Can you bypass A/C compressor

Tiny
AMIESIMPSON23
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE
  • 170,000 MILES
3.5 liter engine. The AC compressor has locked up and I was told that you can use a smaller serpentine belt to bypass the compressor and just not have AC. Is this possible?
Saturday, December 24th, 2011 AT 6:50 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Instead of that, you can get a pulley replacement that bolts in after removing the AC compressor so the belt functions correctly. A company named Dorman makes this piece. Have done it many times.

Roy
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Saturday, December 24th, 2011 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
AMIESIMPSON23
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  • 2 POSTS
Does this involve taking the engine apart?
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Sunday, December 25th, 2011 AT 12:58 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, just removing the AC compressor.

Roy
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Sunday, December 25th, 2011 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
GEORGE LEAR
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  • 1 POST
For 3.5 motor, use a Duralast 695K6 belt and route from bottom of tension-er around bottom of crank, up over water pump, down around alternator and back up over power steering to tension-er.
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Sunday, May 10th, 2015 AT 4:04 PM
Tiny
PATRICKSPKWA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks George Lear! I did not see anyone respond to your post about whether using the 695K6 belt worked or not, so I wanted to confirm the belt works perfectly to bypass the A/C. A $26.00 belt saved me over $1,000.00 to replace my A/C compressor. Also, I discovered this really is the only solution, as there is no dummy pulley for the 3.5l.

Thanks again for your post!
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Saturday, February 27th, 2016 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
VLEFAIVE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello all, I have an 02 Oldsmobile 3.5 and I am in the process of bypassing the compressor as well. I am going to try this belt too and have heard that it is 95 inch? My connection at the dealer mentioned the possibility a 80 inch belt is more appropriate. Wondering if you would mind posting a diagram of how you did it Patrick if you are on these days, would be appreciated truly, could trade notes before I start the job.
Hello from Whitby ON.
Vince
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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
VLEFAIVE
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Done, yes the 69" belt works like a charm.
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
ED1
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  • 1 POST
If you disconnect the electrical plug at the AC compressor it may stop the clutch from engaging.
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Friday, October 7th, 2022 AT 5:49 PM

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