A/C Compressor in car with nopressure

[ToddM]

I know this is a dumb question, because I couldnt find anybody else who askd it and I know nothing about A/C systems

Does leaving the A/C compressor in the engine bay hooked up with the belt but having no pressure in the system eventually ruin the compressor? Obviously, not trying to use it for cooling purposes

I ask because the system has been empty for some time and I just disconnected a condenser hose... I plan to continue to run it this way for a while.

Thanks in advance

[Barrpete]

Not as long as you don't turn it on. When it's off the clutch won't engage so the compressor itself doesn't turn. The OE systems don't have any low or high pressure cut out switches though, so if you turn the AC system on the clutch will start and it has to have refrigerant to keep lubricant in the compressor.

You could also just remove the belt.

[teamfee3]

Take the compressor off and leave the mount - save some weight, free up some room. It's an easy job. Also the trunk/grill mounted evap, just a few screws and hoses, and you'll get more air in the grill.
BEFORE

AFTER

[ToddM]

Originally Posted by Barrpete

Not as long as you don't turn it on. When it's off the clutch won't engage so the compressor itself doesn't turn. The OE systems don't have any low or high pressure cut out switches though, so if you turn the AC system on the clutch will start and it has to have refrigerant to keep lubricant in the compressor.

You could also just remove the belt.

This is pretty much exactly what I assumed, but you know what they say about assumptions!

I actually preffer AC in a street car, especially one I spend 2-3 hours a day on, I'm just going to have to find a better way to plumb the AC

Thanks for your help

[ToddM]

Originally Posted by teamfee3

Take the compressor off and leave the mount - save some weight, free up some room. It's an easy job. Also the trunk/grill mounted evap, just a few screws and hoses, and you'll get more air in the grill.
BEFORE

AFTER

Nothing better than the room to work with the Fn blower motor and AC removed, just when it is your primary vehicle it becomes a pain.

I just spent last summer baking my arse off and the last few months not being able to see a thing for a good 20 minutes in the morning.

I repaced the blower motor yesterday. Now I'm going to have to find a solution for the AC.

Having a 3.6 in an SC/Carrera chassis does create the need for a few interesting work-arounds.

[ShakinJoe]

If you take it out of the car, you should close up the connections from the liquid line and suction line of the AC (hi side and Lo-side) The best solution would be to find an AC tech to evacuate the compressor and store it in a vacuum. Another alternative is to positively charge it with nitrogen to about 25 lbs.

This would keep the internal parts rust free for you.

[kuehl]

Originally Posted by ToddM

Does leaving the A/C compressor in the engine bay hooked up with the belt but having no pressure in the system eventually ruin the compressor?

I ask because the system has been empty for some time and I just disconnected a condenser hose... I plan to continue to run it this way for a while.

Thanks in advance

For now just unplug the wire from the compressor clutch to its power feed by the oil filter.