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Posted by: pinhead19 Mar 9 2010 - 11:49 AM

So I will be changing my belts soon.
I never use my AC. Every time i am at the dealer (it has been some time now) they inform me it is not working.
Is there any reason to install a new AC belt or can I let those pullys relax for a few kilometers?

Posted by: strawboss Mar 9 2010 - 04:26 PM

No reason to have it on if it's not needed, if it was me I'd just cut the old one off
when replacing the alternator/water pump belt, you might improve your fuel economy a bit.

Posted by: Duck Mar 9 2010 - 04:30 PM

Let me know how it goes. I'm paranoid about belts and probably have mine over-replaced... the last set that came off looked brand new and the ones I have put on now squeak like nobody's business. I want the old ones back on!

-Iain

Posted by: gordo.bernard Mar 9 2010 - 04:31 PM

I can't tell you for sure, but the refrigerant has a lubricant incorporated with it and if this does not circulate every once in a while, parts may rust out and others may seize. Other car manufacturers also use the A/C as part of the defrost/defog. Don't know if any of this applies to smarts but you might want to check if this would have negative effects in your case.

Posted by: SameGuy Mar 9 2010 - 04:45 PM

I just had a good close look at my belts, just past 57,000 Km. I have a hard time believing that belts that look new could "suddenly let go at any moment."

Thanks, but I'll keep the new ones under the seat for now.

Posted by: pinhead19 Mar 11 2010 - 07:05 AM

I wondered about defrost. But some fortwos don't have A/C, or so i am lead to believe, so....

There is a paper tapped to my engine compartment stating that it is not to be removed until... anyway, the refrigerant leaks. A/C pumps run without refrigerant seize. (I work with them in the compressed air business). I am more worried about that than under running it i think.

Well, I broke my wrist on my bicycle so i will have to wait 4 weeks to tackle this little task...

PS. Thank you windows programmers for the sticky keys programming!

Posted by: MightyMouseTech Mar 11 2010 - 09:19 AM

Well, the compressor will not turn unless it is turned on with the a/c switch on the dash, even if you set the car to defrost. Our cars do not automatically turn on the compressor with defrost. And if the refrigerant has leaked out, it will not turn on anyways because there will be a low pressure switch preventing it. So, if the system is empty, might as well remove the belt. Although, this will do very little as there is a clutch on the compressor, so you are not spinning anything unless the clutch engages except for a free wheeling pulley.

Ian, if the belt is squeeking, it is probably too loose. Guess it was not tensioned properly.