Ac Compressor Question

[SW86]

This might seem a bit newbish but I've never messed with my ac. it's never worked and to install the 97+ front clip I removed the condensor and one hose off the compressor. My question is, can I drive it like that? With the compressor just open so to speak. Should I try to seal off the remaining hose and cap the open hole on the compressor?

 

Thanks.

[jimoshel]

Yes, you can drive it like that. Why not just remove it and install the idler pulley?

[SW86]

Didn't think I could be an 88 model

[onlyinajeep726]

Didn't think I could be an 88 model

 

You can, but it's hard as crap to find the stock bypass pulley assembly for the Renix models.  I've heard you can buy a Dorman one, but it's got a plastic pulley.  I lucked out at the junkyard last year and found a stock bypass from a '94 HO.  I grabbed it and the whole bracket assembly that bolts to the block.  My fear with running the compressor like that is the chances of it locking up at the most inopportune moment.

[Jeep Driver]

All you are turning is the bearing on the clutch, if the clutch is not engaged the compressor will not be turning. The compressor won't kick on without freon.

[danbyrambler]

Cap the fittings - Mud daubers like such things - - - - Easy enuff now to have onboard air - - Or with a little fab an altenator relocate like this guy did:

http://comancheclub.com/topic/28949-alternator-relocation-renix-vs-ho/

[SW86]

Thanks guys. Ill finish removing the hoses and cap the compressor off. I'd like to do OBA but it will be down the list a little.