AC compressor bypass

[tom4bren]

This is just an FYI.

If you're having issues with your AC compressor (or just never use the AC & want to see if you can get 1 or 2 more mpg), you SHOULD be able to replace the serpentine belt with one for a 99 Amigo with the 3.2L & no AC.

I said 'should' because I haven't verified this yet on the VX but it worked on my Amigo. Since the 3.5L is just a bored & stroked 3.2L, I'm certain that it'll work.

I know that bypassing the AC compressor is old school stuff but with newer engines with serpentine belts, it wasn't a sure thing. It was actually a close call just eyeballing it ... but it worked.

Yesterday while, I was 40 miles from home, the AC compressor on my Amigo siezed up. It was actually a pretty easy fix (after I had the new belt in hand anyway).

[VXorado]

It's true... I also did this year's ago. Gives you some time to fix an a/c compressor while keeping the VX drivable. Also a Trooper 3.5L without A/C also has the correct size belt.

I included a belt part number in an old thread, which can be found by searching "ac compressor."

[tom4bren]

BTW - triple check the belt around the crank. It's hard to see & easy for it to slip sideways by 1 rib whilst putting the tensioner back on. This will result in:

1. slicing away 20% of a $30 belt on the first drive

2. an 80 inch strand of very strong re-inforced rubber wrapped tightly around your fan clutch

3. a damaged wire bundle below the crank where said rubber strip in 2. above has slapped the snot out of it

Ask me how I know!!!

[circmand]

you do seem to have the most interesting luck when working on your VX

[tom4bren]

Always good to be able to laugh about it later though:):):)

[evillecutter]

i rode with the short belt for 6 months before i got the compressor fixed - never had a problem

[VX KAT]

i rode with the short belt for 6 months ......

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.......



.




.


yeah, yeah, I know....
.:slap:

[tom4bren]

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.....

I ... I ... have no response to that!

[VX KAT]

I ... I ... have no response to that!

:p

[tom4bren]

Here's a pic of the package for the short belt. For reference, the part # for the full length belt is written on the package. BTW, the length of the short belt is right around 80". IIRC the full length belt is somewhere around 84".


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/short_belt.jpg

[tom4bren]

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.......

Yup. Here's a pic from my 'window licker' days.


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/window_licker.jpg