AC Compressor Belt Removal as a "Winter prep"

[danewilson77]

Would it make sense to remove the AC compressor belt during the winter to give the clutch assembly a few months off each year, as the AC won't be used?

Would this cause a crankshaft imbalance?

Would there be any other detrimental affects?

I see that there may be pros and cons but wanted all input.

Thank you.

[Hornung418]

I currently have mine off. No issues due to it, but the clutch only engages when the snowflake is depressed. So its just free spinning when not in use. Did not notice significant responsiveness differences between the two setups.

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[kayger12]

I don't think it's a good idea.

#1-- The belt at least keeps the pulleys and non-clutched parts moving. Letting anything that was designed to move sit for many months is usually not a good idea. I would think your pulleys would actually fail sooner doing this.

#2-- The AC is used with the defrost function, iirc. It'll take a lot longer to defog the windshield/windows.

#3-- I can't see what the advantage to the clutch would be. As Horney said, if the AC is not on, then the clutch isn't doing anything anyway. The only wear on the clutch, I would think, would be when it is transitioning from one state to the other.

[danewilson77]

The only advantages are:

1. Increased belt life on a $15 belt.

2. Increased AC pulley tensioner, deflection and AC comp pulley life due to idleness.

Disadvantages

1. Parts made to spin are not spinning and could "freeze up"

2. Loss of full capability of defrost fcn.

I dunno. Just a thought.

[Mtnman]

I think the ac is always on just a little bit even in heat to reduce moisture in the air, keeping the windows from fogging up. If i turn off my snowflake in winter and ride in the car for a while with the heat on, everything starts to fog.

$15 belt = inconsequential

Pulley dies = new set of aftermarket power pulleys= win.

I see no upside.............

[az3579]

I think the ac is always on just a little bit even in heat to reduce moisture in the air, keeping the windows from fogging up. If i turn off my snowflake in winter and ride in the car for a while with the heat on, everything starts to fog.

$15 belt = inconsequential

Pulley dies = new set of aftermarket power pulleys= win.

I see no upside.............

Agreed in full with this and what Keith said.


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[danewilson77]

Ok... I agree the belt is not important... Cost wise.

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[Johnmadd]

Only way this works out well is if your ac pulley has resistance when the clutch is not engaged, not likely but possible.

[WOLFN8TR]

Another thing to consider is its always a good idea to turn the AC on once a month during the winter to keep all the seals lubricated in the system.

[kayger12]

Another thing to consider is its always a good idea to turn the AC on once a month during the winter to keep all the seals lubricated in the system.

I read that as well while I was reading up about this.

Good post.

[Johal E32]

I say leave it. It's adding work for yourself, and as someone pointed out. The A/C will keep the windows from fogging up in the winter.

[Meric]

My dad says no it wont harm anything and you will get around 10 more german horses. He cut off his too as a winter prep. (nissan pathfinder) lol

[CERF04ZHP]

I don't think it's a good idea.

#1-- The belt at least keeps the pulleys and non-clutched parts moving. Letting anything that was designed to move sit for many months is usually not a good idea. I would think your pulleys would actually fail sooner doing this.

#2-- The AC is used with the defrost function, iirc. It'll take a lot longer to defog the windshield/windows.

#3-- I can't see what the advantage to the clutch would be. As Horney said, if the AC is not on, then the clutch isn't doing anything anyway. The only wear on the clutch, I would think, would be when it is transitioning from one state to the other.

Ditto.

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[kayger12]

My dad says no it wont harm anything and you will get around 10 more german horses. He cut off his too as a winter prep. (nissan pathfinder) lol

Our compressor is about a 3 HP draw, and that's only when it's on.

It's a 0 HP draw when it's off (as it is most of the time during winter driving).

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[danewilson77]

My dad says no it wont harm anything and you will get around 10 more german horses. He cut off his too as a winter prep. (nissan pathfinder) lol

Now that's what I was looking for!

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[danewilson77]

Our compressor is about a 3 HP draw, and that's only when it's on.

It's a 0 HP draw when it's off (as it is most of the time during winter driving).

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OK. Damn...

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[az3579]

Our compressor is about a 3 HP draw, and that's only when it's on.

It's a 0 HP draw when it's off (as it is most of the time during winter driving).

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

This. When it's not on, the belt/pulley is not moving.


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[kayger12]

This. When it's not on, the belt/pulley is not moving.


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The belt and pulley are always moving as long as the engine is running. However, the compressor is only drawing HP when the magnetic clutch is engaged (when the AC is being used).

[danewilson77]

This. When it's not on, the belt/pulley is not moving.


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Not correct. How would the belt stop?

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[danewilson77]

The belt and pulley are always moving as long as the engine is running. However, the compressor is only drawing HP when the magnetic clutch is engaged (when the AC is being used).

Yup.

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[az3579]

Not correct. How would the belt stop?

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Nevermind, I just rethought it and realized it was a brain fart.


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[edlvrt]

I'd leave it on so you have the ability to use the defroster and to keep the system lubricated.

My A/C is broken, and yesterday while driving on the interstate in the rain, all of my windows fogged up and could not be cleared no matter what heat settings I tried because I was not able to dry the air. I had to pull over and wait for the rain to stop (1 hour) before I could continue to drive with the windows down.

Also, you want to run the compressor every now and then to circulate the oil throughout the system. There are lots of seals in the evaporator and condenser that can dry up. Not cheap or easy to replace those parts.

[Meric]

He also says dont worry it wont freeze even if it gets frozen when the engine heats up it will melt the ice. Just saying you wont have to do it :D