I've been working on a 1990 Chevrolet 1500 pickup. It has a 4.3 V6 and was factory equipped with air conditioning that no longer works. Since it doesn't function anyway, and since I'm about to replace the alternator and serpentine belt, should I ditch the AC compressor while I'm at it? I know that on some vehicle applications, if the compressor locks up, the car will throw the belt and wont run. Is this one of those applications?
Dorman makes a bypass bracket and pulley that installs in place of the compressor. Should I put one in or leave it alone? Cheap insurance or a waste of time?
2007-03-19 22:36:03 · 5 answers · asked by Atlas shrugged 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the ac compressor is bad then yes I would take it off and get the bypass kit. If the compressor is good then no I would leave it alone. The compressor has a electric clutch on the front of it and when you turn the switch on it kicks into place and the ac compressor kicks on. So if the compressor is good leave it alone and just remove the fuse that controls the switch.
I Hope this helps
2007-03-19 22:50:50 · answer #1 · answered by GoodAnswer30 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your trying to get a cheap fix just see if a belt was offered for your truck without a/c. I'm pretty confident it was. Sure you can buy the by pass bracket but then you will have to remove the a/c compressor. This means you will need to plug the lines, not easy. If you remove the compressor then you might as well remove the lines, condenser, evaporator, receiver dryer, etc. This is a sealed system once you open it moisture will find its way in and in the long run if you ever plan on using the a/c again you will be looking at some big dollars for repairs. Just have the a/c system inspected and have an estimate for repairs done. Usually $60-90 for an inspection. Since you have a 90 your refrigerant was R12. You can get a retro fit to R134. This requires a new receiver dryer, evacuating, flushing, adding oil and refrigerant. If the system doesn't need repairs it should cost about $300 at a shop. I don't know what area you live in but if it gets hot you might not want to remove it and if it gets cold and your windows frost you will need your a/c for defrost. Most people don't know that defrost uses your a/c to remove moisture because they have their heat on. As to your question about the engine not running anymore yes it is possible but there are to many variables to say if this will happen to you or not.
2007-03-20 06:27:22 · answer #2 · answered by Never Forget 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the compressor locks up or the clutch sticks this will either wear out the serpentine belt prematurely or break it. Either will cause the alternator (electricity generator) and the water pump to not work at peak performance or not work at all.
If the A/C no longer works and you do not plan on fixing it I would highly recommend the bypass bracket. You do not need to be spinning the compressor pulley for no reason. You will even pick up a few lost HP and better gas mileage, minimal but you will.
Good luck
2007-03-20 05:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by shovelkicker 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, if the compressor bearing locks up...the belt will become overheated on the pulley..and will cause belt failure..but truck will not shut down that second...Due to the belt missing...none of the accessories function...suck as the alternator, p/S pump, water pump, or components depending them for power...truck will die as soon as the battery runs down, without the alternator charging...truck will draw voltage from battery in order to maintain......If you never want to have A/C then install the b/pass bracket...but I would first remove the belt and see if I could spin the a/c pulley freely and check for resistance and bearing noise..If none then leave the compressor on engine until you have some type of noise...just because the a/c is inop doesn't mean the compressor is bad...could have leaks in one of the lines, or bad cycling switch, or low in freon...Good luck
2007-03-20 06:01:19 · answer #4 · answered by gotspeed7883 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your comressor is siezed, it will at drag on the belt and eventually damage it. You sould either use the bypass bracket and pulley you describe or get a shorter belt.
If the compressor is freewheeling and just doesn't work for AC, let it be.
2007-03-20 05:47:12 · answer #5 · answered by ExSarge 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋