I've seen someone on the board suggesting removal of the A/C compressor belt instead of the complete A/C unit. I want to know if there are any serious advantages/disadvantages in doing this. I mean I don't use the A/C but I want to have it JIC. I also know that it wastes a certain amount of power (???) and I want to "deal" with it.

Any suggestions from experience?

 

well if you aren't going to use the A/C anymore just rip the whole system out.....good bye weight, good bye A/C, Hello windows. Cut the belt? Might as well pull the brakcet off, the condensor out.
have fun.

 

I WOULD NEVER PART WITH MY AC!!! but then again i live in so. CA whare it get's 105 in the sumertime.

 

I doubt much horsepower will be gained from removing
a belt turning a idler pulley without a load on it..

One thing most people fail to consider is the a/c systems ability
to defrost/de-fog the windows in rainy or cold weather..

 

fat bastard has a point about defrosting windows ... well, keeping the belt