So the clutch / pulley on the AC compressor has siezed up on my 98 XJ. I seldom use the AC where I live anyway, so I plan to go the cheaper option with a bypass pulley. My question is what to do with the rest of the AC components. I've read where some people just slide the compressor up out of the way and leave everything connected... If possible I'd rather just remove everything I can to keep things cleaner and more open under the hood.
thanks,
Ben

 

I would just unhook the lines and pull the compressor. I would leave the evaporator and condenser in place, unless the condenser bothers you. But the evaporator in the dash is going to be quite a job so myself I would just leave it in place. You are going to need quick disconnect fitting tools.

 

if you are going the route of pulling the AC you may as well pull the condenser too. I did on mine and it runs cooler now. It would be just another thing in front of the radiator to prevent more air going through. I would not do the evaporator unless you have to change out the heater core.

 

do you remember how the condenser came out? I have the compressor off, I'm going to leave the evap. I might pull the condenser if its not too difficult ( doing this outside in 20° temps...) otherwise I'll just leave it for now.
thanks

 

Also... Has anyone used the AC bypass pulley from autozone, know if I will need a shorter belt, or the stock length?
Thank you

 

The one that I bought from Napa, which is probably a Dorman, uses the stock length. Betting the Auto Zone one is a Dorman too.

 

please correct me if I'm wrong... but don't you need your a/c for the defroster as well?

 

You'll get better defogging action with the AC working but it's not required. Cars had defrosters way before AC became popular.

 

To remove the condenser you have to use the same process as removing the radiator. they are connected together with "L" brackets on the top.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone. I installed the new bypass pulley yesterday and everything is working fine now. Just incase anyone else is looking, the Dorman brand pulley from autozone worked fine with the stock length belt.
What should i do with the old compressor (already removed it) just wondering if a compressor with a siezed pulley is worth anything to anyone or just garbage?

 

boat anchor or paper weight. you could change the pulley and try to sell it, I would just toss it in a scrap bin with some other aluminum parts. Or you could rebuild it for use as an air compressor.

 

I hope you don't mind me pointing out something from well earned experience by trying this several times concerning using an AC compressor as an air compressor... They really don't last very long without oil running through them as designed.

There is one that can be used though... And it is the old V-twin cylinder Chrysler AC compressor because it has it's own crankcase oil reserve and oil pump like a car engine.

 

I know they did.... I just didn't know on the XJs if it was something was designed as more of an "assist" with the defogging or was mandatory to make it work.
Thanks for the info.
cheers.