My dash air system is in need of a compressor rebuild & other work...All estimates so far are BIG bucks, and for the little amount I use it, probably not cost-effective. (I usually use roof air on the road - does a better job, doesn't rob engine power and the generator fuel-burn vs. extra engine burn w/ AC must be close to a wash.....)

The absence of a compressor would clean-up the engine compartment, shed a few pounds and the dash air opening could be used for several aux gauges (trans. temp, etc) mounted on a custom fit board that matches the cabinetry.

What's involved in system removal?....Do I need a specialist to evacuate the system before I start cracking open lines?...And can I assume that a standard non-AC 454 belt # will then work for the Pwr steering pump? Plus, any other issues I'm sure I haven't even thought of yet?.......Thanks

I removed my AC also. The guy that owned the coach before us didn't even bother to install the belt on the compressor. I took the cooling element off in front of the radiator and that let the air flow more freely through the cooling fins of the radiator. I reinstalled the cooling fans so I could use them on a long slow pull to help with the engine cooling. I have an extra switch on the dash so when I come to a long pull I turn on the fans. I'm not sure about the coolant in the AC. I know that you can have it vacuumed out if you're worried about the ozone.

The Freon 12 is considered an environmental hazard, and is alleged to damage the ozone layer. It is best to have it recycled. I am not sure here, but a shop might do it just to get the stuff for recycling. Check around. Considering the extortionate prices to buy the stuff, it would seem they sure as heck shouldn't charge you to take it.

Mine had leaked out when I bought it, so no violation here. Nope. Not me. When replacing the engine and radiator, I removed the condenser and left it off. Being in a hurry to finish the engine, I left the compressor on. If the electrical lead is disconnected, the compressor does not turn. Right now, it serves as a big idler pulley for the belts. I think I would look at a P30 without dash air (if such a thing exists) to get an idea for different belts. I seem to remember thinking that if I took out the compressor, that would leave the power steering/brake pump with only one belt to drive it. Smaller P30s with vacuum brake assist would be different.

It is supposedly illegal to release Freon into the atmosphere, and Bill H has a good idea about asking if a shop would drain your system for free, to recycle the stuff.

FWIW, many years ago I bought a junkyard compressor from a car that still held a charge. The yard man said stand back, closed his eyes, and slashed a hose. The Freon bled out in a rush, and quickly evaporated leaving a little oil behind. His only concern was not getting it in his eyes. He claimed it would literally freeze your eyeballs if the liquid gas landed there. Having been slightly frostbitten by dripping liquid while recharging a system years ago, I can believe him.

Discretion suggests having it recycled.

Billh,

The coach is a 13.5k gvwr, 24 footer.....
vacuum brakes....the a/c compressor shares a single belt with the pwr steering pump/crank...

I have to think that there's plenty 'tater-chip trucks out there at this gvwr/specs that are non-air, so a belt should be a fairly common item.....Hopefully, the pwr steering will have enough adjustment to make something fit correctly.....

Last plug/wire change involved pulling wheel, drilling out rivets to remove baffle, installing ONE plug (left bank, front) and then putting it all back together.......

The absence of the compressor would have made this process an over-the-top, from-the-doghouse piece of cake. Hence, my willingness to go thru the removal aggravation...(Previous owner must have agreed...his plug/wire changes appear to have been limited to 7 cylinders!)

Sidebar: "Maybe" my system is empty and doesn't need evacuation - is there an easy way to confirm this without special equipment?.....My a/c knowledge is limited to punching down the thermostat when the wife is not looking.....

Thanks to all for the info - I LUV this site!

Lee, if you crack a hose connection and it hisses, it still has freon in it. If it doesn't, it has none or very little.

It sounds like your compressor can be removed and a shorter belt substituted without a problem.

Without an AC compressor, you might think of lowering your doghouse. If you go to a shorter air filter element, say an AC A477C at 3 1/2 inches, you can make a new doghouse lid that will be lower and flatter. It will make movement easier and give your dog a flat level place to sleep. I bought an aftermarket chrome filter lid for a GM pass car that fits my air cleaner body perfectly with the 3 1/2 inch high element. The chrome gives me better power and mileage, confuses police radar, my kids are smarter and my dog minds me now.