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[middlespokes]

Hi. I have a 98 Cherokee XJ and would like to know if the AC compressor can stay installed (to keep the drive belt tensioned) but remove all the AC pipework and equipment as I really don't need it here in the UK. It's unecessary clutter in the engine compartment. At a later date I will replace the AC compressor with a conventional compressor to have a pnuematic system installed. But in the meantime, as I am now replacing the heater core, it would be excellent to be able to remove, and not have to replace, all the AC pipes etc.
Does the AC compressor drive pulley just idle, without actually spinning the AC compressor, when the AC system is disabled? I believe the AC compressor drive pulley has a magnetic clutch which when not energised will not rotate the pump, and any worries about lack of lubrication (provided maybe by the circulating AC gas?) need not be considered?
The AC has never worked as it probably needs servicing and recharging. I'd very much appreciate any advice on this. Thanks.

[isle of man]

Removal should not be a problem - why not just get a dummy idler from a wrangler?

[Mike Pavelin]

You can use the AC compressor as an air compressor with the right parts. Keep the hoses and leave the condenser in place as an intercooler.

[Lornaben]

If I remember right, NEXUS aka Nick has done it using his AC compressor

[isle of man]

You can get a kit from here.... http://www.oasisoffroad.com/

[daggie]

or bin the lot and put a shorter belt on it
I'll get the part number tomorrow

[Mike Pavelin]

If I remember right, NEXUS aka Nick has done it using his AC compressor

I did it on my last XJ. UKJeeper did it on his YJ too.

[isle of man]

If I remember right, NEXUS aka Nick has done it using his AC compressor

I did it on my last XJ. UKJeeper did it on his YJ too.

As I recall did UKJeeper not get this wrong - like a I.E.D from the Taliban??

[Bishops Finger]

IIRC you may well be right Mr H...

[Mike Pavelin]

If I remember right, NEXUS aka Nick has done it using his AC compressor

I did it on my last XJ. UKJeeper did it on his YJ too.

As I recall did UKJeeper not get this wrong - like a I.E.D from the Taliban??

Just a glitch during development. Works fine now.

[middlespokes]

Thankyou everyone for your suggestions. I'm now into changing the heater core blimey what a job! Made up a puller to get the steering wheel off but it would not budge until I heated the aluminium centre with a paint stripper hot air blower, taking care to shield the plastic bits and cables. Then when again under pressure with my home made extractor it popped off a treat - aluminium expands more than steel when heated.
I've made the mistake of buying the new heater core when last in the USA not realising that many componants, including the heater core are left and right handed - for left or right hand drive jeeps. So I've had to unsolder the pipes with their mounting plates and swap the original pipes onto the the new core. Think it should fit ok now and hopefully not leak - think I'd better pressure test it before reassembly..
Continueing tomorrow after I get some new sticky backed sealing foam strip to go around the new core.
I'm thinking about removing the air conditioning cooling core and just leaving the heater core, as I will not be reinstalling all the AC pipework and compressor. Any problems with that does anyone know? Apart from sealing the hole left in the casing where the pipework emerges.

[Panic mechanic!]

i think that may actually make an improvement over the original setup in winter.