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Can I Bypass AC Compressor With Shorter Belt?

Auto Parts and Accessories · October 29, 2022

Yes, if your vehicle has an AC compressor, you may be able to bypass it with a shorter belt. This can be useful if the compressor is not working properly or if you are trying to save money on repairs. However, it is important to note that bypassing the AC compressor can cause the air conditioning to not work as well.

Can I Bypass AC Compressor With Shorter Belt

How does an Air Conditioner operate With Belt?

A compressor is used to move refrigerant via a closed loop in an air conditioner. Your interior air heats up the refrigerant, which then releases it outdoors. The system’s beating heart, the compressor, is in charge of circulating the refrigerant through the loop.

Many recent cars use belt-driven AC systems, which are more efficient than gear-driven compressors and fans. But, these belts ultimately wear out and need to be changed, just like any mechanical part.

Reasons to Bypass AC Compressor With Shorter Belt

You might want to avoid using the compressor on your air conditioner for a few different reasons. You can be trying to cut your energy costs or the compressor may be broken and you’re waiting for a replacement. Whatever the reason, it’s really not that difficult to achieve.

How Can I Bypass AC Compressor With Shorter Belt

You can bypass your AC compressor by rerouting the belt. This simple repair is easy to do. Seized compressors need repair. You’ll need a new compressor-sized belt.

Tools and Materials Needed

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need a few tools and materials to bypass your AC compressor with a shorter belt. 

  • The first thing you need is a short belt that fits your compressor properly. 
  • To ensure the belt is the proper length, you’ll also need a method of measurement. 
  • Last but not least, you’ll need a way to keep the belt from slipping off.

Take off the belt cover

Make sure your engine is off and that you have the appropriate tools for the job before beginning. Find the fasteners holding the belt cover in place before attempting to remove it. When the bolts are located, use a socket wrench to remove and loosen them. Remove the bolts, then raise the engine cover.

Find where the old belt began

To establish how long the new belt should be, you first locate the old one. Both the compressor pulley and the engine pulley will be wrapped in the old belt. The quickest way to locate it is to follow the belt’s path out of the engine compartment. Make a mark on it once you’ve found it so you can see where it begins.

Remove the old belt

Remove the old belt

For this stage, you’ll need a sharp knife or box cutter. As you clip the old belt off, take great care to avoid cutting yourself. Once the old belt has been removed, you may compare it to the new belt and determine how much shorter it needs to be.

Install new belt

A shorter belt can be installed very easily. 

  • Make sure the battery is disconnected and that the engine is off first. 
  • After that, take the old belt off the pulleys. 
  • Third, wrap the pulleys with the new belt. 
  • Fourth, change the new belt’s tension. 
  • Fifth, start the engine after reconnecting the battery.

Install a belt and pulley

Install a belt and pulley

The belt must be positioned around the compressor pulley. The tensioner pulley is where you should start threading the belt. Then, take the crank pulley route. The belt should next be inserted into the compressor pulley. Before tightening the belt, make sure that all of the pulleys are in alignment.

Evaluate performance

Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning to see whether your shorter belt can still operate the compressor. The belt is too short, and you need to acquire a longer one if the compressor clutch engages. The new belt is the correct size if the compressor clutch doesn’t engage.

Advantages of Bypassing AC Compressor With a Shorter Belt

Your engine may spin the compressor more quickly with a shorter belt, which can speed up the cooling process. It will also alleviate the strain on your engine, which can result in better fuel economy. Additionally, it’s a really simple remedy that only requires a few tools for you to do.

Disadvantages of Bypassing AC Compressor With a Shorter Belt

Bypassing your AC compressor with a shorter belt has a few drawbacks. 

  • First, since the engine isn’t providing any assistance, your compressor will need to work harder. This can result in an early failure. 
  • Second, your automobile won’t stay as cold on hot days since you’ll lose some of your AC system’s cooling ability. 
  • Third, as it works to complete its task, the compressor may create noise. 
  • Fourth, since the compressor is powered by the engine, your fuel efficiency will drop.

FAQ

Is there a way to bypass the AC compressor?

Ans: Yes, you can use a shorter belt to bypass your AC compressor. This can be achieved by wrapping the belt around the compressor pulley. To do this, a smaller belt will be required. If the compressor is malfunctioning or if you are not using the air conditioning, you may choose to bypass it. 

Can my car run without an AC compressor?

Ans: If your vehicle lacks an AC compressor, it will be unable to chill the air inside. By selecting a shorter belt, you can avoid using the AC compressor. The vehicle will now be able to run without the AC compressor. However, doing so for extended periods of time is not suggested because it can damage the engine.

Will a broken AC compressor affect the engine?

Ans: No, an AC compressor malfunction won’t harm the engine. However, the air conditioner won’t function if the compressor is broken. The compressor is in charge of moving the refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system. 

The refrigerant won’t circulate if the compressor isn’t operating, which will prevent the AC from operating.

What happens if the AC compressor is locked up? 

Ans: A locked-up AC compressor might result in a variety of issues. The AC system’s compressor is in charge of moving the refrigerant, and if it malfunctions, the entire system could fail.

A locked-up compressor occasionally even contributes to engine overheating. It’s recommended to take your AC compressor to a professional to get it looked at if you’re experiencing issues.

Last words

In conclusion, a shorter belt can be used to bypass your AC compressor. We advise using a belt that is shorter, the same width as your old belt, and that is the proper length for your engine.

Filed Under: Auto Parts and Accessories

Mihailo Savic

First and foremost, I am a mechanical engineer. I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2018 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I have also gained experience in various industries such as aerospace, construction, oil & gas, etc, through my work with different companies.
Also working in the field of pressure equipment (vessels, pipelines and steam generators), such as inspection and testing.

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