AC Bypass pulley for 92 V6

[cshults]

Does anyone know why there isn't an ac bypass pulley available for the 92 3.1 V6s in the Beretta? My AC compressor clutch pulley is making a godawful sound, I'd rather just bypass the compressor since the AC system does not work anyways, but I cannot find a bypass pulley.

I can find a bypass pulley for a '91 with the 3.1, but not the '92...what gives?

[Cliff8928]

You can get the additional idler and shorter belt for a non-ac car. I couldn't find a picture of it, but there's an idler that should go around where the compressor is which ensures proper belt contact with the water pump pulley. Many people just use the shorter belt and don't have any issues however.

[cshults]

Thanks, Cliff. Makes sense, I'll pick up a short belt and just remove the compressor. Not sure what idler pulley to get though and if there's any other hardware that would be needed.. If you know I'd appreciate it. I assume the idler is to keep proper tension?

[cshults]

How does one route the shorter belt? Simply down from the power steering pulley making back of the belt contact with the water pump pulley and straight down and around the crankshaft pulley?

[cshults]

Anyone know what bolt needs to be used for the idler pulley? Figured out where it goes, autozone has them in stock, but no hardware is included..No idea what size, thread, etc bolt I need..

[cshults]

For anyone that might be interested, the bolt needed to install the idler pulley is an M12 with a 1.75 thread pitch.

You CANNOT simply use the shorter belt for meant for non ac 3.1s. The 61.5" belt is too long and you NEED to install the idler pulley.

[1988GTU]

I have used a significantly shorter belt for the old 3.1 mpfi for many years. No issues. You simply cant rely on the parts clerk to sell you the correct belt. YOU MUST figure out the length of belt you will need to tell them that is NEEDED. It's been forever since I've had to buy a belt for a 2.8/3.1 mpfi without a/c but I am certain, with some string and a tape measure it could be brought back into the memory bank on the length that was used.

[cshults]

I have used a significantly shorter belt for the old 3.1 mpfi for many years. No issues. You simply cant rely on the parts clerk to sell you the correct belt. YOU MUST figure out the length of belt you will need to tell them that is NEEDED. It's been forever since I've had to buy a belt for a 2.8/3.1 mpfi without a/c but I am certain, with some string and a tape measure it could be brought back into the memory bank on the length that was used.

Correct, a significantly shorter belt should work although contact with the water pump would be minimal, but from what I've been able to find out, would be enough contact to spin the pulley and work.

What I was saying above is that you can't just use the short belt available and meant for non-ac 3.1s as there is one available and it is about 10 inches shorter than the belt meant for 3.1s with ac.

From my searches on this and other forums about this topic, I think there's been some confusion as people just say "get the shorter belt". So people go to the parts store and pick up the short belt option for this motor just to find out it's too long..

Hopefully this post will clarify things for those who attempt to bypass their compressor - either measure for what belt you need or bolt on the idler pulley and belt for non-ac 3.1s. For me, I like the peace of mind having the idler pulley, ensuring proper belt contact with the water pump.

[3X00-Modified]

OR you can just buy this... Don't believe the application guide... It's the same fit as the 91.

DORMAN Part # 34198



Installed on a 3400 with the front motor mount... Uses old AC bracket... Just ensure alignment is proper Robert told me his belt fell off but I'm not sure on what was improperly aligned to cause that.



This is lacking the PS pump obviously.

[cshults]

I debated just picking one of those up and trying it, but didn't.. Wishing I had, it would have saved a headache trying figure out what bolt was needed for the idler pulley..oh well..

[ronaconda]

I wish I had the picture of this...I did this on Chad's white GTU. When you go to the parts store, get a grooved idler pulley for a 04 or so Crown Vic with the 4.6 liter v8. The pulley fits on the stub on the timing cover and the bolt from the idler on 3400 equipped GA's/Impalas works perfectly. The Ford pulley is slight larger than the GM piece and will offer slightly more contact with the water pump.

[1988GTU]

I had the FFPUDP (as pictured) when I ran without the A/C pulley and had no cooling issues. Also went turbo with that same setup and it was fine.

Never understood why ppl wanted to spend more cash on something not needed.

[cshults]

Never understood why ppl wanted to spend more cash on something not needed.

For a $17 pulley and $2 bolt, I'll take the peace of mind knowing my belt is making good contact with the water pump..

[1988GTU]

So thats the going rate for peace these days? Government shoulda took lessons!

[ronaconda]

Found it!!!