Will Cutting The AC Belt Affect Defrost?

[ericbeermann]

I have a '91 Legacy LSI Sedan (automatic with AC) where the compressor
is currently in it's last days. Although it hasn't completely given
out just yet, two AC specialists told me I'll need a new compressor and
the total bill will be about $900-$1,1000. In addition, I believe one
of the tension pullies on same belt is close to being fried ... which
would cost me about $70 for the part.

Given that I live in a mountain town at 8750ft, I really don't need AC
that much (I'm only 1.5 hours from the dessert ... so it's nice, but
not necessary where I live). On the flipside, front windshield defrost
is absolutely necessary here in the winter! While the car runs really
well for the most part, I don't feel right paying upwards of $1,000 for
an "amenity" ... so I was considering simply cutting the AC belt and
removing it entirely.

Does anyone know if removing this belt will inhibit my front windshield
defrost from functioning? Or, if there are any other adverse effect
from running without the AC belt?

Thank you in advance,

Eric

 

[mulder]

Not sure how it works on the 91, but on newer Subarus the compressor
runs automatically in defrost mode. Either way, if you remove the belt
(no need to cut it, just take it off) the compressor will no longer be
able to function in defrost. The HVAC operation will be unchanged and
you will still be able to direct air to the windshield, but when there
is fog on the inside of the glass it will take much longer to clear. The
dehumdifying action of the AC is used to clear inside fogging very
quickly, without it you may need to keep a rag handy to wipe the fog away.

 

[Diana Black]

I have a `91 Legacy LSI Sedan also. I have had my AC
compressor belt off for the past three years. Mulder is
100% correct. You may safely remove the belt and still have
use of your front defrost. He is also correct in that at
times it may take longer to clear the windshield if there is
an extreme amount of moisture on the inside. I personally
have only had to do this a handful of times...and it sure
beats the price of a compressor.

Diana

 

[Bonehenge]

Does anyone know if removing this belt will inhibit my front windshield
defrost from functioning?

It'll work, but slowly, and not as well during rain storms.

Think of vehicles that don't have A/C.

Barry

 

[Dean Hoffman]

Not sure how it works on the 91, but on newer Subarus the compressor
runs automatically in defrost mode. Either way, if you remove the belt
(no need to cut it, just take it off) the compressor will no longer be
able to function in defrost. The HVAC operation will be unchanged and
you will still be able to direct air to the windshield, but when there
is fog on the inside of the glass it will take much longer to clear. The
dehumdifying action of the AC is used to clear inside fogging very
quickly, without it you may need to keep a rag handy to wipe the fog away.

It really helps to bring in as much outside air as possible. Otherwise
one is just recycling the humid inside air.
I had a Mazda MX-6 before buying my 2.5RS. The inside/outside air mix was
set to keep the heat in the car. The car wouldn't defog at all one day
until I remembered to move the dash control to bring in outside air.

Dean



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[I'm Right]

you AND your AC "specialist" are on MAJOR DOSES OF CRACK
Rebuilt compressor is $330 new drier $39 labor to change it all, $100
including the evac and charge.

 

[mulder]

Agreed, recirculate and defrost do not go together.