* Belt slippage: The smaller belt will be under too much tension, leading to slippage and potential damage to the belt and other components.
* Pulley damage: The belt tensioner and other pulleys are designed to work with a specific belt size and tension. Using a smaller belt can strain these components and cause premature wear or failure.
* Compressor damage: Even though the compressor isn't being driven, the belt's interaction with the compressor pulley could still cause issues.
The proper way to disable the AC compressor is to either:
* Remove the belt completely: This is the simplest and safest method, ensuring nothing interacts with the compressor.
* Install an AC bypass pulley: This is a replacement pulley designed to fit where the compressor would be, allowing you to use the correct size belt for the rest of the system.
Trying to use a smaller belt is a risky shortcut that could lead to more expensive repairs down the road. It's far better to use one of the proper methods.
