If I disconnect the AC hoses via the bolt that connects the metal hoses to the AC unit through the firewall and leave them disconnected, can I drive?

Obviously the AC won't work, but I don't care about that at this point. I really just need to know if I can drive it in that state. It won't like pump fluid out of the hoses or burn up the AC pump will it? Any insight on this is hugely appreciated as I need this thing driving asap.

Thanks again.

 

You don't have to disconnect hoses...you can drive it without freon with no worries. Obbiously no AC but even if you turned it on nothing would happen to compressor...it won't come on. there are safeties (low pressure) that protect it.

 

Thanks, the thing is the hoses are already disconnected (I removed the AC unit from inside the cab). I just wanted to make sure that since the hoses are already disconnected and there is no way for me to reconnect them if it would cause any damage to the vehicle for the belt to keep turning the AC compressor (or whatever part of the AC the belt turns). If it is disengaged when off then that is fantastic and I will simply tape off the hoses at the ends, secure them with some zip-ties and call it good.

Thanks man!

 

The AC pulley will freewheel and not turn the compressor.

 

Wonderful!

Thank you two so much for giving me this info - now I can get that thing driving again! YES!!!!

 

I went without AC for almost a year with a hole in my condenser leaving the system open. Never caused any problems and i was told the same as above that if the system senses low pressure the compressor wont turn on.

 

I agree with all the posts so far....However, I would add that by draining the system you didn't just lose the R134a refrigerant. You also lost the lubricating oil that is pumped in with it. Combine this with an unpressurized system that can collect moisture and eventually that compressor is going to seize up regardless of whether it's spinning or not.

Not sure what your end game is but if you plan of leaving the system open for a wile It might be worth figuring out what it would take/cost to fix it. Could save from having to replace more parts in the future.

 

I've worked in the HVAC industry for 30+ years and this is 100% accurate for all refrigerant systems when left "open" and not sealed or charged with a dry nitrogen holding charge. Moisture does bad things.