AC compressor bypass

[tom4bren]

This is just an FYI.

If you're having issues with your AC compressor (or just never use the AC & want to see if you can get 1 or 2 more mpg), you SHOULD be able to replace the serpentine belt with one for a 99 Amigo with the 3.2L & no AC.

I said 'should' because I haven't verified this yet on the VX but it worked on my Amigo. Since the 3.5L is just a bored & stroked 3.2L, I'm certain that it'll work.

I know that bypassing the AC compressor is old school stuff but with newer engines with serpentine belts, it wasn't a sure thing. It was actually a close call just eyeballing it ... but it worked.

Yesterday while, I was 40 miles from home, the AC compressor on my Amigo siezed up. It was actually a pretty easy fix (after I had the new belt in hand anyway).

[VXorado]

It's true... I also did this year's ago. Gives you some time to fix an a/c compressor while keeping the VX drivable. Also a Trooper 3.5L without A/C also has the correct size belt.

I included a belt part number in an old thread, which can be found by searching "ac compressor."

[tom4bren]

BTW - triple check the belt around the crank. It's hard to see & easy for it to slip sideways by 1 rib whilst putting the tensioner back on. This will result in:

1. slicing away 20% of a $30 belt on the first drive

2. an 80 inch strand of very strong re-inforced rubber wrapped tightly around your fan clutch

3. a damaged wire bundle below the crank where said rubber strip in 2. above has slapped the snot out of it

Ask me how I know!!!

[circmand]

you do seem to have the most interesting luck when working on your VX

[tom4bren]

Always good to be able to laugh about it later though

[evillecutter]

i rode with the short belt for 6 months before i got the compressor fixed - never had a problem

[VX KAT]

i rode with the short belt for 6 months ......

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.......



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yeah, yeah, I know....
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[tom4bren]

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.....

I ... I ... have no response to that!

[VX KAT]

I ... I ... have no response to that!

[tom4bren]

Here's a pic of the package for the short belt. For reference, the part # for the full length belt is written on the package. BTW, the length of the short belt is right around 80". IIRC the full length belt is somewhere around 84".

[tom4bren]

Tom rode the short bus.....for more than 6 months.......

Yup. Here's a pic from my 'window licker' days.