Has anyone deleted the AC system on their 5VZ-FE?

[Endlessblockades]

Now hear me out.....I've brought this up and people have scoffed at the lunacy of such an idea. The bottom line is that I will NEVER use the air conditioning system. I live in a very mild climate and I am accustomed to the discomfort of having to crank the heater in hot desert weather anyway to keep it running cool(er). Running the AC is out of the question. I am going to experiment with a dedicated fan on my trans oil cooler. I saw quite a few in use at a recent desert event. I need the condenser and the diagonal hardline gone. Anything to consider besides trying to be ethical about discharging the refrigerant? I may throw some light metal mesh in front the the radiator. I'll probably leave the pump and pull the belt.

 

[2TH4IST]

I have not on the 4runner. But I did on my miata. Lost like 46lbs iirc. I suffered in the summer and had no defrost capability in yhe winter. But I drove it like that for 7 plus years, and got used to the heat in summer. I managed. But I too neverish use my ac too, just to defrost the windshield.

For the miata it was worth it. If you remove the ac system keep all the parts if you want to reinstall it.

 

[Endlessblockades]

I have not on the 4runner. But I did on my miata. Lost like 46lbs iirc. I suffered in the summer and had no defrost capability in yhe winter. But I drove it like that for 7 plus years, and got used to the heat in summer. I managed. But I too neverish use my ac too, just to defrost the windshield.

For the miata it was worth it. If you remove the ac system keep all the parts if you want to reinstall it.

Thank you - i suspected it was tied into the defrost system. However, not something I have needed to use in 6 years of ownership. Are you still running your fan system or did you come across another combination of things that worked (if my poor memory serves me....)?

 

[phattyduck]

You can fit plenty of trans cooler in there and keep the AC...

Done a number of 105*F+ days going hard off road (or just the highway). Trans temps under 220*F with unlocked torque converter (190* locked), cool in the cabin, engine temps under 200*F....

I adjusted how the top and bottom AC condenser mounts (move it closer to the radiator) to make room. With everything stacked, the stock fan pulls plenty of air through all the coolers.

-Charlie

 

[3bears]

I have not deleted mine but I did take off the belt and have no ac. As far as defrost I live in a very cold dry climate, so the heater set to defrost still defrosts the windshield.

 

[Endlessblockades]

You can fit plenty of trans cooler in there and keep the AC...

Done a number of 105*F+ days going hard off road (or just the highway). Trans temps under 220*F with unlocked torque converter (190* locked), cool in the cabin, engine temps under 200*F....

I adjusted how the top and bottom AC condenser mounts (move it closer to the radiator) to make room. With everything stacked, the stock fan pulls plenty of air through all the coolers.

-Charlie

Nice looking stack! I imagine that new condenser helps the airflow a bit. Mine looks like it would disintegrate if touched. I know even the stock system should be sufficient, but for whatever reason I have always had to make mods to stay cool in low speed, high stress situations. I know people who run cool and people who run hot with basically the same parts. I'm in the unlucky camp. I've seen 240 coolant and 249 trans temps. Very briefly, of course - an unplanned beverage stop happened immediately.

 

[phattyduck]

Nice looking stack! I imagine that new condenser helps the airflow a bit. Mine looks like it would disintegrate if touched. I know even the stock system should be sufficient, but for whatever reason I have always had to make mods to stay cool in low speed, high stress situations. I know people who run cool and people who run hot with basically the same parts. I'm in the unlucky camp. I've seen 240 coolant and 249 trans temps. Very briefly, of course - an unplanned beverage stop happened immediately.

That new condenser was unplanned, caused by me breaking it while trying to mod it to fit the trans cooler... :redface: I also run a thermostat on the trans cooling loop to avoid over-cooling in cold weather.

I now also have an all aluminum CSF radiator in there, but that was because the 'standard' Denso was rubbing/interfering with my front skid plate and I was worried about reliability/longevity there. No cooling issues before or after that change.

edit: Things in front of the radiator a bit different now too with a winch and control box behind the bumper and grill. AC line is now behind the hood latch support bar and still fits fine.

-Charlie

 

[2TH4IST]

[MENTION=373697]Endlessblockades[/MENTION] no e-fan anymore. The stock set up is what I run now, fan clutch with a koyo radiator. I do need to install a trans fluid thermostat.

Eta [MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] what temp thermostat did you use for your transmission cooler?

 

[phattyduck]

Eta [MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] what temp thermostat did you use for your transmission cooler?

Its the 180* one that is included with the LPD4921 kit from Tru-Cool. I think they rate it at 180* start to open, fully open at 205*

Those trans temps I quote above are the stock sensor readings, which is on the OUTLET of the transmission, where the fluid is hottest.

-Charlie

 

[Endlessblockades]

Its the 180* one that is included with the LPD4921 kit from Tru-Cool. I think they rate it at 180* start to open, fully open at 205*

Those trans temps I quote above are the stock sensor readings, which is on the OUTLET of the transmission, where the fluid is hottest.

-Charlie

Yep, I take a bit of comfort knowing that the OBDII-based trans oil temp reading is reported from a very hot location in the loop. It's just stressful having one eye on the gauge all day. With any asphalt airflow, my trans runs in the perfect 150-175 range, but when things slow down off-road, it's another story. Same with engine cooling to a lesser degree. That's why I'm trying to simulate more airflow with a fan. Sigh

 

[Endlessblockades]

[MENTION=373697]Endlessblockades[/MENTION] no e-fan anymore. The stock set up is what I run now, fan clutch with a koyo radiator. I do need to install a trans fluid thermostat.

Eta [MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] what temp thermostat did you use for your transmission cooler?

Well, you did an excellent job documenting the fan build!

 

[2TH4IST]

I'll come back to it another time, some day lol.