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Hey all,

My 1996 civic LX was making a threatening noise recently, so i took it to the mechanic back home (I live 3 hours from where i go to school) for an oil change and to see what might be the matter. He was quick to diagnose what he thought was a problem with the timing belt being loose and slapping the cover... needless to say that was replaced.

BUT, the noise came back after the three hour drive to school. The thing is, the noise seems to have subsided now, but there seems to be smoke (not steam, not exhaust, not burning oil) coming from the AC compressor.

What is my first diagnostic step here? and is it possible to remove the AC belt without taking the others off, so that i can make it home without gassing myself along the way?

Thanks
-J

 
Rep Power: 189

Yes, there is a separate belt for the AC, power steering and alternator. Not sure of the procedure, you'll have to loosen the tensioner I think to take the belt off, and temporarily remove a engine mount. Might just want to cut the belt or wait for it to burn off. Might want to do more diagnosing first though. Flashlight and playing with engine RPM to see where the smoke is coming from but be careful of belt slapping you if about ready to snap, and diagnose why it's smoking to find problem! The Internetz likes videos if you want help

 
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Yes u can the ac belt doesnt have a cover but to completly take it off ud have to remove an engine mount what you can do is lossen the tensioner remove the belt from the pulley and if you have a ziptie or some string tie the belt tightly around the engine mount so it doesn't move that will let you get it to where your going be make sure that's what smoke is coming from

 
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Hey all,

Something finally seised up and caused the engine to stall... i cut the belt off with a knife. Problem "Solved"

-J