Location: Virginia
Posts: 60
My VIN: 6989
Out of curiosity, I have heard that driving the car without the A/C compression drive belt does not hurt anything, you just won't be able to use your A/C. True or false? I'm talking no more than two days driving without one.
Thank you all in advance!
-Fluxn83
Location: Taylors SC
Posts: 5,327
My VIN: (former)05429
Club(s): (DMWC) (DCUK)
Won't hurt anything. The belt only drives the A/C compressor. If leave it off, the compressor won't turn. Fewer things to go wrong (compressor bearing and two idler bearings, and the belt itself). In my experience cars that come in like this generally have frozen/dry idler bearings from lack of use, but that won't happen in two days. More like years.Originally Posted by Fluxn83
Dave S
DMC Midwest - retired but helping
Greenville SC
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,819
My VIN: 10757 1st place Concourse 1998
If the belt is not on it usually means the A/C doesn't work. The car is still drivable BUT. If you try driving the car and the temperature is over 70 degrees F and sunny you will overheat like HRC. My advice would be to check if there is ANY pressure in the system. If less than 20 psi it has to be treated as if it is a dead, contaminated system and I would replace the 3 hoses, all of the seals and the accumulator dryer. Replace the oil, flush the coils and leaktest. I would also replace the 2 idler bearings and a new belt.
David Teitelbaum
Posts: 4,861
My VIN: 3937
Good description of the belt functions here:
http://support.delorean.com/kb/a39/belts.aspx
And also an answer to your question about whether it hurts anything to drive without the A/C compressor belt.
Sept. 81, auto, black interior
Location: Oak Park, CA
Posts: 984
My VIN: 6575
How is it even possible to overheat the car without the AC belt attached? The AC belt is routed from the compressor to the crankshaft pulley. It has nothing to do with turning the water pump.
Alex Abdalla
6575
Late 1981, Grey 5-speed, 75k miles. Built 11/11/81
A stock-look with modern, reliable technology.
A full restoration with step-by-step "what I did" is in progress at www.delorean6575revisited.blogspot.com
Location: Atlanta OTP GA
Posts: 7,085
My VIN: 2743
Club(s): (SEDOC) (DCH) (DCUK) (DOC-UK)
He means that you, the driver, will overheat like Mrs. Clinton.
Not the car
Dermot
VIN 2743, B/A, Frame 2227, engine 2320
I don't always drive cars, but when I do, I prefer DeLoreans
http://www.will-to-live.org
No-one is to stone anyone, even, and I want to make this absolutely clear, even if they do say "carburetor"
Location: Oak Park, CA
Posts: 984
My VIN: 6575
Lol...perfect response! Thanks for clarifying!He means that you, the driver, will overheat like Mrs. Clinton.
Not the car
Alex Abdalla
6575
Late 1981, Grey 5-speed, 75k miles. Built 11/11/81
A stock-look with modern, reliable technology.
A full restoration with step-by-step "what I did" is in progress at www.delorean6575revisited.blogspot.com
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Posts: 2,210
My VIN: 4877
Club(s): (PNDC)
Wear a bowl on your head with dry ice?
Rob Depew
Tacoma, Wa
'81 DeLorean 4877 Grey, Auto, 4 wheels
The Ressurection of 4877......
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Location: Taylors SC
Posts: 5,327
My VIN: (former)05429
Club(s): (DMWC) (DCUK)
Drive naked but you'll probably stick to the seat.
Dave S
DMC Midwest - retired but helping
Greenville SC
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 2,507
My VIN: 6585
That's absolutely true, as is the fact that I drove my car year round in Vegas for nearly 5 years with no A/C and can tell you that it's not nearly as bad as others let on. Convertibles like Jeeps are much worse. Unless you live in a swamp where you need it to dry the air out and defog the glass, you'll be just fine.
Robert
People they come together, people they fall apart...
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