Fan belts -cogged vs. smooth

[Longroof79]

When I got my AC working a couple years back I tried Dayco, Goodyear, and whatever off brand the parts guy swore would work and they all would all start to flop and squeal once the weather got hot. I ended up using a timing belt tensioner pully I had left over from my boat ( 2.3 volvo ). Slid a nut and bolt thru it and placed it in the groove the AC is adjusted on to put a little extra tension on the bolt and take the slop out. Worked great until my compressor decided it had enough and seized.

Thanks man, I appreciate your feedback. I have noticed when the A/C is engaged the belt does tend to flop around, despite of how tight I try to tighten it. When the compressor is not engaged, the belt seems to run nice and true. Only under a load it acts like it's loose.
It's funny, where the belt spans between the compressor and pulley, it looks like it could use an idler pulley.

 

[axisg]

lets see if the link works. Damn that was 5 years ago......

Flopping AC belt

So I got my AC sorted out this week. Driving for a couple days ( short trips mind you ) with no issue. However sitting in heavy traffic on the 401 yesterday the AC belt started chirping on occasion which turned to squealing. Only at idle with my foot on the brake and the AC on. Once back to...

gbodyforum.com

 

[Longroof79]

lets see if the link works. Damn that was 5 years ago......

Flopping AC belt

So I got my AC sorted out this week. Driving for a couple days ( short trips mind you ) with no issue. However sitting in heavy traffic on the 401 yesterday the AC belt started chirping on occasion which turned to squealing. Only at idle with my foot on the brake and the AC on. Once back to...

gbodyforum.com

Axis,
You've described it to a T. It seems like a common problem with this particular setup. Thank you for finding the old thread. That's extremely helpful.
It looks like the idler pulley addition is a win and relatively easy to bolt on. Thank you again for that tip. Now to find a pulley setup that will do the trick.
Thank you again my friend. I appreciate it.

 

[69hurstolds]

A good quality belt is your best bet. Proper tension and alignment for long life. Sounds as if your belt is slipping causing the screeching. That may be coming from a compressor trying to work too hard as well (potential end of life). Cogged belts apparently are designed to bend easier than non cogged. And there are claims of better efficiency and running cooler. Meh, not so sure. Maybe, but I've had good luck with Gates, Goodyear and GM factory junk.

3.25 lbs R-12 from empty. Approximate. If using the small cans, a little over 4.

R-134a? Somewhat less. Around 2.8 lbs thereabouts.

 

[Longroof79]

A good quality belt is your best bet. Proper tension and alignment for long life. Sounds as if your belt is slipping causing the screeching. That may be coming from a compressor trying to work too hard as well (potential end of life). Cogged belts apparently are designed to bend easier than non cogged. And there are claims of better efficiency and running cooler. Meh, not so sure. Maybe, but I've had good luck with Gates, Goodyear and GM factory junk.

3.25 lbs R-12 from empty. Approximate. If using the small cans, a little over 4.

R-134a? Somewhat less. Around 2.8 lbs thereabouts.

Thank you sir. I'd hate to think that the compressor is on the verge of quitting. I know I should've gone with a good quality Sanden compressor, but figured I already had all the proper brackets, etc... what do I have to lose? However, I've heard that R-4's don't have great longevity. 🙁
I will give the cogged belt a try.
Oh, and thank you for the refrigerant amounts. Btw, I'm using R-134A.