1997 Ford Taurus AC Compressor

MRHOJO1974

MEMBER
1997 FORD TAURUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My belt smoked out from what I thought was the water pump, but it looks to be the AC Comprssor. When the engine is off are all the compentnts that the belt moves supposed to be able to move freely, with the exception of the crank? The altinator, power stering, and water pump pieces move freely but the AC compressor on the bottom does not. Does that indicate that is the problem? Also can I just get a belt that bypasses the compressor?

6 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

With a/c turned off, the pulley should spin freely, you can change that pulley by removing tha 5/16 bolt on front and then the c clip, it should slide off as a unit, for 50.00 dollars at the junk yard, pick out a working compressor, remove that from compressor and install on yours...or you can eliminte the compressor by buying a compressor eliminator...

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Saturday, March 14th, 2009 AT 2:55 PM

MRHOJO1974

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3 POSTS

Thanks, that is a big help. Is there anywhere online I can go to get a step by step process?

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Saturday, March 14th, 2009 AT 4:09 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If you are removing the compressor, get the R134a sucked out by a shop, then just unbolt everything it will come right out. Then install the new pulley put the serpentine belt back on and you are good to go!

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Sunday, March 15th, 2009 AT 7:44 AM

MRHOJO1974

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Thanks again. I think I will just bypass the compressor for now.

Thanks for all of your help.

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Sunday, March 15th, 2009 AT 9:46 AM

MRHOJO1974

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3 POSTS

I guess I have to remove the compressor in order to install the bypass? Can I replace the clutch, which really seems to be the problem, without removing the compressor?