Lost the AC/Alt belt... Can't spin AC pulley?

[nw_mr2]

So the last couple weeks I've had a little bit of a grinding noise in a pulley (Sounded like a bearing). I don't drive too much (college student), and I hadn't gotten a chance to look into it yet.

Well, a few minutes ago I was driving it and started spewing smoke. I pulled over and sure enough, the alt/AC belt snapped in half. Luckily I was close to home and drove back, but I noticed that when I spin the alternator it feels fine. However, I Cannot spin the AC pulley by hand. I should be able to, shouldn't I? Is there any way to know if the compressor is seized or if I simply need the new clutch/pulley assembly?

If the compressor is seized I am seriously considering removing the AC clutch and just running a short belt for the Alt. $$ is tight...

Thanks in advance.

 

[jmpSHO]

I don't think a smaller belt will work unless you remove the A/C compressor completely and even then you will have a hard time finding the right size. I would either get a bypass pulley or get a used compressor that has a good pulley on it unless you want the A/C to work then I would get a good working compressor. I just did the compressor on my 94 ATX and it wasn't too bad. I even took a chance and bought a used compressor off another forum member and all was good.

 

[Devin]

I can't speak to the pulley part in particular, but you should note that if you remove the ac compressor itself that bracket might break. The compressor it seems stiffens the assembly and it requires a plate or bracket to take the place of the compressor.

 

[projectSHO89]

Your compressor pulley bearing, at a minimum, has seized.

Repair may or may not require replacement of the compressor depending on the severity of the failure.

 

[nw_mr2]

Thanks for the replies. I just gave it another look and I definitely can't turn the pulley. I did notice that the "ring" on the outer side of the AC pulley seems like it's broken off and very loose (I can wiggle it with my hand what feels like 1/2"+).

Does that tell you guys anything more or could it still be either one? I don't mean to be asking stupid questions (I have searched), but I've never messed with AC stuff much before. Thanks again.

 

[jmpSHO]

It's possible to replace the pulley/bearing and clutch on the A/C compressor. It does sound like your pulley bearing shit the bed. If you are trying to keep your A/C then I would replace the A/C compressor and accumulator drier. If the compressor had a catastrophic failure it's best to replace it.

 

[shomtx95]

you can run a shorter belt and keep the clutch, i ran a shorter belt for almost a year. the flat side of the belt rubbed the ac pulley and would put grooves on the flat side of the belt. like i said i run it like that for a year and the belt never broke.

 

[nw_mr2]

you can run a shorter belt and keep the clutch, i ran a shorter belt for almost a year. the flat side of the belt rubbed the ac pulley and would put grooves on the flat side of the belt. like i said i run it like that for a year and the belt never broke.

That sounds like a good temporary solution if in fact my compressor is shot. I can't really afford to replace it at the moment (because of everything else parts/labor involved). The pulley/clutch I can do, but that's about all the $$ I have at the moment.

Winters here are cold and I will NOT be needing the AC until at least May. Do you have a part number of anything for the belt you are using?

 

[nw_mr2]

One more question shomtx95, was your pulley frozen or spinning with the belt?

 

[Devin]

If you need a spare compressor that spins I have one laying around somewhere.

 

[greengiant]

i know i remember in someones sig they listed an AC delete i can't remeber who though maybe phoenix....i dont know

 

[greengiant]

i just checked, phoenix does have AC delete in his sig. that car is crazy modded and absolutely perfect so it probably was cheap or easy whatever he did, wouldnt hurt to ask though

 

[nw_mr2]

If you need a spare compressor that spins I have one laying around somewhere.

Burien, WA? That would be awesome if so. I ordered the shorter belt and I'll see if I can get the AC pulley at least taken off for now and run the alternator only temporarily.

 

[Devin]

Let me know.

 

[38SHO]

to bypass the pulley, remove the compressor clutch/pulley assembly..... this is required in order for clearance on the new belt......

on my old setup I used this belt number

4060407

there is a 7/16" or 12mm nut on the middle of the clutch pulley, see if you can turn that nut..... if you can't, the compressor is siezed and worthless....

 

[raff18]

i just put 2 large pry bar on either side of the pully on the a/c and gave it all i could and pop it went off i run a 2 inch shorter belt and all is good

 

[nw_mr2]

Sorry for the delayed response.. I had to take the car to the dealer here because I don't have any of the tools do really do this myself at the moment.

Apparently the whole compressor seized. They quoted me $1400 to replace all the AC stuff. Obviously this is more than I want to spend right now, so I ordered a new belt (Gates K060405) based on a couple threads here saying it fits. 38SHO, the one you listed was 40.75", the K060405 is 41". I just got a call from the dealer saying that the belt is about 2" too short. wtf?

Are there different pulley sizes or something? It's a 93 MTX. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[jmpSHO]

Sorry for the delayed response.. I had to take the car to the dealer here because I don't have any of the tools do really do this myself at the moment.

Apparently the whole compressor seized. They quoted me $1400 to replace all the AC stuff. Obviously this is more than I want to spend right now, so I ordered a new belt (Gates K060405) based on a couple threads here saying it fits. 38SHO, the one you listed was 40.75", the K060405 is 41". I just got a call from the dealer saying that the belt is about 2" too short. wtf?

Are there different pulley sizes or something? It's a 93 MTX. Any ideas are appreciated.

Dude the reason 38SHO gave you a different belt size was because you need to bypass the A/C compressor or you will just ruin another belt in a short time.

 

[nw_mr2]

Yes.. They removed the AC pulley and said it still does not fit..? I never said I left the AC pulley on.

 

[Gez89SHO]

I did the A/C Delete and found that the KO60405 was too short to fit right. Oh, it fit, but you had to manhadle it onto the ALT pulley, plus the tensioner interfered with the battery. I got a longer size , KO60415 I believe (just slightly longer), that took care of these problems.

Edit- I just checked, It is the Dayco 5060415, got it at Advance.