The compressor keeps cycling on and has a little knock. Is it neccessary for the heater to work? I can see the clutch activating on and off. I would like to save it for the summer. Thanks

 

Go for it. Won't be an issue. Which motor do you have?


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The compressor runs in winter to help dehumidify the air. It may take longer to clear your windows.

There is also a chance the seals in the compressor will dry up and start to leak.

If it has a knock it's on borrowed time. Sooner or later it's going to fail. It's by far better to replace it beforehand. If it does fail, catastrophically, debris can get into the system and the repair becomes much more expensive.

 

Depending on the engine its not to hard to DIY the compressor should be 4 bolts for the stand and one that clamps the high and low side tubes to it. Just beware not to tighten the bolts too much we are dealing with soft metals here snug is good. Most new compressors are pre filled with the oil needed. A flush of the Condenser would be a good idea but not a must do, check the orifice tube and change out the A/C Receiver Drier/Accumulator with a new one go to a shop and get it checked for leaks filled up and go. That should save you a good chunk of $$$$

Have a shop drain out the old Freon before you start

A few other things should be done but basically that’s it.

What ever you do DO NOT let them inject the nasty leak Dye in the system it degrades your cooling performance by 8 to 10% plus they usualy inject way too much and that will drop it even a higher % wise.

Lazy mechanics they have better ways to find leaks now the sniffers are way better but they dont like using them too much work they dont want to think just do the usual thing.