Burned out my A/C clutch, can I still drive it?

[72Blazerod]

I was driving my 1972 home from a car show last night, when I heard a horrible sound coming form under the hood. By the time I could find a safe place to pull over, there was smoke coming out from under the hood. I popped the hood and saw that the pulley from my A/C condenser was smoking like H#LL! So I unplugged the wires leading to the A/C condenser and drove the final 5 miles home. I don't want to do more damage to the A/C unit then I already have, but I do want to be able to drive the car (but can't afford to fix the A/C right now). What can I do so that I can drive? I have already unplugged the a/c condenser, should I pull the belt right off of the a/c unit so it doesn't spin? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Rod

 

[bmotojoe]

Yes, you can remove the belt and still drive the car. But I would have the clutch replaced as soon as you can. If there is ANY moister in your system and the compressor sits idle for an extended period of time it will seize up tight! The clutch can be pulled without removing the compressor from the car but a special puller is need. When you can afford it any good A/C repair shop can do this.
Brian

 

[ratflinger]

??? AC in Canada. I thought it just barely got above freezing there. :L

Pull the belt, if the clutch locks then it will burn & chunk the belt.