will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything?
my freeon is almost out. i'd just go buy a can of r134a and put in it, but since it's closing in on winter, i won't be needing it. my problem is that it keeps kicking on and off when i have the defroster on. so i just unplugged it for now. is this ok? will this work all winter until i feel it up again in spring?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (corvettemaster)
Well, I've heard that it's a good idea to use the A/C periodically to keep the parts lubed properly. If you want to use the A/C in the spring, it might be a good idea to put in that refrigaurant now, but you may be ok just over the winter.
I've disabled the A/C compressor clutch in my '86 IROC as I still need to use the defroster and the compressor needs a rebuild anyway.
I've disabled the A/C compressor clutch in my '86 IROC as I still need to use the defroster and the compressor needs a rebuild anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (corvettemaster)
Unless you've converted, don't put R134 in it. You'll run the risk of higher operating pressures and damage to other components. Are you sure it's low? Below 50 degrees it will cycle on and off until it can absorb some engine heat. It is a good idea to run it from time to time, but if it's low on gas it may be low on oil too, so unplugging it until its fixed is a good idea.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (SunCr)
yeah i had it converted to r134a. it just keeps kicking on and off whenever i have the ac on or defroster. it does it after it's warmed up too. it was a while ago when i had it changed over, so the oil could very well be low also. since i won't be using it anymore this year, i'd rather just wait to next year to get it going again
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,298
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From: Jupiter Sunny Florida
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (SunCr)
Only one problem with unplugging the A/C comp.
Your defroster uses the A/C to dehumidify the air before going through the heater core and coming out of the ducts. Without this, your windshield will fog worse and cause a very unsafe condition. Even your breathing will make it worse.
If the leak is small (or even exists) getting it fixed now will be a good idea!
Parts stores sell 1lb cans of R-134a with leak stop and oil in it. See what a 1lb can does.... :thumbs:
[Modified by Q1KSLVR, 4:54 PM 10/14/2003]
Your defroster uses the A/C to dehumidify the air before going through the heater core and coming out of the ducts. Without this, your windshield will fog worse and cause a very unsafe condition. Even your breathing will make it worse.
If the leak is small (or even exists) getting it fixed now will be a good idea!
Parts stores sell 1lb cans of R-134a with leak stop and oil in it. See what a 1lb can does.... :thumbs:
[Modified by Q1KSLVR, 4:54 PM 10/14/2003]
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (Q1KSLVR)
I unplugged mine because it seized up. I only unplugged it so I could get heat.
It stayed unplugged for about 5 years with no other problems.
It stayed unplugged for about 5 years with no other problems.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Murphy NC
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (corvettemaster)
The system has a pressure sensor that shuts the compressor clutch off if the pressure on the suction side drops too low. This is to protect the compressor and to keep the evaporator from freezing when the pressure drops during operation. If you are very low on refrigerant the compressor will not even turn on. Short cycling is a symptom of low refrigerant in the cooling mode. It may be normal in heating mode because the a/c is used to dehumidify the air in defrost mode. This cycling in non cooling modes is also used to keep the compressor shaft seals lubricated in off cooling season periods which minimizes leaks and seal failure.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,674
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From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: will unplugging the ac compressor hurt anything? (Q1KSLVR)
Quote: Only one problem with unplugging the A/C comp.
It dehumidifies the air so the windshield wont fog up.
Then why was this never a problem with my no A/C 1972 Pontiac Lemans ?
It dehumidifies the air so the windshield wont fog up.
Then why was this never a problem with my no A/C 1972 Pontiac Lemans ?
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