Compressor- alternator pulley size change

[Kanzan]

Need to replace the compressor on my 1981 Rabbit diesel pickup. Have been told that the original pulley set up on the compressor is no longer available. The original compressor came with a 1/2" drive pulley and a 3/8" alternator pulley. The new compressors come with 2 1/2" pullies. One rebuilder said he could use my old compressor pulley, but it is in pretty bad shape. I thought I could just change the alternator over to a 1/2" pulley and use all 1/2" belts. So far I can't find a shop that can change my alternator over to a 1/2" pulley. Anyone else run into this problem. I have another compressor on it now with the 1/2" pulley driving the 3/8" alternator pulley, and it squeals most of the time. Thanks Kanzan

[TylerDurden]

Some alternator pulleys are two piece with a shim in-between the halves... maybe find one of those pulleys and add a shim.

[Fatmobile]

I use a 1/2" belt on my MK2 non-AC setup,.. but I had to change the alternator pully.

[Kanzan]

Found a shop in K.C. that could change the pulley to 1/2". Already have it back, and installed with new 1/2" belt, works great, no more squealing. Now I just have to put on the new compressor when it gets here, ugggg!

[Fatmobile]

Thanks for the followup, glad to hear it's cured.