A/C Compressor Question

[MinnesotaMM]

A buddy was putting underbody lights on my marauder and put a tiny whole in my ac condenser. After that happened I just turned my vents and temp control off to avoid takin out the compressor. If I unplug and disable the compressor am I safe to turn the heat on in my car?

[fastblackmerc]

No it isn't safe to use the heat. The A/C will cycle even though you are using heat. So yes, unplug the compressor.

Did the hole go into the condensor? Is it leaking?

The A/C system is a "closed" system. If there is a hole in the system moisture will eventually get into the system and completely destroy it.

[Spectragod]

^^^^^^^^^^What Jim said^^^^^^^^^^, make your buddy pay to fix it.

[1stMerc]

Be fore warned. Our compressors are expensive from the dealer. Just had one replaced a few weeks ago. $740.00 bucks for unit alone.

[MinnesotaMM]

Yeah he hit one of the coils with the tip of his knife and it sprayed all the freon out. I put putty over the hole until I get it fixed. But if I disconnect the compressor im safe to run heat then right?

[whitey]

maybe you can jb weld it? but im not sure if it could handle the pressure

[MinnesotaMM]

I found a replacement condenser for $86 bucks, I can put it in and my buddy has a recharging setup with adapters to boot. I just have a party I'm driving a few friends to this weekend, and I want to use my heat safely without breaking my compressor. So I'm just wondering if disconnecting the compressor would be the ticket.

[Spectragod]

See post #4, roll the dice............

[MyBlackBeasts]

I found a replacement condenser for $86 bucks, I can put it in and my buddy has a recharging setup with adapters to boot. I just have a party I'm driving a few friends to this weekend, and I want to use my heat safely without breaking my compressor. So I'm just wondering if disconnecting the compressor would be the ticket.

Yes. Unplug comp, cover hole and you'll be ok for that short of time. BUT the longer you put off repair, the odds increase of further damage from moisture invasion. Don't wait too long...

[ctrlraven]

Instead of unplugging the comp, what about pulling the relay/fuse for the AC Clutch and AC Clutch Relay?

[MyBlackBeasts]

Instead of unplugging the comp, what about pulling the relay/fuse for the AC Clutch and AC Clutch Relay?

That works too, same end result.

Probably not necessary to do either as low pressure sensor will prevent clutch operation BUT with the cost of that unit I'd disable it anyway. Belt & suspenders!!!

[Curless]

Our cars are all equipped with low pressure and high pressure switches, the a/c compressor will not engage if there is low / no pressure in the system. You don't have to unplug anything. That being said, moisture is not your friend, if there is a leak get it fixed or the damage will occur over time.

[martyo]

When you recharge the system it will need to be vacuumed back down. Of course before doing that you MUST change the orifice tube and dryer.

[Brad33]

A buddy was putting underbody lights on my marauder...

Wow, you guys are being really nice and helpful. I just wanted to make fun of him for putting lights under his MM.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Wow, you guys are being really nice and helpful. I just wanted to make fun of him for putting lights under his MM.


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[MinnesotaMM]

Wow, you guys are being really nice and helpful. I just wanted to make fun of him for putting lights under his MM.

:) Yeah I expected to hear an ear full. Always wanted em though and it looks pretty good~ Almost worth losing a condenser...NOT

[Rockettman]

I thought the compressor turned only when the defrost (and A/C of course), were selected?
Didn't know it turned on with "heat" only? Does it matter if on "vent" or "floor"?

[fastblackmerc]

I thought the compressor turned only when the defrost (and A/C of course), were selected?
Didn't know it turned on with "heat" only? Does it matter if on "vent" or "floor"?

It will turn on to remove the excess humidity and to keep the front seal lubricated.