The bearing on my a/c compressor is letting go and I am wondering if I can use a belt from a non a/c truck and bypass the compressor?? Thank you for your guys input.

 

Sure can. I bypassed mine over a year ago. The bearings went in my compressor until there was metal shrapnel all over the place. I kind of miss it but it is something I can do without.

 

I also did it to my 91 but, found that I was rubbing the backside of the new belt
on the AC pulley which had not been removed. In order to solve that I had to put 1/4 inch spacers between the block and the AC compressor which I did not want to disconnect. Did not want to lose the AC charge, I will replace the clutch later. RC

 

There is a sticker on the underside of my hood that shows belt routing for AC and non-AC. The routing is completely different around the tensioner and water pump.
Not sure of the belt number because my truck is at the body shop or I would check.
See if you have one.
Jim

 

thanks for the input guys. talk about stressfull. this happened while i was on my way to the first job of the day and i was about 30 miles from home and this city has zero autoparts stores. no Kragen, no Autozone, no Napa, no dodge dealer! i had to have my girlfreind post the thread from work so i could find out if i was good to go with a non a/c belt. had to go to the next city over and place a special order to get the darn thing. thankfully they had it to me within a few hours.

and let me say, burning AC compressor is one of the most god awefull nauseating smells i have had to bear coming from a vehicle. the aroma seemed to fill the cab. guess i should have starting looking for the culprit the first time i smelled it. thought i'de smelled everything a vehicle had to burn.

anywho, back to the topic at hand.

Yes, on an 89 d350 you can run a Non A/C belt on a vehicle equipped with air conditioning. as clearly evident by the cartoon schematic drawn underneath the hood. my question really was answered for me already, but i like to consult the ol' forum and ask someone whos been there. this place rocks . i did not have to use any spacers to clear the A/C pulley, but its pretty close. i would not be surprized if others were not so lucky.


thanks again.

 

I remembered I did have a picture of the under hood sticker for the belt routing.
I am not sure on the belt numbers.
I did stop by and visit my truck today and I should have it back by Friday.

Might want to save this somewhere for reference.
Jim

 

Dang, Jim! Another one goes straight to the sticky. You da MAN!