95 Corsica A/C Problem

[momofsix]

I have a 95 Corsica. Just had to have the tensioner replaced a few weeks ago. At that time, they told me my a/c compressor was shot and that if I didn't have it replaced it would ruin my serpentine belt. Well, guess what, yesterday, after stopping for gas, I started it, the battery light came on, the temp gauge was reading hot, and I had no power steering. Took it back in and they tell me the belt is shot and I have to get that compressor replaced. Does anyone have any experience with this? Can I get a pulley from a Corsica without air and install it in place of the compressor? I don't need the air. I am just trying to cut costs here. Also, if a used compressor is installed and we put it in without plugging it in (in order to just use it as a pulley) does this create any problems down the road? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[jsgold]

Some cars had the option for no a/c so try and call around and see if a belt is available for your car w/o ac first. If not, then get an old compressor from a junkard and use it. Only problem I see is disposing of old freon from system. Might see if someone can remove it for little or no charge. I did this on an old Buick I had that had a bad a/c system to begin with so all i had to do was replace the compressor and go about my business. Bought a used one from a junkyard for ten bucks. Since they did not have to test it and I did not care if it worked they gave it to me cheap. Or course you can buy a rebuilt one possibly off Ebay, as parts on their site are surprisingly cheap at times for Corsica stuff, especially if it is still in good shape and you maybe want to have a/c later on. No problem using compressor w/o hooking it up. I do no know about a pulley only for this, but could not hurt too ask. Might even call a dealer on the belt and or pulley if Advance or NAPA cannot help you.