1.6 Miata AC removal ??

[6PAK72]

I'm about to pull the AC from Smurf, and someone told me there's a pulley assembly that is needed to replace the compressor.

1. Anyone have one to sell? Or, know where I should buy one?

2. Anyone done this, and have hints I need to know - other than purging the unit, which I know about?

[breakaway500]

Can't you just run a shorter belt to run the power steering? That is what I did when I eliminated my a/c compressor.The ps pump has the adjustments for belt tension,so it's no biggie.Shorter belt,snug it up and good to go. I'll be surprised if there is any refrigerant in that old an a/c system. You can depress the schrader valve (in the service port) for a second to see before you open the system. Take all the refrigerant lines off,and remove the receiver/drier canister.You could put little plastic plugs (or electrical tape) over the open ends of the evaporator core line ends on the firewall,to keep stuff out,in case you ever want to reinstall the a/c .Take the condenser out.Done!

[Dtangard]

When I removed my ac (1.8L) I just replaced the belt with a shorter one. I'd be surprised if the 1.6 is any different. Purging the system was fun...

[Stynger]

Pull the condenser and replace it with a stock plastic duct from Mazda made for the Miatas without A/C.

[6PAK72]

Thanks, all.

If it warms up from -7 this weekend...

[Stynger]

FWIW the adjustable pulley assembly is needed when keeping the A/C but pulling the P/S.

The belt for just the P/S is available from Mazda or NAPA.

[CP]

Or yank the power steering while you're at it and eliminate that belt altogether. Spec Miatas with power steering are a rare sight at impound on race days. I pulled the AC compressor bracket that's bolted to the side of the block too.

[paultg]

As others have said just use the shorter ps only belt. That's what I did on my 1.6l.
I broke the compressor off the motor (leaving the engine to compressor bracket) cause it was quicker. I've read if you pull the bracket you may need a shorter bolt into the engine block (or you'll have an oil leak), but I can't confirm that, just what I read on miata.net

Paul G.

[Stynger]

I've read if you pull the bracket you may need a shorter bolt into the engine block (or you'll have an oil leak), but I can't confirm that, just what I read on miata.net

Paul G.

That's true.