AC bypass belt
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Akron, OH
AC bypass belt
I have a 1996 F-150 with the 4.9L I6. Recently the pulley on the AC compressor has started squealing. I was able to determine this by spraying WD-40 into various pulleys until the squeal stopped. Its definately the AC compressor.
My question is, can the current belt be rerouted to bypass the AC as per the diagram under the hood? Or do I need to buy a different length belt to accomplish this?
Thanks.
My question is, can the current belt be rerouted to bypass the AC as per the diagram under the hood? Or do I need to buy a different length belt to accomplish this?
Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Central NY
I'm not sure on the i6 but I beleive it would need a different length belt. The V8's need a new belt or an a/c delete pulley. You can use a peice of string to loop around the pulleys to get the legnth you need.
Merry Christmas!
Tim
Merry Christmas!
Tim
4wd Low
Joined: Nov 2005
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You can't go with the Shorter belt idea I had the Napa guy look for me.They do make an iddler pulley.My compressor was just locked up but the bearings are fine.So my compressor acts as my idler pulley just disconected the electrical from the compressor.
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And if your compressor is closed to locking up the dealer sells a bracket with an idler pulley that bolts onto the exact location your compressor is now - same belt and everything. A lot cheaper than a replacement A/C system if you don't mind to do without it.
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Senior User
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From: Akron, OH
Well I went to NAPA and they don't sell a different belt for the I6 without A/C. Also they showed me their AC pulley delete catalog and they have one for every engine but the I6. From the diagram under the hood it stilll looks like I can bypass the AC without removing the compressor. I guess I'll just have to try it and see if its possible.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Pompano Beach, FL
My compressor seized, too, on my 94 I6 so I went with the shorter belt. I have since fixed my ac but I can't read the writings on the belt anymore, which I'm still keeping behind the seat, just in case. I did go with a shorter belt and it is possible. But, I did have to take the pulley off the compressor because the shorter bypassed belt was rubbing against it.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
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From: Pompano Beach, FL
It wasn't too bad. It's been a while back, but I think I used an 8mm socket with a 1/4 ratchet. Loosen the tensioner, take the belt off. Like I said, it's been a while, but I think you may have to fight with the clutch a little, but after that the pulley should slide out. It will be a big help to have a 2nd person assist you in putting the new belt on. Also, we're in luck. I just looked at the old belt and it's a napa serpentine belt part #25-060938. I looked it up and it's 94.5 inches long....just in case napa's too far. Hope everything works out.
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From: Akron, OH
I got the belt from NAPA and it is the correct length. My dad and I were able to get the clutch off the compressor with some prying but we were absolutely unable to get the pulley off. It definately did not slide off as described. So we replaced the clutch and put on the old belt and left it how it was.
Sometime in the near future I need to replace my radiator, so perhaps I could fit a pulley puller in there while we are doing that.
Sometime in the near future I need to replace my radiator, so perhaps I could fit a pulley puller in there while we are doing that.
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Senior User
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From: Akron, OH
Yesterday we replaced the radiator and bypassed the AC. Using a puller I was able to get the pulley off and there's barely enough clearance (1/8 inch) between the belt and the AC compressor. It works though. Thanks for everyone's help.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
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From: Pompano Beach, FL
Glad to have helped....for the life of me I can't remember how in hell I managed to get that pulley off. I was stuck at a job when it happenned so I didn't have many tools with me. I know for sure I didn't have any kind of puller, but then again, I work in demolition, so I have all sorts of tools to remove/demolish stuff. Maybe I stuck a wrecking bar in there and pryed, who knows....oh hell, glad everything worked out although I'll be racking my brains now trying to remember. The good thing is, you probably get a few extra ponies just from the bypassing. I know I felt a difference. My buddy guesstimates between 4-7 hp gain just from the bypass. It's only a guess, but I did feel an extra oomph.
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