GMC Repair: 4.3 liter 1994 GMC Sonoma pickup, gmc sonoma, belt pulley

Question
The A/C has not worked for quite some time.   I have continued to
drive it without air but, just recently, the compressor is engaging off and on and causing problems with noise and engine operation.  My
question is, can the A/C be bypassed to allow me to continue running
the truck without engaging the A/C.  I have been told that it cannot
be bypassed which makes no sense as this model truck can be bought
without A/C so, obviously, it must have a means to bypass an A/C
system.  Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Jack Colglazier

Answer
Hi
You can disable the compressor by unplugging the clutch electrical connector on the top of compressor.
As far as removing the compressor and replacing it with an idler pulley, the only suggestion I can give would be to go to your local GM dealership's parts department. Get them to look up the parts for a truck without A/C. You'll need the belt, pulley and all related hardware, I guess. I am NOT a parts person, so all this is just a guess.