Air Conditioning

[The_Hawk]

Summer + black car + black leather... well you get the picture.

Just picked up the car from the air conditioning place. Seems the compressor is stuffed and needs to be replaced, which he has said he can't do.

So now I have to source a replacement unit (from Loon no doubt) and find out who can install the sucker for me When I get a chance I will have to call or drop into the workshop and sus things out.

Any chance I can do this myself or is this one of those things best left to the experts?

[ScienceVR6]

im sure the pump you could do your self, but you would need to take it to be re-gassed. Your right, loon is probly the right bloke to talk to, if you can get hold of him, when ever i ring him, i get no answer.

[The_Hawk]

The joys of living 5 minutes drive from his workshop

I dropped in and have organised for him to do a few bits and peices for me when I can get the car down and leave it for him.

I also dropped into an exhaust place ont he way home, it seems pretty much everything between the cat and the rear muffler is in need of replacement. Straight pipe sounds like the go too

[DubSteve]

You will notice the difference when you get rid of the middle muffler for something that is less restrictative

[golf3]

Considering we're now coming into summer, I think a working A/C system is the top priority! I was going to post a thread about this, but this thread should do just fine!

Long story short...
When I did the conversion, the system was opened (hoses undone when removing the front bar, no gas vented as it was dead anyways!), and its been empty ever since...

So, what do i need to get it running again...??
O-rings?
Dryer?
Expansion valve?
Compressor?
Condenser?

I guess i let the pros do a vacuum and refill of R134...

Now, I've tested the AC switch and the fans turn on and off as they should. How can i test some of the other stuff too?? Such as condenser??

THANKS!
SEAN

[golf3]

Ok, I did a little test...

Apparently, with no gas, and with the A/C on, the fans will spin but the clutch on the compressor won't engage because there's a pressure switch in the system.

So, with the engine off, i took a 12v source from the battery, using brown as ground, and connected it straight to the compressor and heard a click, which i assume is the clutch engaging.

Now, when the A/C is working properly, and with gas, the face of the pulley will spin if the A/C is on, and won't spin with the A/C off, hence the clutch engaging.

Next, i started the car, and once again gave it 12v, heard a click and the face of the pulley span. So that means that the clutch appears to be fine, and also the compressor hasn't actually been spinning all this time without oil.

I then grabbed the multi meter and checked the cable going to the compressor for voltage, and it gave me nothing for A/C on and off. So, that must be the safety measure to stop the compressor engaging when there is no pressure in the system.

Assuming this, where can anyone recommend getting a dryer, expansion valve, and NINE o-rings (covered in PAG oil)??

I have no problems installing these myself before i take it get vacuumed and refilled...

Thanks again!

Here's a pic of our system...

[BlackVr6ix]

I think the bearing in my Compressor are on the way out it makes some god awful noises when its on, but still produces lovely cold air!

is it possible to just replace the bearing or is it a non serviceable item?

[The_Hawk]

Ok, I did a little test...

My system all works as it should too... the clutch engages but the compressor just wont spin. Gas is all fine, clutch seems to work, but the compressor is toast. In my case it *sometimes* manages to run for a few seconds. It sounds like it basically jammed up. Either way it's dead.

Just letting you know it could still be cactus even if everythign around it works as it should, so be prepared.

[Golfer]

I have put this out there before guys in my own thread in Mk3...

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ht=pain+thread

This is absolutely vital - especially in our system (which is notorious for compressors ruined in this manner) you NEED to run your A/C for at least 5 minutes a week, no matter what the weather.

By running the A/C you allow the gas and oil to circulate together through the system and lubricate all the seals and reeds inside the compressor. Without lubrication, the reeds WILL seize, and while your compressor clutch will engage, the system would seem to operate as normal, however you wont get any cold air ever (or until you replace your Compressor, TX valve, Receiver/Dryer and gas at a cost of $1600+) as your compressor will, quite simply, not compress...

Look after your A/C's
John

[malteser]

The problem with our compressors is the reed valves scoring the walls of the cylinders, check this link out:
Sanden SD7V16 Compressors: Check the Reed Valves!

It describes the problem that alot of us are having with our compressors, either not compressing the gas or binding up.

[Jmac]

Very good Malteser u are 110% right mate and cheers for the link very good mate!!

[Golf Loon]

Hey Sean, just whack some o rings in and get a regas with tracer dye, then you will know where you are.

I havent sold a compressor for 6 months, but have been quietly stockpiling them.

Sold a few this week and some condensors. Good to see people are planning ahead for the heat!

Science, i always answer my phone in work hours, rarely late at night. If i`m on the phone, try again in 5 or leave a mesage and I`ll call you back.

See you soon Hawk.

Matt

[The_Hawk]

I havent sold a compressor for 6 months, but have been quietly stockpiling them.
Sold a few this week and some condensors. Good to see people are planning ahead for the heat!
See you soon Hawk.
Matt

Yep and some of that stockpile is going into my car today!

Hopefully I will be able to report back later tonight that I am nice and cool (or at least later in the week after I get the system gassed up and tested

[The_Hawk]

A/C Compressor... Check
Oil Leak... Check

The small issue of the cracked sub Frame Loon found while fixing the above ... Check

The instrument cluster unfortunately seems to have died at some stage too, so a new one of those in there too.

The AC still needs to be gassed and pressure tested, so fingers crossed I can get that done this week too and it all goes well.

On a strange note, if you remember I had issues with the Thermo fans here:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=7162

For some reason they were staying on high speed all the time so the auto elec put in a switch for me. Seems now they are not coming on when the switch is on. Now that means one of two things. Either the fan and/or controller are now complete toast, or somehow the replacement compressor has fixed the issue? Will take it for a bit of a thrash soon and see if I can get the fans to come on.

[The_Hawk]

Thermo fans are coming on when the temp gets up to 91 or so oil temp like they should, at least the low speed is anyway. Will have to really work it to get the high speed going.

The down side. The water temp is now not reading over 70 or so, not the 90 is should

looks like what ever killed the cluster may have taken a sensor with it...

Will have to investigate further