In a message dated 2/19/01 12:34:13 PM Pacific Standard Time,
timnew@PACBELL.NET writes:

<< I bought a 86 GL with inoperative AC.  I put a belt on the AC compressor
and
 started it up to see what would happen.  It made a horrible screaching
 sound.  Any suggestions to what this might be.  It stops after I run it for
 a few minutes. >>

Tim,

Sounds like a loose or a stuck AC compressor. Check the belt for tightness.
Turn the AC switches off inside the van. Start engine. Does it still screech?
The AC clutch should have disengaged. In some situations, the screeching is
caused by an alternator belt which is slightly loose. The operation of the AC
fans and such can cause this too. Once you've done the AC off and there is no
noise. Try raising your engine RPM then turn the AC on. If it's the
alternator belt, there should be little or no screeching since the alternator
would have had a "headstart" on power demands. If none of these work, then
you need an AC compressor and clutch.

BenT
San Francisco