researching.