Ac Removal- Help!

[dsm_illicious]

I want to remove my ac, is it a big hassle or cause any problems? I'm changing my timing belt next week (for the first time) and I figure since the compressor is down there to just remove it and the lines, etc. Anyone have any experiences? I figure it's just one less belt to worry about-I NEVER use my AC anyway.

 

[DSMRevolution]

First, before you do anything with your A/C removal project you will want to take your car to your favorite mechanic to have them discharge the refridgerant. They might charge you a small fee for their service, but in all honesty it is their benefit (they will recycle your R134A refridgerant if it is clean and use it on the next car that comes in the door). In case you were unaware, it is illegal to discharge your air conditioner refridgerant into the atmosphere and it is also very dangerous.

With that all said it is not too big of a hassle. The hardest part will probably be removing the compressor which you will have to get under the vehicle to do. Quite a few DSMers remove their A/C system without any problems. If you drive your DSM in humid weather often I would recommend looking into getting Ventshade window visors (so you can crack your side windows if it is raining outside). Once you remove your A/C system you will have a difficult time getting your windows defogged. Your air conditioner is a vital part in defrosting/defogging the windows.

Also make sure to tape up all of your open lines, inlet/outlet on the compressor and everything else with duct tape if you ever plan to use your A/C again. Once the interior of the lines, compressor, condenser and etc. get moisture in them they will be completely unusable.

 

[DSM Jeff]

Well the only hassle with removing the a/c is evacuating the system. Most people will just push in the schrader valve and dump everything into the atmosphere which the "tree huggers" don't like. A local shop maybe have a recovery system and can do it for you, maybe for free since they can re-use your freon. Either way, get the system empty. Where the line goes into the compressor or condensor, ect there is usually one bolt going through the fitting. take this out and pull the fitting. its just sealed with an o-ring. Everything else is pretty easy, just unbolt and remove. Oil may leak out of the lines, so have a rag on hand. Removing won't hurt anything. Only thing I noticed is the defrost won't work as well when the windshield is foggy. Mine never worked, and my engine bay looks much cleaner which I like.

 

[DSM Jeff]

Damn, talk about getting beat to the post

 

[DSMRevolution]

Damn, talk about getting beat to the post

That is what I was thinking. You had a great post too though so I am sure he/she will be more then satisfied!

 

[dsm_illicious]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I figured it would be simple, I did the same thing on my 2000 Type R-went to a shop and donated the freon, came home and just said "peace" to everything else. I want to free up engine bay space and make it look cleaner-removing the ac is a big plus. Besides that, I don't want to deal with another unused belt snapping on me, causing more drama.

 

[Defiant]

Most people will just push in the schrader valve

No Schrader on a 2G. 134a.

 

[DSM Jeff]

No Schrader on a 2G. 134a.

Isn't there something like this on the driver side? I can't remember if its the high or low side. Sorry for the mistake, it has been a few years since I watched my friend dump his and freeze his hand and bi*** about it all night. My 1g was already empty so I didn't have that problem.

 

[Defiant]

No, the industry finally woke up and actually went to a Tru-Flate style ball-and-sleeve-lock connector for 134a systems. Now, if Mitsubishi had just put the damned connector within reach of human-sized hands.....

 

[DSM Jeff]

Ah, I see, I knew it wasn't a true schader, but I've never know the correct name. Thanks for the info. And remember, Americans have big ol fat hands. They knew what they were doing over seas to piss us off

 

[dsm_illicious]

Even though these cars are made in America...

 

[dsm_illicious]

OK, I decided to just cut the belt off (it was starting to separate ). I was hesitant at first since it seemed to run along another pulley on the block, but I figured it was a dampener. Anybody have any tips on how to remove the compressor the easiest? I have to do everything in the driveway. One more thing-I removed the fuse for the AC compressor and then the 10a fuse that is on top of it (fuse box under hood-obviously). I noticed that by removing the AC/CLIM (10a) fuse, the fans (both) under the hood would spin at max when I turn on the fan inside the car and hit the AC button. I found that quite useful to help cool the car down after a beating. I'm wondering if this would cause any problems w/the relay/switching of the non-AC fan.

 

[Mitsu90GSX]

i just spent 3 hours tryin to get this damn compressor out!!! i got everything unbolted, i just can't seem to get it out from behind the block? any helpful tips to make this a lil easier, i'm ready to bolt the damn thing back down and say screw it. Thanks
-Ryan

 

[playitlouddsm]

If i remember correctly i read that a few members removed the drivers side motor mount and jacked the motor up a bit and it slid out under the intake manifold on the drivers side. Or you could just unbold the intake manifold and take it out that way.