Getting Air Con Working

[MISS VDUB]

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to throw this one out there. The Air Con in GerTIe doesn't currently work, and with the weather warming up i could really do with some cool relief. Can anyone point me in the right direction of what i should do, and whether is can be fixed?

I know channels must be fairly rooted as every now and then the fan blows another chunk of foam insulation through the vent meaning that i cant direct the air flow anymore, it just blows through all the vents, and also blows hot air in from the engine bay making it hotter in the car Heater doesn't seem to work either, but the hot air from the engine bay keeps me warm.

Please help, what should i do?

Ash

[RedMk2Gti]

Get a new compressor could be the first step.

Alternatively sell it and get a Mk3

[ryana89]

Funnily enough, Im in the process of doing the exact same thing.
Im saving up, and preparing to buy a compressor (Sanden 508 ) from GAP for $400.
Hopfuly then it'll just be a process of putting the new compressor in and getting it regassed.

Btw, does your's still have a full rain tray and rain tray seal?
The seal should separate the engine bay and rain tray area, stopping hot air from being blown in.
Have a chat with Joel to on AVD, he can give you a run down of what may need doing aswell

Alternatively sell it and get a Mk3

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f47/...read-2632.html

[ozvino]

Be warned, MK2 aircon is average even when running like a Swiss watch; be prepared to be underwealmed even after throwing a lot of cash at it

I've been told by a couple of vw mechanics that mine is "the best aircon they have ever seen (felt?) on a mk2" and to be honest it's ...crap, especially compared to a new car

Ryan, regarding the compressor from GAP did they quote you freight? That thing will weigh a ton and cost a kings ransom to fedex. You might want to check a couple of local alternatives first IMHO

Dave

[ryana89]

Ryan, regarding the compressor from GAP did they quote you freight? That thing will weigh a ton and cost a kings ransom to fedex. You might want to check a couple of local alternatives first IMHO

Dave

Yeeeep
The new compressor is $279 (somthing like that) and freight is $120, that takes it too $399.
I shot them an email about shipping, and that was the answer (through UPS)

A couple people have quoted me around $450 to fix a seal in my current compressor and regas the system.
However, no idea of the state of the current compressors internals, it could last 10 years, or it could last a month.

[RedMk2Gti]

Yeeeep
The new compressor is $279 (somthing like that) and freight is $120, that takes it too $399.
I shot them an email about shipping, and that was the answer (through UPS)

A couple people have quoted me around $450 to fix a seal in my current compressor and regas the system.
However, no idea of the state of the current compressors internals, it could last 10 years, or it could last a month.

Ryan, let us know the result if you go ahead, I'd like to follow you if it works well

[ryana89]

Ryan, let us know the result if you go ahead, I'd like to follow you if it works well

NP, Hopfully will be getting it done around mid January.
But I hope the Comp is the only thing wrong with the system, after reading the http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f47/...read-2632.html Im a bit worried.

I've been told by a couple of vw mechanics that mine is "the best aircon they have ever seen (felt?) on a mk2" and to be honest it's ...crap, especially compared to a new car

How effective is it on the highway? That's when I'd use mine the most, when going on big trips.
I havn't been in a new car for quite a while, I find the fan on a hot day quite a godsent!

[ausgolfer]

Not sure why everyone is saying to replace the compressor. Despite how average the system works when it works well, the systems are quite robust compared to modern systems.

I would suggest taking it to a specialist without self diagnosis. Most likely it will only need a re gas with new O-rings throughout and possibly a new drier.

Also request getting the LPG equivalent refrigerant gas (cant remember what its called) put in instead of the R134a commonly used these days. The LPG stuff works a lot better with an older style system and is cheaper than R134a. (dont worry the proper LPG refrigerant has additives to make it non flamable)

[MISS VDUB]

Compared to my old Dubs, any form of air con is a treat for me. Closest I get it the front safari windows on the splitty. When i turn the air con on, it sounds like it's trying to do something, actually the idol turns up also?

[Preen59]

Not sure why everyone is saying to replace the compressor. Despite how average the system works when it works well, the systems are quite robust compared to modern systems.

I would suggest taking it to a specialist without self diagnosis. Most likely it will only need a re gas with new O-rings throughout and possibly a new drier.

Also request getting the LPG equivalent refrigerant gas (cant remember what its called) put in instead of the R134a commonly used these days. The LPG stuff works a lot better with an older style system and is cheaper than R134a. (dont worry the proper LPG refrigerant has additives to make it non flamable)

R600 Isobutane. We use it is export fridges now at work..

[Yoshi Boom]

The aircon in my aus 91 mk2 keeps me cool. I wouldn't say its the best aircon ever, but its certainly welcome. I got it regased and serviced about 2 years ago, and it has been good ever since. I do get black bits of foam blowing out at 4 though. It also helps if you are the only person in the car, to close the vents on the passenger side. Also note that having the defog setting on uses aircon gas (far right one).

Interestingly having the aircon on seems to put some resistance on the car to the wheels. On the way to work I go down a 4km hill where the speed limit is 50kms. I can coast down the hill in 4th with the aircon on at 50. I turn it off and I start rolling above 50. I end up turning it on and off to regulate my speed so I don't have to use the brakes.