So I picked up a 1997 F-150 with the 4.6L W code for my son. The truck has sat for a couple of years in Northern MI and we're finding pulleys rusted up for the Alternator, A/C compressor, Idler Pulley, & Idler Tensioner. The good news is the water pump and power steering seem to be ok and the engine starts and runs without the belt.

I'm trying to figure out the best & cheapest way out of get this thing on the road again. A/C is not a huge priority, but would be nice if we can get it going again. We couldn't turn the pulley or clutch on the A/C compressor. It looks like I can get a replacement pulley for about $25. Just trying to decide whether its worth it to try or should I just go ahead and delete the system. I've never cracked into an A/C system before, just looking for advice from those who have.

 

you probably can just get a belt for the truck just without a/c. don't think you'll even have to mess with it till your ready ti fix it in the spring.

 

It looks like no a/c uses a different tensioner, w/o grooves for the back side of the belt, instead of the front.

The tensioner is only $25 so no big deal to change it back later. Just thinking if all I have to do is change the pulley on the compressor maybe I should do that now. I've just never done it before and trying to see what I'm getting into. I'm thinking I will try to knock the old pulley off this week sometime before I start ordering parts.

 

Just replace the pulley and fix it.