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Okay to disconnect A/C belt on 89 Dodge Caravan?

Hi, Gang:

I have an 89 Grand Caravan that, despite 201k miles on the clock, still runs and looks pretty good. Of course, its on its third tranny and second engine...but that's another Caravan tale... :)

During a long road trip a few months ago, my A/C compressor more or less died. I had the fan/blower on for defrost which, I guess, must run the A/C for some reason. Anyway, when I stopped for gas I heard a nasty squealing noise under the hood that stopped when I turned off the interior fan. I also noticed that the A/C compressor was toasty hot and had oozed most of all of whatever was lubricating it internally. I haven't turned on the fan since....

But now that it's winter in MN...I'd like the fan on for heat and defrost...but I don't have a spare pile of cash laying around to fix the A/C...

I'd like to simply disconnect the A/C belt because it's not worth fixing... So...

  1. Does the 89 3.0 L run the a/c on its own belt? (I think it does.)

  1. If so, can I simply disconnect it, disabling the compressor (while still running the blower for normal heating and defrosting)?

Thanks for your help,

--KK in MN

Reply to
sohosources
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"sohosources" wrote: 89 Grand Caravan 3.0 L 201k

My A/C compressor froze up but the A/C clutch still runs free. I still want to operate my heater and defroster without having to engage the A/C compressor. Can I disconnect the A/C belt? ______________________________________________

Just unplug the electrical connector that engages the compressor clutch. The heater and defroster will work normally. The defroster will be less efficient because its defrost air will no longer be dehumidified by the A/C.

You can also disconnect the A/C belt if it drives no other accessories. There might be a small power gain. Be sure to unplug the connector too.

Good luck.

Rodan

Reply to
Rodan

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