Ford Guru's

[Junkster]

Okay got a question for you Ford guys. There is a couple at church that have a 99 Taurus and the AC compressor is bad. does anyone make a bypass kit to remove the compressor and run the same serpentine belt? They have been quoted $1100.00 to fix and they don't have that kind of money laying around. If we can just remove the compressor and install an blank idler pulley would be great.

[Gubni]

I assume the compressor clutch is bad and the compressor is locked up which does not allow the car to run? Otherwise just leave it alone and keep driving the car with no A/C.

That's a lot of assumptions. Just unplug the compressor electirical wire so the clutch won't engage even if they turn on the A/C. Then it will just free wheel like an idler pully. If the clutch is bad you can buy just the A/C clutch new for less than $100.

I'm sure you could rig up a idler pully if you wanted, but I'm also sure you could get a compressor from a junkyard for less than $100. They may not have A/C, but that would get them on the road until they could save up the money to get freon and a new dryer.

Also if they shop around I bet they could get that $1100 price cut in half. Sorta sounds like they are asking for hand outs to me.

[Junkster]

no they are not asking for hand outs they have just parked it until they can get it replaced. I ask them about it trying to help them out. I am assuming the compressor is locked up on it. I spoke to the wife about it and she didn'tknow alot of the details but they had asked a couple garages about bypassing it or getting it fixed and they were told that it could not be by passed in anyway even if removed. I may go and take a look at it and see what I can come up with. I was thinking about a junk yard compressor myself or I have some resources for new ones pretty cheap and I can charge it if that is all it needs.
Just thinking that there might be a really cheap way that some Ford guy out there might know about that has faced this issue before.

[Gordon]

I'll check the catalog tomorrow. We have bypass pullies for many vehicles. I'll post up tomorrow on it.

[Gubni]

Even if the compressor is locked up, it has a clutch on it that is only turned on when the A/C is on. Unplug the wires to it and bingo - no more problems. A/C clutch kits aren't that expensive even if the clutch is bad.

[Bluegill]

Most systems also engage the compressor when defrost is selected, as well as the AC settings.

[Gubni]

Fords do also, that's why I say to unplug the wire.

[pplblazerdude]

Most systems also engage the compressor when defrost is selected, as well as the AC settings. Yep found this out the hard way. Trust me its not fun.

[1-tonmudder]

The $1100 is probably to change the comp,flush the system,change the collector,orfice tube,recharge and parts.If the clutch is just locked up and it does not have debri in the gas it shouldnt need the other parts changed.Just the comp and recharge it.Most parts stores will not warrenty a new comp unless you change the other components.

[Gordon]

A/C bypass pulley for '99 Taurus:

3.4 V6 is NAPA P/N 660-1818
3.0 V6 DOHC or pushrod, P/N is 660-1814

Both are about $40.00 and will re-use the same serpentine belt as is on the compressor.

[BillM]

Autozone warranties their compressors if you replace the $80 +/- evaporator. Not sure about anyone else.

[Dino1967]

i just hauled two Taurus to scrap wished i would have know

[Jazzman31]

It is not that hard to replace the compressor, I just did on my 1999 Taurus,junkyard buddy had a compressor for 20$ then the new lines were 30$ and the best part is that it all came together like a glove. So about 100$ dollars you can have cold ac air, without a problem.