Hello,

Whenever I start my RX8 I notice there is smoke coming from my AC Compressor Belt. I believe either the the AC Compressor or it's clutch is bad. I'll fix this eventually, but was wondering if it was safe to just remove the AC Compressor Belt (NOT the water pump belt) and drive the car in the meantime? I live in Florida, so I don't need AC now in the winter. I just want to make sure this belt isn't driving anything else important.

Thanks.

 

yes

 

Removing it would be safe. If anything its safer than driving it with it still on there, if the compressor ended up seizing and the belt gives way, you dont want to risk it breaking or knocking off your alternator and water pump drive belt. Replace your AC compressor and AC belt and AC tensioner pulley when you get it all repaired.

 

mine seized up while driving, it shredded the belt and made a god awful mess

 

Perfect. Thank you so much guys for the quick reply.

 

I just bought a 2007 GT and I’m in the middle of a 2,500 kilometre (1,500 mile) trip back home. Unfortunately, the accessory belt (part# N3H115908A9U) just came off with just 300 kilometres left to go!

Is this the AC compressor belt … and if it is … I can drive it home and I won’t damage the car? When the belt came off the cabin instantly became hot and the dashboard was quite warm. Also, the engine compartment was quite warm when we stopped. This heat is what has me concerned and I don’t want to damage the engine … which runs like a dream!!

 

1 belt runs the alternator and water pump. The other runs the AC alone. No AC, you’re hot and the car is fine, no water pump and you’re walking until you save up for a new engine. Check over the other belt to make sure it’s in good condition.

 

Thank you for responding! It’s greatly appreciated to put my mind at ease. The alternator belt looks ok and is running smooth. The radiator cap was also not hot to the touch when we first pulled over to look things over. Also, no CEL lights warning lights when started.

If we still had the AC button “on” when the belt came off would that explain a sudden heat accumulation/increase under the dashboard?

I see you’re in Canada. We’re coming from Kingston, ON and headed to Winnipeg. Staying the night in Dryden, ON now … less than 4 hours from home.

 

I haven’t driven that side of the country yet, just driven from Vancouver to Selkirk a couple times and once to Flin Flon. Truly amazing white sand beaches on the south side of Lake Winnipeg. Hope the trip goes smoothly from here on. When you start the maintenance to keep the car running well a good idea is to include gauges to monitor temperatures. The dash gauge is a “it’s too late” gauge and only moves when the engine is too hot. I think MazMart has a complete hose replacement kit. Radiator is another piece that’s getting old if it’s original. Not a race to replace everything but, good to replace soon. Check out the “sticky’s” in the new member section.

 

Thanks for the tips. I’ve been reading the forum in detail in the last couple months. Already have my BHR coils and a case of Idemitsu pre-mix oil … although I used Amsoil Interceptor from CT for the trip.

Outside of the AC belt, Car drove like a dream through the Northern Ontario twists and turns. Beautiful drive. Car seems to be in great shape - mid to high 7s for compressions test, interior is almost brand new looking, and paint is good. I plan on doing a full detailing over the next week with a clay bar, machine polish and ceramic coat.

I ended up leaving last night as there was rain in the forecast today and driving without the AC’s dehumidifier seemed like a bad idea. Long story, short … drove fine and made it home easily. Thanks again.

 

I’m not sure about pricing between idemitsu pre mix and Amsoil Saber but, I’ve gone with direct order from Amsoil for a case of 946ml bottles (12) costing about $200. Takes about 3 days to arrive. Might save you a bit and it’s been recommended here somewhere.

 

Thanks for the tip. That’s a good price. I got the Idemitsu shipped to Pembina ND for $150 CDN and picked it up there. If you have to factor in gas it would be more costly than the Amsoil Saber … but I also have a MachE and solar panels… so it’s just the time, which is a non factor, since its a nice relaxing 2.5hrs round trip.

RX8 is at the dealership service centre and putting on a new belt and pulley assembly as I type this. I also have them putting in the BHR coils. I was going to do it myself, but they said they can quickly install them since they’re already doing the pulley and belt.