Re: A/C (belt) question

[Brendan <bman@swva.net>]

At 05:27 PM 10/19/97 -0700, Orin Eman wrote:
>
>> 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.

That's what I thought I'd do.  I figured when I have the $$$ to fix the A/C
system I'll want start with a new belt anyway, so why waste an hour or
three saving the old one.

Thanks,
Brendan