Well, I haven't tried the short-belt approach.
I just unplugged the pump about 10 years ago - and also plugged the vacuum line to the valve. That way, the valve will stay closed all the time. There is a 1-way check valve in the air line also, but why not help it out. Ig the 1-way failed, exhaust gas would reverse-flow up into the pump.

Also, the idler bearing in the pump is replaceable for not too much money, and easy to do. So, leaving the belt on the pump, just turning the idler bearing is a good option.

DG