Aux belt noise plus not great aircon
 

So... since the garage did all the belts and pump (including the V-belt which they spotted was cracked a lot) it's gained A Noise. I guess a new taught belt can reveal the wear in a pully or component? Anyway the aircon isn't very good (it's obviously working a bit, because it's not warm, but it's not particularly cold unlike the Viva which is like being in a blast freezer).

Could it be The Noise is a failing compressor, also explaining the notGreat aircon? It's 17 years and 124,000 miles old so it's probably due a shiny new one.

Or, is the aircon on these cars not great? I can't find it now but I recall some discussion on here about it being poorly designed.

(I'm kinda hoping a 2 in 1 fix here)

Hi Pete,

You're correct to observe that now is not the ideal time to judge an air conditioning system too critically. However, the most common reasons why your Rover is not as cool as your other car are condenser deterioration and/or slow leaks of refrigerant.

If you believe that this has only become apparent after the garage's work then ask them to check the ancillary belt tension and whether they discharged and recharged the air con. for the timing belt change (it's not necessary but two of the compressor mounting bolts do need to be removed).

Resist the temptation to buy a new compressor without a firm diagnosis. Old and high mileage does not necessarily equate with unreliability, in fact often it's quite the opposite!

From my journey in a brand new BMW 330 at the weekend I am happy to reassure you that its air conditioning was no better than the 23 years old system in my 75. :D

Simon

Thanks. An aircon specialist I know (who is too far away unfortunately) has also suggested

1. Leaking condenser
2. Failing blower motor on radiator and/or dead low speed / high speed fan operation

What do you think?

I agree. The condenser is vulnerable to damage by flying stones so a slow leak is a possibility as is inefficiency when the fins rot and fall off as powder (most often seen at the bottom).

You can check the radiator fan operation yourself using the "demist test". With the engine started from cold and the windscreen demist button pressed, is the radiator fan running continuously?

Simon

PS The term "blower motor" is used for the internal heater/air con. fan to avoid confusion with the radiator fan mounted in the engine compartment. :):