bcbutcher

I have a '99 F150, 4.6, 4WD. My AC compressor is bad. Does anyone know if I can use a shorter belt and bypass it for now until I get a chance to replace the compressor?
Thanks.

00bigred

You should be able to bypass it, but you will have to remove the compressor entirely... Then just get the belt for a truck in your year without A/C... The belt routing should be on the fan cover or underside of the hood... It will have both, but the dotted lines show you "without A/C"...

Good luck!!

Cheers!!

BuckChucklestik

I am pretty sure there's a different bypass pulley for trucks without AC.

00bigred

You are absolutely correct... It appears the tensioner is different and works in the opposite direction... I've look for the difference between the parts online, but I can't find a non-A/C tensioner... The pulley is different... A/C is flat; Non-A/C is ribbed...

I kinda stole this pic off google, but it was easier than taking a pic of mine, in the dark... Apologies!!



Could you still make it work? Experimenting will determine that!!

What exactly is wrong with your compressor? The pulley bearings or the compressor when in operation? If the bearings are good, just pull the connector so the compressor doesn't run. If the bearings are bad, just get the bearing kit... Easy swap and can show you how if needed...

Good luck!!

Cheers!!

royboy

I think AutoZone carries a bypass pulley for about 30 that goes on in place of the compressor with your current belt.

dadtwinkies

My compressor just went out on our truck too and I have bought the shorter belt. My question is after I take the compressor off while the tension pully move into place or will I have to rotate it myself?