Air conditioner removal

[LennyinKansas]

A few years back a Ford dealer mechanic told me that my a/c system had been apparently recharged with R-22 household refrigerant. They also told me it would cost $1000 to convert it to 134a. I have not tried to retro-fit it to 134a, and the system gets in the way when fixing other things. I don't use it and I've learned to live without it, so can I remove it? It seems like I should just be able to get a new serpentine belt for a model without a/c. Will removing the system throw any trouble codes and therefore a check engine light?

 

[FIND]

You should have it properly evacuated before removing it, but after that, you are good to go. Rip all of that stuff out.... you won't have any troubles. Worst change that will come of it will be that there will be a little bit of extra gas in your tank after a drive. In other words, nothing bad will happen.

 

[LennyinKansas]

The mechanic told me that they would just vent that R22 into the atmosphere b/c they didn't want to put it in their machine. Could I be in any kind of danger if I did it myself?

 

[FIND]

Well..... it is toxic, bad for the environment, opens holes in the Ozone layer, and the EPA will cut your balls off and feed them to you while giving you a fine big enough to buy a couple hundred 1st gen explorers with working AC if you do it.... So I would suggest finding a different mechanic or AC guy. Stop and talk to a regular AC guy or even an HVAC contractor. They will have the equipment to drain it, and they won't feed you any BS either.

If you are going to a mechanic who thinks he can just vent R-22 into the atmosphere..... get a new mechanic.

 

[DV8]

indeed. releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is a major no-no, and commands a huge fine if you get caught/turned in....