A mechanic unplugged the power to my wife's A/C compressor about two years ago because it was about to go and apparently "robbing about 50HP" from the engine. Even if the compressor is about to go, would it be safe for me to hook it back up until it blows? I've had compressors die on me before and have never noticed them causing any damage to other systems. My idea is to use it until it goes and then replace it with a new one. Money is tight right now and it's really heating up in the afternoon. Will I be ok running my possibly worn out compressor until it blows? Thanks for the help.

This is for a '98 Civic EX if that matters.

 

he unplugged it bc alot of the time they actually lock up and you would know it when the the belt starts burning off bc of the pulley not turning, im sure he actually took the belt off too. I had an accord one time the compressor locked up and the a/c clucth kept trying to activate , draining the battery

 

The belt's still on there. I've tested it before and it still produces cold air.

So connecting it up again might be a bad idea? I don't want to hurt anything else on the car but I don't care if the compressor dies. I thought maybe he was tricking us to get us to come back and pay him for another compressor plus install (which I would now do myself) since he knew driving with no A/C in Texas sucks.