I think I hate 87 models

[jesdude7789]

So i have a nice 87 gmc r1500 with the 5.7 and 700-r4. It regrettably has the stinking 3 v-belt with 1 serpentine belt setup on it. Serpentine for the alternator, v-belt for the air pump, a/c compressor, and power steering. My stinking a/c belt broke off yesterday while waiting in a parking lot for an idiot to bring me my drivers license that the damn bartender gave him on accident the night before. Ugh! Then today i replaced the belt at high noon dripping sweat bullets like crazy in the parking lot of advance auto parts using their tools. I thought all was well until just a couple hours ago i was leaving a friends house and it was squealing like crazy. He helped me tighten the snot out of it and all was well....I thought. On the way home i noticed my a/c was not ice cold anymore and when i took a turn i heard a hissing noise. damn it! It turned out when we pulled the a/c compressor over it pulled the hoses farther than the previous setting and set them right on the alternator pulley causing it to cut a nice slit in the hose and cover my entire engine compartment with green dyed oil. I moved the hoop that holds the hoses above the alternator and tightened it back and put the duct tape on the hose just to keep trash out until i fix it. So now I dont know if i want to just fix it or convert it to the single serpentine setup that i've been wanting but dont know how to do it with the AIR pump since it seems i cant get rid of it and pass inspection. what do you guys think? any good links for doing it emissions legal? junk yard or aftermarket? cheaper the better of course!

[menace121978]

man, i'd hit the junk yards for a full serp setup that has the air pump. your going to end up spending a couple hundred (guesstimate) when everything is said and done and your a/c's blowing cold again.

or just get the a/c hose replaced and get it charged back up and call it a day for probably 1/2 the $. jmo
good luck man

[chevymotocross]

That is just bad luck man. I got an 87 too. Don't worry though, once you sort out these minor issues you will be glad you have the TBI.... it makes these trucks unique and more user friendly IMO.

Anyways, hate to hijack but my 87 does not have an air pump. I always wondered if 87's just didn't come with them but I guess they do? I still pass CT state emissions though (I have cats).

[jesdude7789]

thanks menace and chevymotocross!
I didnt think that a serp setup came with an air pump. Do you know what year range they're on? I'll call around and hopefully can find that, i hate having to take three belts off to change one and then end up killing something else like I did
Here's some pics of my truck though since I havent gotten around to posting them til this little problem happened.

[Justins76]

TBI camaros and firebirds had the 1 belt serp setup with airpump. Alt and ps on drivers side, ccw water pump, compressor and air pump on pass side. Might need to have a custom a/c hose made but they dont charge any more then what a stock replacement costs. You'll need a cs alt and wiring to convert from si.

[menace121978]

also 90's caprice and 90's v6 chevy trucks to name a couple

[jesdude7789]

I looked on ebay earlier but i cant seem to find the right kit. Is there a website for certain ones that will work where i can order it? Is browsing the junk yards the only decent source?

[dammitmitchell]

dotn that the truck..
the vehicle diddnt lose it's cool =-)

good luck on the repair, and i would love to see a serpentine set up there.. but i wouldnt use the cash on that unless you plan continually upgrading your motor....

just my two cents..

[grinch4om]

I would fix what you have and press on

[JohnC]

I would say since you are frustrated with what you have change it to the serp system. You could also use one of like a 88-94 truck too couldn't you? I know there are several of them in salvage yards.

[jesdude7789]

Man it's too dang hot here in Texas and since I dont have a beater car to drive around I guess I'm just going to replace it and deal with it during the winter plus I don't want to stress out over finding all the parts I need while sweating in my truck. It will be more fun that way too.
thanks guys!

[dammitmitchell]

umm... im in texas.. and i dont car if i have ac or not..
it's natural weight loss =-) my wife and kids sdot mind either...
hdhehe it's good bfor you it builds character