Can I bypass my air conditioning?

MOMDUCK

MEMBER
1997 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC

I have a 97 Mercury Sable that won't start. It's not your normal starting problem though, I've been driving it all summer with a failing air conditioning compressor. The gear has been squealing for a long time but now it appears to be stuck so the belt is just pulling over it. I think it's causing so much resistance that the starter can't spin the flywheel to get it started. We put a new starter in so that not the problem. I can Live without air conditioning so if my line of thinking is correct then if we bypass the compressor I should be able to start it. Right?
If that is in fact true, can the gear be taken off the compressor with out taking the whole unit out of the car?

4 Replies

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Yes, you would need to remove the A/C Compressor and replace it with an A/C Compressor Bypass Pulley NAPA Part Number 660-1814.

.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+2

Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 AT 5:01 PM

DALES

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,
If I were in your shoes I would remove the clutch (Special tools are involved) from the A/C Compressor. Then remove the clutch hub and replace the bearing on the front of the compressor and reassemble so you can install a new belt to turn all the other accessories and components. It is possible that you have driven with this deteriorating condition to the point that the compressor itself may have to be replaced. It depends on how much damage there is on the front of the compressor.
Sincerely,
Dale