the car is in good shape, we would like to keep it.can not afford to pay a mechanic, and i'm not yet familiar with whatever problems could come from disconnecting the coolant lines.is there a belt l can get that would bypass the ac compressor?

yes, easiest way to find the right size is use some string, wrap it around the path you want, then measure the length

l thought we answered this yesterday? Did not you like our ?

Trying to bypass the compressor with a shorter belt wo not work very well on a Sable engine. The best solution for your problem will be to remove the compressor and get an A/C Compressor By-Pass Pulley. These are available from Ford, NAPA and l am sure most other parts stores. It consists of an idler pulley and bracket that bolts on in place of the AC compressor and allows you to maintain the stock belt length and routing so everything else will work as designed.