Today I was driving down the freeway and a strong odor of gas from a lifted truck filled my cabin with bad odor , So i turned my ac on to cold and full blast , mind you my AC doesn't work. After about 20 mins I feel a sudden decrease in power and a strong burning odor , I start to pull over and turn my radio and AC off to hear what's wrong , as soon as i flip the AC off my power returns and the smell subsides . I figure the AC Condenser failed and make my way back home , While idling I turn the AC on and hear a horrid screech and burning sent immediately follows . The Condenser is toast , not a big deal but my question is , can I remove the belt and run with just the alternator belt or will the lack of tension mess my water pump up. I don't have an air pump and have not had a air pump for 3+ years with no issue.

 

The AC compressor belt does not effect the water pump operation. You can remove the belt without an issue as the AC compressor belt is a standalone drive belt.