A/C compressor bypass belt size needed

2002 CHEVROLET PRIZM
214,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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THEMAILMAN
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My A/C Compressor failed. Started making a God-awful rattling noise. Then the car started idling poorly. I turned off the A/C and presto it got better. A few minutes later I checked and there was no Freon in the system. I pushed on the Schrader valve for the low side port, and it simply blew out hot air. So, I'm trying to bypass the A/C Compressor for now. A new compressor costs (with dealer discounts) as much as I paid for the whole car ($300.00) and I just can't afford it out right now.

I looked on ACDelco's site and they said I needed a 60-inch belt instead of the 74 that comes with it. So that's what I got. It's too big. Is there supposed to be a bypass pulley or something? What am I missing? The new belt is definitely the right length (that I ordered anyways).
Jun 18, 2022 at 6:25 PM
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SQM
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Hello,

Try to route a string or rope around the pulleys just like you would not be going around the A/C, then measure it and see what you get.
Be sure to route it the same way the belt is supposed to go without going around the A/C clutch.

Let me know what you find.

I have attached the standard belt routing below for your reference.

Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt
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Jun 18, 2022 at 7:20 PM
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THEMAILMAN
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Easier said than done, but I'll see what I can do. Spacing is limited and my hands are giant. I do miss that part of driving a Blazer. I could change that belt in about 10 seconds. I don't miss the horrendous gas mileage though.

This thing, on the other hand, requires taking the driver's wheel off to get access to the lower pulleys, and forcing your hands into spaces that are smaller than them to get access to the idlers. Heck, maybe I'll just take the fender off. It needs to be replaced anyway, lol.
Jun 18, 2022 at 11:49 PM
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SQM
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Yes, space is tight compared to your Blazer.
We all need those skinny but extremely long hands that can bend in several different places, haha.

Let me know how it goes.
Jun 19, 2022 at 12:04 PM