My AC is busted.

I understand that this model and engine combination is not available without AC.
I hesitate to spend big $$$ on replacing the AC unit.
Anyone have any experience operating this engine without the AC unit?
Might a shorter rerouted serpentine belt that bypasses the AC unit allow normal engine operation?
Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks, Al alp00795

I believe if you look at the belt routing diagram under the hood, it does show with and without A/C. The N-car (Skylark et al.) was available with a 3300 w/o A/C. Since the diagram does show both, I assume the belt would be correct, even though some N-cars had some awful motor mount and belt interference.

Thanks for your quick and informative response Jerry. I checked the routing diagram as you described. Don't know how I managed to miss the rerouting portion. I'll check with my local Buick dealer about substituting a non-AC Skylark belt.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks, Al

. . . or you could yank the compressor and install a bypass pulley: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NDP6601846

Good find CathedralClub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

They're not something I care for, but these help folks who need to hang on to their money more than they need to keep cool. HVAC repair costs too much unless you know your way around it.

Funny thing: If I want to put one of these bypass pulleys in place of the compressor on my 2001 YukonXL with a 5.3, they have one. Even though the compressor is the only thing on its own dedicated belt. LOL.

If all of the components are in the same place with or without A/C, then simply using the Non-A/C routing as listed on the diagram should be fine. If the compressor is in the way of the Non-A/C routing, then it may need to be yanked anyway.

The A/C delete pulley is required for some cars, because the routing will not allow bypassing the A/C, like in the case of most (if not all) 3800s.

The 3300 is a pleasant surprise from most. Funny, considering the sticker is on a car that was standard with A/C, IIRC.

Browse Your Device

Back in those days they were in the midst of getting away from stacks of different engine options by putting some engines everywhere. I bet they didn't know for sure whether or not this engine wouldn't end up in a bunch more cars than they had originally designed for, so they designed in the non-AC option to be safe.

Thank you for your consideration and response.
Fortunately I didn't have to go that route. An earlier respondent suggested installing a Skylark 3.3 engine serpentine belt as that model doesn't have AC.. This was done and it worked. Cost me $30 and I was able to do it myself.