Would here be any ill-effects from pulling everything a/c related, capping the oulets of the compressor and using the compressor solely as a tensioner? It won't seize up and snap a belt will it?
I removed my compressor. It could possibly seize. Also it's fairly hefty and getting rid of it allows to remove a v-belt. You'll need a non-a/c alternator though if you want to go this route.
I'm aware of the virtues of the non-a/c alternator but don't have one handy. I'd like to eliminate as much of the system as possible for the time being and eventually find a non-a/c alternator and clean it up properly.
Let me tell you a little story...I did not remove my AC compressor in my (RIP) 92 Golf NA. One day, she was really losing power. Then I smelled it....then saw the cherry red compressor staring at me when I opened the hood. There was no fire extinguisher in her at the time and no source of fluid to cool off the compressor that was glowing cherry red and had melted the belts. Good thing I drank a few coffees on the way...that's how I put her out
Yes, it will seize. Get it out of her
the only way that the a/c compressor is engaged is if the clutch is energized. the clutch shouldn't energize unless the low pressure switch is bad, and you've selected defrost.
just make sure to cut and insulate the clutch wire, and it should be fine.