A/C compressor removal ?.

[pauly]

Its taking a while to source a new accumultor, and also I,m still waiting for a replacement for the duff compressor from the breakers, my original compressor is making a racket,so can I just remove it, plug the pipes, and fit a shorter drive belt for the alternator/power steering,until I get the replacement parts, or is,nt it that simple ?,thanks.

[pettaw]

NO, because you'll get a cold burn from the refrigerant leaking oil and boiling off.

Have the refrigerant reclaimed first.

Andy

[pauly]

Thanks for the reply Andy, not sure if theres much refrigerant left in my system, and a specialist told me I could carefully let the gas out by undoing the hoses and very slowly letting it leak away, so if the gas is reclaimed, can I use a non a/c belt to run my car temporarily ?. Paul

[sholtby]

The low pressure valve is behind the drivers headlight close to the ECU box. It has a cap that you can unscrew that says some thing like '4 NM max torque'. You'll then see a valve similar in type to a tyre valve and if you press the center pin the gas will be expelled. Use a long screwdriver and protective gloves.
Looking on page 1.11 of the Haynes manual a shorter belt like that fitted to a car without aircon should fit OK.

Simon

[pauly]

Thanks Simon, for some reason the compressor is really noisy for a minute or so, every time I start the engine. Paul.

[pauly]

Hello again, I have asked this question elsewhere on the site so forgive me for repeating myself, I,m told I need a special tool to remove my accumulator, whats this all about ?, also it looks like a special tool is needed to slacken the alternator belt tensioner,is this right, and hows it done ?,thanks for your help. Paul

[sholtby]

I used my welder to fabricate a tool to slacken the belt tensioner from some square steel tubeing. ie you'll need to improvise.

Simon

[pauly]

I can do that, does your tool locate in the square recess in the tensioner ?. Paul