Re: A.C. and Gas Prices.


"Windsurfer" <beswift@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:75fc1250-8e61-4b49-a1fc-cf1f8e0211b9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Apr 18, 11:31 am, Bruce L. Bergman
<blnospamberg...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:03:24 -0700 (PDT), Windsurfer

<besw...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Does anyone know how much I will increase my m.p.g. by disconnecting
the A.C. compressor belt on my 4-runner?

None. (Well roughly .00002 MPG, too small to measure and not worth
the effort.) If you are not using the AC the clutch is not engaged,
and the outer clutch pulley is acting as a ball-bearing idler pulley.

Futhermore, I'm still
convinced that Toyota Trucks are a maintenance mechanics nightmare. I
can't believe how difficult it looks to change belts on mine. Not
only that, if I had to replace the water pump or thermostat, it looks
like a major project.

Toyota is usually rather good at designs that can be fixed easily if
you know how to get access to things. About the only really stupid
thing I've seen is putting starter motors buried under the intake
manifold inside the Vee on a few models - but they usually last a long
while.

Much better than some of the stupid sh*t Detroit does, where you
have to partially remove the engine to get at the #8 spark plug. Or
cut a hole in the fender or firewall.

The condensor as well is in a rather
problematic spot. Since I tried re-charging the system and it's now
blowing hot air, I gave it up. This isn't uncommon in New England
where we seldom use the air-conditioning and used systems usually are
neglected so much they fail to work.

Now that's a reasonable problem. Get thee to a dealer, or a factory
trained mechanic that's out on his own. AC systems are easy to
diagnose and fix /if/ you really understand how they work. But
they'll look impossible to someone who is clueless.

And once you get the AC fixed leave the AC button pushed in even if
it isn't that warm outside - the compressor will only kick in when
there's some work to be done, and it acts as a cabin air dehumidifier
even when it isn't blazing hot outside.

(This is why the AC runs when you put the controls in Defroster mode
- dry hot air clears the windshield much faster than damp hot air.)

It will get used enough to stay in good operating order, then when
you get a hot blast or take a road trip to Florida it will be there.

--<< Bruce >>--

What is it with the kind of hard-ons that answer the posts on these
message boards? Does anyone ever answer the questions? I'm not
looking for stupid advice regarding air-conditioning. Didn't I make
it clear that I'm not interested in spending money on a 14 year old
system that doesn't work? Not only did I already cut the belt on this
Toyota, but I have done it more than once in the past. Most used cars
sold in New England don't have functional Air Conditioners because
most people don't use theirs. I've even completely removed a system
from a sub-compact so that it was easier to work on the engine. Now,
back to the main question, does anyone know how much I will save?
Please, if you don't know, don't give your shitty advice.

Bruce, I, and several others have answered your question regarding how much
fuel you will save if you remove the belt from your AC compressor pulley.
In case you missed it, the fuel savings from removing the AC compressor
drive belt will not be measurable. While some energy is expended to
overcome the friction of the bearings and to move the accessory drive belt,
when the AC is not being used, the magnetic clutch on the AC compressor
pulley allows the pulley to free-wheel.

Other variables can have a more measurable effect on fuel consumption, like
the driver's driving habits; driving conditions; ambient temperature; the
condition of the engine; the condition and type of components in the
ignition system (spark plugs, wires, rotor, distributor); the condition of
the transmission, brakes, air filter, air flow sensor, and coolant
temperature sensor; the type of fuel; tire inflation and rolling resistance;
and the payload that the vehicle is carrying.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)


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