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AC Compressor ?

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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 02:11 PM
  #1  
countrymike48169's Avatar
countrymike48169
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AC Compressor ?

I was wondering if I unplugged the AC Condenser would it stop the clutch from engaging? And if so are there any adverse effects from doing so. The system was just converted to 134a, so I don't want to mess anything up. Oh it's a 1992 F250 with a 351.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 02:26 PM
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Why would you want to unplug it? It certainly would stop the compressor clutch from engaging. However it may throw a code but not sure.
Also the A/C should really be run a couple of times a month for 15min. to keep the compressor seals lubricated and so prevent leaks. Hope this helps.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 03:43 PM
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You shouldn't do that. The clutch is designed to cycle the system to keep the referigerant moving. That keeps the system working, lubes t he components and keeps the seals from drying out. I'm no a/c tech but it all makes sense to me.

Tim
 
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 04:01 PM
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lsrx101
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Let's see;
He's in Michigan and it's Winter.
I'd say with the longer warmup times and oxygenated fuel, the fuel mileage has dropped. The AC compressor engages with the heater in Defrost and other modes and it seems like a waste. Am I close Mike?

I hear this asked many times every winter. In short, don't bother disconnecting the compressor. At low temps, the load (extra fuel) on the engine from the AC is negligible. You will lose the dehumidifying effect of the AC and possibly shorten the life of the compressor shaft seal. There's really nothing to be gained. It won't make the heater work any better either.

Stay warm up there Mike.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 04:36 PM
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Yeah, you need the compressor going to defrost/defog. Not good for an AC system to just sit and not be used, not good at all.

You can just unplug it at the compressor but I don't know why you'd want to.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 04:53 PM
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Thanks for the help, I guess I won't be unplugging that anytime soon.
 
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