Disconnect A/C compressor?

[ejscarfo]

I have a 96 XLT 5.0. My A/C doesn't work but the compressor turns freely, well at least until this morning. I was warming up the truck before I left for work and had the defroster on full blast to clear the windows. There was some squealing coming from the belt but because of the rain this morning, etc., I didn't think much of it. I pulled away from the house and while driving down the street I noticed the voltmeter not in its usual position, it was pointing lower than normal. I turned off the defroster and the gauge returned to its normal position. This is the first time this has happened. Could the compressor cause that sort of drain? I probably need a new one but with this crazy weather up here on Long Island, who knows when I will get to it. If I just disconnect electric to the compressor, I should be ok for the time being, right?

I was also thinking of bypassing the compressor completely with a smaller belt, anyone ever do this?

 

[BurnTheLight88]

If the pulley is seizing, it could cause the belt to turn slower and slow everything else down, but it depends on how much. If they totally freeze, the belt usually just keeps going and burns itself down pretty quick, but that could cause a voltage drop as well perhaps.

The best bet IMO is to bypass the pulley, but I've never looked at it to know if its possible with just a smaller belt.

 

[ejscarfo]

From what I can tell, I don't think its possible to by-pass it with a smaller belt. I'm going to pull the connector so the clutch doesn't engage and hopefully it will buy me some time.

 

[ejscarfo]

To update, I pulled the connector on the compressor and while it doesn't engage now, its still making some noise so I am pretty sure its on the way out. I just found a post from awhile ago with a part number to bypass the A/C. In case anyone needs the info, Duralast 835K6 is the belt to use. I will pick one up and install it over the weekend, hopefully it buys me the time I need.

 

[Maverick265]

I bypassed a 2000 durango a/c compressor with a smaller belt. Just went to AutoZOne and asked for a durango a/c bypass belt. Had to try a couple different ones but we got it. I think that car got 9MPG instead of 7MPG afterthat.

 

[ejscarfo]

Well the 835K6 did the trick. The compressor is now bypassed and I don't have to worry about it seizing up on me. The only noise now is coming from the power steering pump so that's the next project along with the EGR valve.

Just a quick rant tho...what genius decided it was cool to put the tensioner on the bottom? Working on your back, its almost impossible to put a belt back on while trying to hold a breaker bar on that bolt. Its not like there wasn't room to put it on the top of the engine, next to the power steering pump would of worked just fine.