Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Belt routing...AC/ NO AC?

[AKDrifter]

I was wondering since I have only run my AC 2 times in 2 yrs. if it is allright to rout the belt to bypass the AC compressor? Does the same belt work for both routing situations?



I know that it might not be healthy for the AC system to be disconected, but why spin the compressor all the time when not needed? Mabey if I reconected the belt a time or two a year, would this keep the AC happy? ( nonmusty smelling )



I've done this to smaller cars mostly and noticed a sizeable difference in power, mainly Subaru. What's the pros and cons?



Paul

 

[lschultz]

I don't think the belt you have now will work. You have to get one for a truck without AC. But I could be I think when you get a new belt it asks if you have AC or not.

 

[AKDrifter]

The routing without AC loop looks to be the same length, but I don't know. Why would they put that little sticker under the hood if you could'nt reroute with same belt?

 

[bmoeller]

The A. C. runs in the defrost mode to keep the windows from fogging up. Probably want to keep it hooked up.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I bypassed my A/C because I thought my compressor clutch was going bad and didn't want to mess with it in the dead of winter. You have to get a non A/C belt. I got a non A/C Gatorback belt from Summit racing. It works fine.

 

[illflem]

The A/C compressor free wheels unless the A/C is on, you would gain little by disconnecting it, in fact it would be about the same just pulling the A/C fuse under the hood. What's a better thing to do is to convert it to manual operation, instructions here http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/HVAC/Defrost_AC.htm



I use mine manually to protect my A/C system because I don't run a fan in the winter. Many folks don't realize that in the cold climates the air is very dry when the temps are below freezing, no need for A/C to dry the air plus you need as much heat as you can get when it gets really cold. Sort of crazy running the A/C when it's -20°



You really should run the A/C every once in a while to keep the seals from drying out, changing a belt every time wouldn't exactly encourage it.

 

[AKDrifter]

Illflem are you saying that when I have my heat in the floor/defrost setting, the AC is running? I allways have it on that setting, and rarely do I ever change it.



I thought the AC setting was the position that says MAX AC, I did'nt reolize that the AC might be running in the floor/windshield position, which one is it?

 

[illflem]

In both floor/windshield and windshield only the A/C is on. I think it may even be the law for all newer rigs.

Sucks doesn't it? Easy to fix though.

 

[gitchesum]

I carry two extra belts in my truck, one is to run without the A/C. If the A/C compressor should lock up, it will break the belt, having an extra belt on hand won't help you unless you can re-route the belt to run without the A/C.



Just a little insurance policy.