I think my AC is dead - what now?

[Mark W]

Put a new alternator on my '89 and kept hearing a squealing belt even though I thought I had it tight enough. I tightened it even more, and noticed it was still squealing. I looked under the hood, and the A/C compressor appeared to making belt smoke and squeal. My mechanic tells me it will cost at least $500 to fix, and I've already put thousands into this @#$$%% thing. I'm sick of spending money on it.

I would consider fixing it myself, but I don't have equipment to evacuate it (it has been converted to R134, so I'm not concerned about letting R12 into the air). That and the part alone is around $370.

Can I bypass the A/C for this winter? Will that cause any harm? What belt will I need to do this?

Thanks

 

[projectSHO89]

Does the belt only squeal when the compressor clutch is engaged or does it squeal when the climate control is completely off?

Steve

 

[Mark W]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to check it tomorrow. I had to put a new window in the house today.