Re: A/C (belt) question

[Orin Eman <orin@WOLFENET.com>]

> The A/C compressor on my '87 5k is shot, along with the compressor clutch.
> I don't plan to repair it before next summer, and was considering removing
> the belt until then.  I just wondered; with the climate control system and
> Audi's electrical quirks, is there any danger in running without an A/C
> belt for a while?  It's got a wobble, and I'm sure it's sucking a little
> bit of hp in the state it's in even when not engaged.  I know this system
> uses the compressor in all modes other than Econ, and I'm sure I'll need to
> use the defroster over the winter some, and want to be sure there isn't any
> risk of some bizzarre elctrical (or other) problem before removing the belt.

Cut it off.  That's what I did to my 86 when the AC compressor died.
(Don't even think of loosening it to remove it... it's far too
complicated - you have to take the alternator belt off too).

Mine went nearly a year in that state before it was fixed.  Yes, defrost
will not work as well, but it does blow hot air at the windhield,
so you are usually OK.

Orin.