A/C Compressor Dead...Can I wait til Spring to Fix It?

[TheLyon32]

Compressor burnt up and is now making an annoying whining noise.

My mechanic says I need to replace it because it can lock up and cause further damage.

My first question...Is there anything I can do to make the pulley spin freely until I want to replace it in the spring?
Of course I can pull relay/fuse but will that accomplish my goal.

Whats the worst that could happen other than breaking a belt?

If I can hold off on the repair, is there anything I can do about the noise?

People and information on this site have saved me a lot of money and time but I fear that Im just going to have to spend the money sooner rather than later.

Im not driving the Marauder for now but my other vehicle is not nearly as fun to drive

[justbob]

Does it make noise when not engaged? If not, disconnect the wiring to it so it doesn't come on when defrost is selected (pump is wired to run in defrost mode).

If constant, get creative with different belt sizes to bypass it all together?


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[TheLyon32]

Yes it squeals at all times..I just went out to check to see if even engages at all and my belt was already broken. Last time I drove it was about 2 weeks ago. Glad I came straight home and didn't get stuck anywhere.

Any Ideas..?? I really dont want to spend the money until I actually want to use the A/C...but I dont want to rig anything unsafe or mess up my car.

[finster101]

I really dont want to spend the money until I actually want to use the A/C...but I dont want to rig anything unsafe or mess up my car.


You have answered your own question. Fix it.

[SC Cheesehead]

I really dont want to spend the money until I actually want to use the A/C...but I dont want to rig anything unsafe or mess up my car.


You have answered your own question. Fix it.

^^^^^^ What he said. Get it done right or be prepared to spend more on down the road.

[Gordy]

I feel your pain man. While I'm not having the exact same issue as you, my compressor's clutch has gone bad (when engaged it clicks) and I have been torn for months lol between replacing it with an eBay (China) aftermarket one or just springing the cash and ordering OEM. My advice to myself is, "stop being so stingy and buy the part you need!"

[justbob]

What is unsafe rigging when bypassing the A/C pulley with a shorter belt? You asked for a cheap solution and I gave you just that. Maybe it may slip a little, but i doubt it.

Besides that, how did you not know the belt was already broke when you drove the car home with no P/S, or Alt?

[1stMerc]

The compressor itself is expensive, the longer you wait other parts may need to be replaced as well. I started out in about July having to replace reciever/drier for leakage. Two weeks later had to have compressor replaced because clutch had locked up. Fortunately, didn't have any noise and pulley free wheeled so no belt damage. Ran around for about two weeks. Then it just got to hot to go without ac. 1400 via dealer, but got him down to 1299 all total with some other work as well.

[TFB]

What is unsafe rigging when bypassing the A/C pulley with a shorter belt? You asked for a cheap solution and I gave you just that. Maybe it may slip a little, but i doubt it.

Besides that, how did you not know the belt was already broke when you drove the car home with no P/S, or Alt?

Agreed, I knew the instant it broke when mine snapped...

It should be possible to bypass the A/C comp with a shorter belt(assuming this is the correct wrap)...

[71cyclone]

Agreed, I knew the instant it broke when mine snapped...

It should be possible to bypass the A/C comp with a shorter belt(assuming this is the correct wrap)...

" DITTO"

While back in my Fox body days , The quick horse power gain was to do the A/C by pass .The belt diagram showed the with and without A/C belt pictured on under the hood. 1979-19etc

[TheLyon32]

So what's the consensus on whether bypassing the compressor with a shorter belt is ok?

[RF Overlord]

It's fine, as long as you route the shorter belt properly around the accessories so they all turn in the right direction. Follow the blue and green diagram above ^^^.

[dustybo83]

Any idea on the length of the belt to bypass the compressor? My a.c. Compressor recently ate the dust and I'm just gonna bypass it till I get the time to replace the compressor