Replace compressor with idler on 91 tracker

kevinstracker · 10-25-2009, 03:02 PM

The ac compressor seized up, belt broke and goodbye power steering. Does someone make an idler pulley and arm to replace the compressor completely? We just got the car and are not really concerned about ac here in north jersey. It's the little 8 valve engine, in a two door hard top with auto trans. It's 4 wheel drive. This belt only drives the ac and power steering from the crank pulley. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

mashaffer · 10-25-2009, 03:09 PM

Just a thought but could you just install a belt from a non AC car?

mike

Paladian · 10-25-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mashaffer

Just a thought but could you just install a belt from a non AC car?

thats what i would do. find a smaller belt

fuzzy1 · 10-25-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mashaffer

Just a thought but could you just install a belt from a non AC car?

mike

Can't, because the belt adjustment on an ac equipped car is on the ac bracket. But, you could go to a junkyard & get a power steering bracket off a non-ac car with power steering, it should have the adjustable mount.
I've seen ppl ask this before, & I don't think anyone makes a pulley that would work to just take the place of the compressor.

Fuzz

ranger88den · 10-25-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy1

Can't, because the belt adjustment on an ac equipped car is on the ac bracket. But, you could go to a junkyard & get a power steering bracket off a non-ac car with power steering, it should have the adjustable mount.
I've seen ppl ask this before, & I don't think anyone makes a pulley that would work to just take the place of the compressor.

Fuzz

If you look close at the p.s bracket, you can bolt into a stationary position for use with a/c (as the adjuster) or mount in it's adjustable position. At least this has been my experience with the Trackers I've worked on.

ack · 10-25-2009, 04:43 PM

This may be from the Moronosphere, but here goes...

The AC compressor is driven by a magnetic clutch - which freewheels unless there is a current applied to it.

That said, have you disconnected the wire that drives the magnetic clutch??

It might be possible that the clutch is being powered all the time when you turn on the engine...

Again, just tryin' to think about every possibility.

Otherwise, the a non-AC bracket from a salvage yard/pick-n-pull is the best solution.

kevinstracker · 10-25-2009, 06:14 PM

Thanks, everyone. I thought Fuzzy diagnosed the situation correctly, but I've begun getting the crap off the power steering bracket to see if it can be adjusted. It's too dark and cool to finish this quest tonight. It's in an awkward spot down under the compressor. The clutch on the compressor was seized up when the key was off. It took some muscle to get the pully to turn at all. We'll see how it goes.

kevinstracker · 10-28-2009, 11:21 AM

I think this subject was covered back in July under the power steering on 1991 tracker subject. Looks like I'll be able to adjust the ps bracket after all per cmays03. Thanks.

Mike O'Toole · 10-28-2009, 07:27 PM

I was able to remove my compressor from the platform and put a smaller belt on my 93 tracker. Air conditioning was dead anyway so I removed it when I replaced my leaky front oil seal

kevinstracker · 10-29-2009, 04:46 PM

It works but not from up top and definitely following the FSM on removing ps pump. I tried to get around removing the oil filter, but don't bother. The bottom bolt has to be removed from its threaded hole and repositioned in the adjustment track or slot. I'm just leaving the compressor where it was so someone else can fix it if they want. Try to clean this area up pretty good so you can see what you are doing. I haven't had black, greasy knuckles since I was a high school kid over 50 years ago. Do buy the factory service manual off ebay if you can- abt. same price as catch all cover all years Haynes.