So I've been wondering this for a while after reading through the RAVE manual and seeing the belt diagram below.





Can I just remove my A/C compressor and change the location of the tensioner? You would need a different belt probably. I've been looking and can't find a part number for a non-a/c disco1 tensioner. My A/C is broken and I could really care less about ever getting it fixed, I'm not an A/C fan. So doesn't seem that unreasonable to just remove a non-functioning 50# piece of metal from the front of my truck does it? Or is this the stupidest f@#$ing thing you have ever heard? Thanks for any input!!
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half-baked

 

I left mine out when I did my engine swap because it's one less thing to break. Problem is, mine is a V-Belt setup.

It's not a bad idea to remove it. It gives you more room to work when something breaks.

I say go for it. Worst case, you're looking at a new serpentine belt and a new tensioner.

 

I would call Rovers North and tell them what you want to do. I am confident that if anyone could advise you AND provide the correct parts it would be Rovers North. The reason I say this is that they carry the correct parts for almost every Land Rover/Range Rover made over the last few decades. So they would be more likely to know if a part from a slightly different Rover may be an appropriate fit, for instance if an earlier Range Rover might work out for you.

I don't know any other supplier that has the wealth of experience, parts and personnel that they have.

One individual that may be able to tell you and provide used parts would be Will Tillery at the Roverguy.com. Will is a walking encyclopedia on Land Rovers and fixing/repairing/modifying them. I would trust his judgement on this question as well. Whether or not he has the parts on hand, you will have to call him. He is usually very busy, so have a quick description of what you want to do.

 

Lucky8 sells a kit with new tensioner an belt.
http://www.lucky8llc.com/Products.asp?ProductID=2136

 

replace it with a york compressor ($50 at a junk yard) then you can have on-board air to inflate tires or run air tools

 

Or you can just remove everything air condition related and just keep empty shell of the A/C compressor with bearing and pulley to avoid additional cost of buying shorter belt. I had in the past truck like that.

 

Great suggestions! Thanks!
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vapir oxygen vaporizer

 

Interesting.....


I found some info on them to share after seeing your post...

http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/yorkair.html

 

its a common mod with Jeeps...who makes our compressors? maybe they lube themselves with internal oil like yorks. BTW kilby makes adapter brackets for jeeps and they're going out of business..might be able to get a good deal if they make one for rovers.

 

The compressor you're talking about is the york model with a crankcase and pistons.

Lots of older Chryslers used them (before the 80's they were popular on many makes)

most newer ones are scroll compressors, I believe, as such they are likely to push oil
into the lines.

The older yorks were/are a popular conversion, I once ran one up to 450# disch.

luck,greg