Air Con Again!

[dbc]

OK so I've searched the forum and found lots of useful info but could do with more info before I start spending money...

 

Just bought a MkII 2.3 petrol with single aircon (not climate control and no rear vents) so 750 gram system I believe?

 

I took a gamble that the system just needed a regas as the car had been sat around for several months but having had this done the aircon still doesn't work. Got a mate to gas it for free and he added dye to check for leaks also.

 

So on investigation the fuse and the relay are fine and there is 12 volts supply to the compressor but even if I bypass this and put a feed straight from the battery the clutch on the compressor still doesn't engage.

 

There is some evidence of the dye on the compressor by I can decide whether its the compressor leaking or the pipe that runs close to it.

 

I'm a competeant home mechanic but don't have the aircon vacuum / regassing machine but want to do as much myself to save costs....a compressor change seem easy enough, so my question are.....

 

What other tests can I do to confrim the compressor is faulty? (Given the cost I want to be 100% sure)

 

Do the symptoms I describe indicate the compressor? On my mondeo the condesor was leaking but I could still get the compressor to engage by applying 12V direct to it, just wasn't enough gas to run cold cos of the leak)

 

If I chose to replace the compressor myself is there anything I need to worry about? I've read some notes on ensuring the compressor is oiled properly before running and also recommended replacing the reciever drier and the expansion valve due to contamination from the knackered compressor. Is this really necessary?

 

Thanks for any input....wish I checked out galaxy aircon issues before I bought it :ph34r:

[dbc]

Any ideas?????

[Mirez]

What other tests can I do to confrim the compressor is faulty? (Given the cost I want to be 100% sure)

 

Do the symptoms I describe indicate the compressor? On my mondeo the condesor was leaking but I could still get the compressor to engage by applying 12V direct to it, just wasn't enough gas to run cold cos of the leak)

 

If I chose to replace the compressor myself is there anything I need to worry about? I've read some notes on ensuring the compressor is oiled properly before running and also recommended replacing the reciever drier and the expansion valve due to contamination from the knackered compressor. Is this really necessary?

 

Thanks for any input....wish I checked out galaxy aircon issues before I bought it :lol:

 

If you are applying 12V direct to the compressor and its still not engaging its either the electro-clutch or the compressor - if you manually try to turn the inner wheel how much resistance is felt? If its extreamly easy to turn then its likely the vanes have gone in the compressor, if its reasonably tight then it could just be the clutch - I can't advise if its a seperate item on the gal though.

 

If you replace any compressor you must ensure its properly oiled. What theu are getting at with regards to the galaxy is to do it before fitting and thats because of the location of the filler which makes it virtually impossible to do once fitted!

 

IF the compressor has broken up there is an extreamly high chance there will be swarf and debris in the system, obviously you don't have to replace the R/D and valve - but if there is ANY metal debris left in the system after replacement it'll damage the new compressor extreamly quickly which is why its highly recommended to change these relatively cheap parts at the same time. For the sake of another

[dbc]

Thanks Mirez. I can turn the compressor by rotating the inner section of the pulley. There is resistance but its not consistant and feels a bit rough. Sounds like the compressor then!?!

 

Are you in the trade? I notice you are just up the road from me - I'm in trowbridge. If you are I might put the job your way if interested??

 

Thanks

Edited October 25, 2009 by dbc

[Mirez]

Thanks Mirez. I can turn the compressor by rotating the inner section of the pulley. There is resistance but its not consistant and feels a bit rough. Sounds like the compressor then!?!

 

Are you in the trade? I notice you are just up the road from me - I'm in trowbridge. If you are I might put the job your way if interested??

 

Thanks

 

Thats pretty much how mine felt when it had gone. I'm not in the trade no, but I've had a fair bit of experience with a/c systems.

[dbc]

Thanks Mirez. I can turn the compressor by rotating the inner section of the pulley. There is resistance but its not consistant and feels a bit rough. Sounds like the compressor then!?!

 

Are you in the trade? I notice you are just up the road from me - I'm in trowbridge. If you are I might put the job your way if interested??

 

Thanks

 

Thats pretty much how mine felt when it had gone. I'm not in the trade no, but I've had a fair bit of experience with a/c systems.

 

Cheers mate - do you know of somewhere local that will do a good job, or is it all something that can be done by a competant home home mechanic? Replacing the compressor looks simple enough.

 

Worried if I take it to a garage they will just bolt a new compressor on and run it up and after a few months the thing will pack up again!!

 

Thanks

[Mirez]

I can recommend "Keith Lye" in melksham, up on the trading estate as he knows his stuff and is very honest it what needs doing - I've not used him personally for AC though but I do know many that have and say the work is very good.

 

To answer your earlier question that I missed, your system is indeed 750g - nearly all galaxys are as its ONLY if you have the rear roof vents that you have the dual system.

 

The compressor is very easy on the diesel galaxy but I've no experience of chaning it on the 2.3. The receiver drier and condenser are the same though and I'm pleased to say they are both easy enough to change - if you dont need to replace the condenser then get the genuine receiver/drier kit as it comes with a replacement sealing cap. If you use aftermarket then make sure you get a double sealed cap as this is the common cause of A/C leaks on the Mk2. Plug: I actually have the genuine VW kit for sale if your interested ;)

 

The expansion chamber isn't quite so easy sadly, its bolted up high on the bulkhead but access is only really possible from below which makes alignment and sealing fun!

 

When you take the old compressor off examine the oil that comes out - if its a clearish red colour then its old but probably ok however if it looks more like used engine oil then its contaminated and you probably should change the chamber.

[dbc]

I can recommend "Keith Lye" in melksham, up on the trading estate as he knows his stuff and is very honest it what needs doing - I've not used him personally for AC though but I do know many that have and say the work is very good.

 

To answer your earlier question that I missed, your system is indeed 750g - nearly all galaxys are as its ONLY if you have the rear roof vents that you have the dual system.

 

The compressor is very easy on the diesel galaxy but I've no experience of chaning it on the 2.3. The receiver drier and condenser are the same though and I'm pleased to say they are both easy enough to change - if you dont need to replace the condenser then get the genuine receiver/drier kit as it comes with a replacement sealing cap. If you use aftermarket then make sure you get a double sealed cap as this is the common cause of A/C leaks on the Mk2. Plug: I actually have the genuine VW kit for sale if your interested ;)

 

The expansion chamber isn't quite so easy sadly, its bolted up high on the bulkhead but access is only really possible from below which makes alignment and sealing fun!

 

When you take the old compressor off examine the oil that comes out - if its a clearish red colour then its old but probably ok however if it looks more like used engine oil then its contaminated and you probably should change the chamber.

 

Thanks again for the info. I will look inot Keith Lye...

 

The VW kit you have - what does that comprise of exactly and how much you looking for it? I assume its the same as the Ford items?

 

Thanks