Expert: Jim Holsbeck - 9/10/2007

Question
I was told that the ac compressor on my car was gone. And that it would cost me quite a bit to fix 600-700 dollars.  I was also told that i might be able to bypass the ac with a different belt.  Is this possible and if so what size.

Answer
Sherry,
       You can bypass the A/C with a different belt. I don't know the size offhand, but you can measure it with a piece of rope... Follow your pulleys with the rope and mark where it connects without going around the A/C pump and take that measurement to the parts store. I would call a couple of parts stores first though and have the year make model and engine size to give them and tell them you need a belt for your car, but tell them you don't have A/C. You can do a lot of the leg work on the phone and you might find a store that stocks them. Good Luck!