AC Compresser Bypass Suggestions for 4.0L V6

Hey all, I ran into an issue trying to replace my AC compressor. All four bolts mating the compressor to the engine block are horribly seized (steel to aluminum). I'm worried that I will snap the bolts off in the engine block trying to remove them. I'm not prepared to pull the engine or drill them out if that does happen. If I end up with four bolts stuck in the block with no way of attaching a new compressor, can I bypass the compressor all together with a shorter belt? I haven't found an examples for the 4.0L V6 online. The attached diagram (top right configuration) worries me that the new route would interfere with the belt tensioner.

Has anyone done this before? I'm open to any suggestions.

 

So your plan is to give up the AC because of stuck bolts?

 

No. I’m just saying if the worst happens, can I still run the truck?

 

Why don’t you take a string and go between the Crank Pulley and Alternator Pulley.
That would give you an idea of what “might” work.

I’d personally get a good 6-point socket and have a go at the bolts.
You’ll have good idea what’s going to happen on the first bolt.

 

That’s a great idea man, thanks! I’ll trying it out tomorrow. Full disclosure, a mechanic in the Northern Virginia already had a go at it and snapped the head of the bolt flush with the compressor. He didn’t use any heat or penetrating oil though. I’ll be soaking it over a few weeks before making any attempts.

 

Several people have put a shorter belt on a 4 cylinder to bypass the AC. This thread refers to a V6. This user claims to have done it, but doesn’t specifically state that he has a V6.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...en-tacoma-today.6499/page-10035#post-23140840

 

@Rick_Taco

 

I have done this trick to a past Subaru I had while auto crossing, the trick is to find the right sized belt. If worse comes to worse I don't see why you couldn't go straight from the crank to around the alternator and bypass that lower idler and the compressor. As mentioned above the string trick is a great way to measure belt length.

 

I always tighten a bolt a bit before trying to loosen it. Just a 1/16 is all you need before you start loosening the bolt.

It breaks any rust, so that when you unscrew the bolt, the rust on the threads, tends to break off rather than get pulled into the threads.

 

I did it on the V6. Do you have a belt diagram for the 4cyl? or what year is your truck? Like mentioned above, the string trick works great. I did this on an old s-10 as well. I have since rebuilt the clutch on my AC for the Taco, but I keep the shorter belt as a spare. Ill replace the belt for a new one at around 100k miles.

 

If you have the top right configuration, I think you will be ok with a shorter belt. Use the string method to figure the length.

 

You did this on the v6? I have a 2005 and I’m not going to purchase a new compressor just yet. Looking for a way to bypass it now. I notice they don’t sell bypass pulleys for 05 v6’s is there a part number for the belt you bought? Thanks in advance

 

forgot to quote your post so you’d see this but I added a comment below if you wouldn’t mind taking a look

 

I do not recall the part number.

 

Mine just seized tonight. Its my only rig. so just bypass the ac and idler pulley i should be okay? Sorry im a noob at this mechanic stuff but single dad 2 kids i need to save the money

 

And if so, yes ill buy a new belt after i Measure the bypass

 

My AC compressor has been seized for years . Got all the new parts to do the job , but no time .
If you pull the main fuses for the AC , the clutch wont apply . This should get you by until you get the chance to fix everything providing the pulley on the front of the AC compressor is good .
The yellow light is going to flash every time you start the truck because the AC compressor also comes on when you are defrosting the windows .
No need for a short serpentine belt and pricey bypass parts . Pluck the fuses

 

If you reroute the belt, make sure all the driven components continue to rotate in their normal direction.

You don't want to run things backwards. Like power steering pump, cooling fan/coolant pump or alternator.......

 

Pulled the fuse and checked but the pulley is just locked up. Was really hoping this would work. Thanks for the advice tho!!!!

 

So its the clutch thats locked up ?
Are you sure you got all the AC fuses plucked out ? there are big fuses under the hood for the AC system
You can replace the clutch for $50 bucks
https://www.ebay.com/itm/253533947871