Removing AC from timing belt

[Donut]

Hello,

today my colleague told me that the AC will always drain power from the engine, even while OFF.
Is this correct?

He added that I should remove the AC connection to the timing belt or fully delete the unit, if I really wanted to drive fuel efficiently.
I typically use the cross breeze between the left front and right rear window for cooling and only use AC in rare cases when I am on track with my lady.

What are your thoughts?

[deleted user]

Minuscule drain when not in use. The Mirage has no timing belt, it's an internally lubricated (engine oil) chain. If you remove the belt you have no water pump or alternator, unless you find a belt that will work without the ac compressor. The clutch on the ac compressor is energized electrically.

regards
mech

[Donut]

kk, I see.

I guess the effects on fuel economy would be minimal. With AC on I get worse MPG numbers and I can also feel the loss of power whenever the compressor kicks in.

[Ares]

There are a ton of misinformation here.

The AC is (usually) driven by an accessory belt. Some cars have more than one accessory belts, others only have one that power alternator, ac, and whatever.

Does anyone know how many we have? If we have more than one, and the AC is on its own belt, then just remove the belt.

[3dplane]

Will this convince your collegue that the A/C belt left on (but A/C not used) drains EXTREMELY small amount of power?



Seriously it is not worth messing with the belt for gains so small that can not be measured!

[Ares]

Have you ever taken the belt out? How would you know then? Could be 100 if you took the belt out.

[uheym]

I wouldn't take it apart, maybe you gain a tiny little inch/piece somewhere. But I don't think it's the time worth.. Think about... Some engineers build our car, I think they tried to get it going as many miles as possible with AC on.

[deleted user]

Have you ever taken the belt out? How would you know then? Could be 100 if you took the belt out.

Go ahead remove the belt. Report back with your melted engine and deceased battery.

regards
mech

[Ares]

Go ahead remove the belt. Report back with your melted engine and deceased battery.

regards
mech

I didnt know the water pump was driven by the accessory belt.

Also, I'm pretty sure I can find a belt that would only power the alternator.

Guess old dogs can learn new tricks?

[ahintofpepperjack]

The A/C compressor has a clutch. When the A/C compressor is off, the pulley is just free spinning. There is no resistance on the belt when the A/C compressor is off. You would not gain anything by removing it. We only have one belt.