How significant is AC compressor belt drag? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 12-02-2014, 10:23 AM

The AC on my 84 300D does not work and I'm not interested in getting it to work. Since the car uses separate belts, it made me wonder whether the drag on the disengaged AC compressor is significant enough to warrant removing it.

Thoughts?

leathermang · #2 12-02-2014, 10:34 AM

No, not with the compressor not engaging...
estimates of ac drag WHEN WORKING... 5 to 7 old York , 4 to 6 R4, 3 to 5 modern linear piston swash plate types...

ROLLGUY · #3 12-02-2014, 10:36 AM

The drag is mostly insignificant, but having the belt there without ever using the compressor could cause a problem one day (not likely, but the potential is there). The bearing in the compressor clutch could go bad, the belt could fray and take out the other belts, etc. Since you don't plan on using the A/C, you might as well remove the compressor and save some weight. If you do, please cap/plug the lines somehow so no moisture/dirt gets in. The next owner (or you should you decide you want A/C someday) will thank you. Chances are the R4 compressor is bad anyway, so it will need to be removed someday, so why not now? (just my opinion).......Rich

sloride · #4 12-02-2014, 10:48 AM

I have not looked at it lately, but are there any balance issues related to removing the belt.

ROLLGUY · #5 12-02-2014, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloride

I have not looked at it lately, but are there any balance issues related to removing the belt.

None that I am aware of.

leathermang · #6 12-02-2014, 11:00 AM

One item for future use of the AC if that is possible... if for instance the problem was just in the wiring of the car.. or the dash....
not a loss of refrigerant for example...
then the compressor ought to be ' jumped ' to turn on a couple of times per year... to lube the front shaft seal.... this is a designed ' leak' to get oil to that seal... and that is the only way to lube it.....

vstech · #7 12-02-2014, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloride

I have not looked at it lately, but are there any balance issues related to removing the belt.

no.
the a/c has it's own belt, driving nothing else, and it is neutrally ballanced.

also, it's on the same side of the motor as the Power Steering pump, so tension on the crank pulley wouldn't be affected by removing it either.

I'd cut it and call it a day. removing all the stuff will lighten the front of your vehicle, but it's a messy job, and leaves a lot of open hoses to seal up.

if you do remove it, take the mount as well. then when your oil cooler hoses need replacing, it'll be a snap.

eatont9999 · #8 12-02-2014, 05:24 PM

I'm with the leave it alone or at most cut the belt crowd. Well, I'm actually with the fix it and have working A/C crowd but in RI, it is not like you need A/C as bad as we do in TX.

shertex · #9 12-02-2014, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatont9999

I'm with the leave it alone or at most cut the belt crowd. Well, I'm actually with the fix it and have working A/C crowd but in RI, it is not like you need A/C as bad as we do in TX.

I have two other MB's with nice AC.