Tom,

The only side-effect I can think of is the added current drain on your battery in stop-and-go traffic.  Since the A/C compressor clutch will be disconnected, no refrigerant will flow through the system, and only your fans will operate.  You may be able to achieve the same result by moving your temperature control knob to the 'minimum' setting.

Chris
'85 Westy with A/C
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Salicos 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, May 14, 2001 10:29 PM
  Subject: Disable Compressor in Westy A/C ??

  Sometimes I don't want to run the A/C in the Westy, but the air from the fans feels good.  On long pulls in desert heat, I hate to use the A/C at all, fearing overheating.  I've considered configuring a switch to keep the compressor from pulling in, yet allowing the A/C fans to move air around.  

  Is there a downside to disabling the clutch mechanism on the compressor and let the fans circulate air through the system without the refrigeration action?

  Thanks
  Tom Salicos
  '87 Westy Synchro

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