install new belt to bypass AC compressor

[perpetualghost]

hello people.
Got some awesome tips on this forum before, i thought i'd try it again.
my AC compressor is seizing up, and it has stopped spinning a couple of days ago. Since i dont much use the AC, is it possible to install a new belt bypassing the seized up pulley on the compressor? If so, does anyone know the right belt to use? I tried a couple of parts stores, but they say they don't sell belts for Grand Prix GTs without AC.
Thanks a lot for your help

[tblake]

I dont think there is a way to install just a belt to bypass the compressor entirely. It would be hard to get one to ride all the pulleys correctly. You can buy an AC bypass bracket from ZZP. Basically it deletes the compressor with just a pulley. IMO, better to put a new compressor on there.

[grandprixgtx00]

ZZP offers an AC delete (click link) using this will let you keep your OE belt.

edit: oops...Tim is already on top of it, guess i shoulda read his reply before jumping into it.

[perpetualghost]

thanks for the tips guys. i really appreciate them.
as for the compressor, would i be able to swap the bad one with a used one from a scrap yard, or is that not recommended?

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by perpetualghost

thanks for the tips guys. i really appreciate them.
as for the compressor, would i be able to swap the bad one with a used one from a scrap yard, or is that not recommended?

well...ultimatly up to you, however i do not recommend buying a compressor from a scrapyard. you are going to pay like $50-100 for a used compressor and it could either last 5 years, or 5 days.

[richtazz]

What year is your car?

[tblake]

There is a scrap yard in my area that sells parts at very very reasonable price. Plus on a lot of mechanical parts they offer free liftime replacement warrents (like on my rack and pinion). If the part ever fails again, bring it back and recieve a replacement free of charge.

I think the company ships all over the US, if your interested in their contact info, let me know.

[CrazyHorst]

Just my .02 but I would never buy an A/C compressor that had been opened to atmosphere or the system punctured/damaged ala in some sort of a crash.

Reason: too easy to introduce contaminants into the system (dirt, grit, water). Once you get there there is no easy path to recovery as potentially (worst-case) each component which touches refrigerant would have to be replaced. In my thinking much greater chance of long-term success to buy a new/good/reman AC compressor and save money on the installation labor if you are so inclined.

[perpetualghost]

hey guys,
thanks again for the advice.
my GP is a '98, and i found it is impossible to bypass the AC pulley with the belt, because of the waterpump.
there is no way i'm putting a new AC in there, as the car is not in great shape overall. Just trying to keep it running a little more.
I just spent $500 for the water pump and radiator (the first was wobbly, the second had a crack on its side and was leaking coolant badly).
I inspected the compressor in question, and the pulley is a little wobbly, and it doesn't seem like it's 100% secured to the compressor. Also, when i spin it manually, i hear a loose noise inside it, which i think might be the bearings.
Don't really care about AC working, as i live in Canada and the temperature hasn't hit 30C yet this summer. That is why i'm considering getting a used compressor.
Anyone else feel like it's a bad idea?

[tblake]

Used compressors usually work just fine if you get the system evacuated before recharged.

You may also want to consider swapping out your accumulator and at the very least your orifice tube as they eat a lot of metal shavings when compressors fail.

If it is just the bearing that is going bad, you can usually just replace the bearing.

[wlkjr]

I just spent $27.95 on a new waterpump and about 3 hours getting it off and the new one on. I removed the radiator about 3 years ago and had it serviced for about $125. I did all the labor and feel I saved a buch of money, even without Geico.