Belt length. Opinion needed!

[Karpiel73]

So I bypassed the AC compressor today and I bought 4 different belt lengths. I measured the distance between the frame and tensioner with the stock belt and came up with 5.75 inches.
Then a 71 inch belt was installed and the measurement was 6.1 inches. Which is more tension than stock.
I then went with a 71.5 inch belt, 5.5 inch measurement, less tension than stock.
So I don't know which belt to go with, I was trying to stick with the closest to stock tension as possible.

One additional note, while the 71.5 inch belt was on I climbed underneath with the engine on and the tensioner was moving perpendicular to the belt about 1/4 of an inch each way, with the rythym of the engine. (The idle is not perfect by the way)

 

[Alaskanredneck]

I think you may be better off getting an ac bypass pulley. That way you dont have to worry what belt you need in an emergency situation. I know that they have them at NAPA the part number should be # 6601830.
Good Luck

 

[Karpiel73]

The compressor is still bolted on and charged up in case I ever want the AC for a long road trip.

 

[99SportX]

To be honest, I don't think it makes much difference. I would go with the 71.5" belt. You are operating pretty close to the original tensioner position. I can't imagine the tension will vary that much. The tensioner on my 4.0 sohc bounces a little bit as well when idling.

My question is: Why, if your ac works perfectly fine, are you bypassing it?

 

[waskly]

you will gain nothing bypassing the ac, best you can do is unplug it so defrost does not turn it on, and just use the regular belt. or remove the a/c relay.

 

[Karpiel73]

I have never used the AC in the 4.5 years of owning the Ex. Midnightrebel said he gained 1mpg after removing his compressor so I'm hoping for that. Plus an under drive pulley will be on order soon. Also less drag on the engine too.

 

[Karpiel73]

The tensioner on my 4.0 sohc bounces a little bit as well when idling.

This eases my mind. Thanks!

 

[waskly]

I have never used the AC in the 4.5 years of owning the Ex. Midnightrebel said he gained 1mpg after removing his compressor so I'm hoping for that. Plus an under drive pulley will be on order soon. Also less drag on the engine too.

it wont drag if its not on, the difference is hes not carrying a the ac system weight, its the same as taking the interior seats you dont use out. its a free spinning bearing pulley when the ac is not on.

 

[Karpiel73]

it wont drag if its not on, the difference is hes not carrying a the ac system weight, its the same as taking the interior seats you dont use out. its a free spinning bearing pulley when the ac is not on.

My compressor cycles probably 1-2 times a minute when idling. It's highly noticable.

 

[waskly]

My compressor cycles probably 1-2 times a minute when idling. It's highly noticable.

which is why i said unplug it, or remove the ac relay. you will then have the same results as installing a shorter belt.

like i said, some settings like defrost use the ac. not always on but a little.

if you stop the clutch from engaging, relay or unplug it, its the same as using a shorter belt.

new belt, 20-30 dollars, removing a a/c relay == free.

 

[Karpiel73]

The compressor has been unplugged for about 3 weeks. I just felt like throwing a shorter belt on it.