a/c compressor by-pass

[motorsports12]

has anyone ever tried to bypass the ac compressor on a 2001 silverado 5.3 v-8 - i think the bearing on the compressor is going out and i dont want to throw a ton of money into the ac - i dont really need it - my questions is can it be done and still leave the compressor there - if so what belt would i use ( part number if possible) and would me defrost still work in the winter

[2000CAYukon]

The a/c belt only drives the compressor so you can always take off that belt. a/c helps remove condensation in the winter but defrost will still work, just not as well.

//2000CAyukon

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by motorsports12

has anyone ever tried to bypass the ac compressor on a 2001 silverado 5.3 v-8 - i think the bearing on the compressor is going out and i dont want to throw a ton of money into the ac - i dont really need it - my questions is can it be done and still leave the compressor there - if so what belt would i use ( part number if possible) and would me defrost still work in the winter

just cut the belt off. now compressor is the only component effected. in winter below 50 deg f the compressor is locked out anyway..refrigerent is too cold and may be liquid state . compressor will blow up if liquid gets to the valves.

sure you'll have defrost. with alot of heat to melt off the ice / fog from heavy breathing.

when summer comes thats when you will need it .

[motorsports12]

but its a serpentine belt - runs around all the pulleys - if it was a v-belt what you both are saying would make sense but not sure with a serpentine belt

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by motorsports12

but its a serpentine belt - runs around all the pulleys - if it was a v-belt what you both are saying would make sense but not sure with a serpentine belt

my 2000 5.3L uses a belt only for the air compressor.

The larger belt is for ps/water pump/alt....

remove the plastic cover and look at the ac compressor belt .. when you do this grease all those front end components while your in there.

now my 1996 impala SS that has only one belt . when the compressor goes then your screwed. LT1 engine.

you may find that the noise is from the idler pulley for the compressor. remove belt and be careful not to have the idler snap back. if it does then it can get damaged. the tension must be constant for proper operation.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by motorsports12

but its a serpentine belt - runs around all the pulleys - if it was a v-belt what you both are saying would make sense but not sure with a serpentine belt

go here see the belt for ac..... http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-4K378-...ype=automotive


this belt is 14 inches long. with noise I would try belt change and then replace the ac idler pulley since this does act up at the 10 yrs of use.

[Lowwake2]

Check with Napa, they have a/c bypass kits that have a idler pulley that replaces the compressor so you can use the same belt - sometimes trying to use a smaller belt w/out a/c doesnt work due to interference.
Even if the compressor is seized, you can unplug the compressor clutch - if the clutch is not bad also, it should spin free allowing you to us the proper belt.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Lowwake2

Check with Napa, they have a/c bypass kits that have a idler pulley that replaces the compressor so you can use the same belt - sometimes trying to use a smaller belt w/out a/c doesnt work due to interference.
Even if the compressor is seized, you can unplug the compressor clutch - if the clutch is not bad also, it should spin free allowing you to us the proper belt.

if you take out the compressor then you screw up the ac system. now the ac is open to damage from mositure. repairing the ac system becomes a big expense. his vehicle has 2 belts one only for ac the other for the engine.

all he has to do is remove belt total cost zero. if he decides to fix the noise what ever it is his system will still be under pressure and no mositure can damage it.

the 5.3L / 4.8L / 6.0 L all have 2 belt systems. ac locks up , the belt for ac breaks and it will not cause you to be stuck.