F
fictitiousb0y
Guest
The air compressor in my Dodge Dakota froze up causing the belt to snap. In order to replace the belt I need to replace the air compressor because the gears won't turn to tighten the new belt. I'm low on cash and am stuck in another country in the middle of a road trip. I'm looking around in junkyards for a new air compressor. What I'd like to know is what is the MINIMUM amount of work I need to do to get it to run again so I can drive home [1600km/1000mi]? Also what could have caused the air compressor to freeze up in the first place? Could there be more repairs needed that I can't know about until I fix the air compressor and belt? All advice is greatly appreciated.
In response to the four answers I've received so far:
The serpentine belt needs something to be in place of the air compressor in order to bypass it and have it tightened properly. So even if I get a broken air compressor, as long as the gears can turn the belt can be fitted properly right? I just then couldn't use the air conditioning. And the air conditioning includes the use of the heater, right? I know that's a stupid question but I just wanted to make sure. About switching the manual clutch of the broken air compressor off, would that free it up again so the belt could be replaced no problem? Also how do I go about asking the mechanic to do this? He doesn't seem like the guy that likes to take advice or suggestions from clients. He seems pretty set on replacing the air compressor immediately. I'm ok with replacing it, but I'd rather do it later than sooner so I can just get out of here.
In response to the four answers I've received so far:
The serpentine belt needs something to be in place of the air compressor in order to bypass it and have it tightened properly. So even if I get a broken air compressor, as long as the gears can turn the belt can be fitted properly right? I just then couldn't use the air conditioning. And the air conditioning includes the use of the heater, right? I know that's a stupid question but I just wanted to make sure. About switching the manual clutch of the broken air compressor off, would that free it up again so the belt could be replaced no problem? Also how do I go about asking the mechanic to do this? He doesn't seem like the guy that likes to take advice or suggestions from clients. He seems pretty set on replacing the air compressor immediately. I'm ok with replacing it, but I'd rather do it later than sooner so I can just get out of here.