Remove AC

I’m just thinking of not reinstalling the AC compressor. Thanks.

@Dennis Connaughton posted:

I’m just thinking of not reinstalling the AC compressor. Thanks.

^that's as far as I would go..  When I took the compressor off the bug (way to much power draw on the stock motor) I just put some caps on the line to keep the moisture out of the rest of the system.

x2 what @Wrenn Smith noted!  

From September 1995 through May 1999 I lived in Orlando, driving either a '67 Nova V8 or a 1984 Plymouth Reliant, depending on the day and my mood. Neither one had air conditioning and, boy howdy I sure wished at least one of 'em did.

And it was cooler then!

Was it left connected with "freon" lines - so simply bolting it back on?  If disconnected and stored without sealed caps on the compressor and lines, FL famous humidity will mess up the compressor and, at least, the dryer - so they'd probably have to be replaced if you wait too long.  (Dryers absorb moisture quickly - even a week open could damage them).  I would have it reinstalled - was an expensive option not to have it just in case.  Even when AC is installed, it needs to be run monthly (occasionally) to lubricate the seals/compressor.  Only thing gained by not reinstalling is saving 20#, maybe hour labor and recharge (if removed).  Even if run just a little, it removes moisture and is useful for demisting the windshield.

Ya can tell I live in FL - and am thankful for AC Jun-Sep!

What @WOLFGANG said. You can remove the compressor and cap things off, but the drier in the system will probably need to be replaced when you put it back together. The system should be purged and placed under a vacuum before recharging.

I have to put a vote in for keeping the system and using a Sanden Style SD7H15HD compressor. I can barely feel mine kick in and it puts out plenty of cool air.

I had the old YORK piston compressor on my old Porsche 914 that thing really sucked HP when it was running.  It had no vacuum shut off so particularly a PITA when taking off from idle.  The YORK was only option back in early '70s.

Thanks for all the input.
I rarely used it but was just thinking of being more mechanic friendly for service down the roads. It simply needs to be bolted back on.
I will keep it installed based on your knowledge from experience.
thanks guys.

@WOLFGANG posted:

I had the old YORK piston compressor on my old Porsche 914 that thing really sucked HP when it was running.  It had no vacuum shut off so particularly a PITA when taking off from idle.  The YORK was only option back in early '70s.

My 79 SC had a York in it. When I got serious about driving it in Las Vegas, I upgraded it to a rotary. Huge improvement. I had a rare beast, an aircooled Porsche with excellent heating AND air conditioning.

@WOLFGANG posted:

Yes, ^  that's what I remember the compressor sort of looking like.. (this was 1988) and man did it suck what felt like 30 of the 58ish dual-ported-single-carb'ed hp I had on tap..  but hey after driving a Peugeot 505 SD (D meaning Diesel with whopping 71hp)  I had at least improved my power to weight ratio with the Bug.