I am planning on replacing the A/C lines on the firewall, but don't have the equipment to properly evacuate the system. To save paying a shop to remove my intake and swap the lines, which I can do, I want to have the system evacuated, do the necessary work at home, then have the system professionally recharged. As far as i understand, if I unplug the A/C compressor it will just act as a simple pulley and be fine to drive with no refrigerant in the system. Is this correct? Thanks

 

Yes. Unplug compressor. As for the HVAC work, having it open to outside air will likely spoil the drier, add that to the list. Driers absorb water vapor, so even leaving them open on the test bench for a few minutes can kill them, they are sold sealed, usually in a stiff shrink wrap. Might want to have shop do drier as well when they vacuum down and recharge the system.

 

Good to know, thanks. I've decided to try and tackle the rear A/C retrofit. So far it's been....expensive I'll be sure to take lots of pics and do a write up if I'm successful.

 

You will have to have the system pumped down by a shop, add oil and 134 all at the same time.

 

IIRC if your AC is very low or has no charge, the compressor is disabled by a switch. However, there is no harm in electrically disconnecting your compressor. Ditto on Savannah's drier suggestion.

Ed