On a trip back from the MG and Triumph Spares Day a rattling and then screeching noise started coming from the engine. I imediately suspected the ac compressor and pressed the econ button to disconnect it. The screeching noise stopped but the rattling continued. I managed to get home OK where I was able to confirm what had happened. With the serpentine belt off the ac pulley turned but rattled when I switched the econ button off the ac pulley was solid so the compressor had seized.
The condenser has to be replaced as well as the pump which means front bumper off …. not a job I really want to do in winter.
I found details on the 260s Facebook group where you can bypass the ac pump with a shorter belt – a DRAPER 6PK1800 which I found on ebay and ordered.
Before fitting the new belt the smooth pulley on the tensioner arm needs to be replaced with the small grooved pulley located above the ac pulley …… a 5 minute job.
When the new belt arrived it was a quick and easy job to fit and the car is back on the road again …… and a lot quieter!
I think I would recommend having this shorter belt on standby in the car boot ….. these compressors seem to be a regular problem.
MG ZT info mods and maintenance 