Air-con Compressor change
 

As normal, I started then read the book! :shrug:

I have a new compressor to fit following a re-gas only to find that the refrigerant was not circulating.

Sooo .. As I couldn't see a way in from under, I bit the bullet and removed the front, radiator and the ancillaries only to find that I still cannot get to the compressor.

NOW I read the book.....:o

It looks like I have to remove the oil cooler from the sump to get to all the mounting bolts, so this raises a few questions as to progressing as I am using the neighbouring workshops four poster lift, and the car is "dead" on it!

Questions
1: Will removing the oil cooler involved new gaskets etc. between the sump and the cooler?
2: Are new 'O' rings absolutely, 100% necessary? I don't have any yet!
3: The belt tension appears to be only released from the tensioner, is that straight forward?
3: Have I missed anything?

As always all you knowledgeable chaps are way ahead of me so if you can help this silly old fool I would appreciate it - very much indeed. :bowdown:
Yes I can grovel ....
2ltr KV6 PPD by the way.

I've never done it but I don't believe so. The oil cooler is just mounted on the sump. The oil supply is via pipes if I remember correctly.
If you want to do the job properly: yes! :D
I have done this job and it involves removing the OSF wheel arch liner and the upper engine mounting. It's a bit more than "straightforward" I'd say.
Probably! We all do. ;)

Chuck; before you go any further, has an air conditioning professional attached a gauge set and confirmed that the compressor is responsible? Lack of cooling is often due to disintegrating condenser fins.

Simon

Everything was tested to the point that pressure was as required with the general consensus that the pump was at fault. Although the clutch kicked in both pipes were warm to touch. I have driven the car for several hundred mile on motorways flat out and only just got a very small amount of cooling. When town driving it gets quite warm inside the car!

Sorry, i don't understand. If the compressor was faulty, wouldn't you expect the high side to be low pressure? :shrug:

Who did the testing?

Simon

I had the car checked over at a garage of qualified long service term engineers. They are well known in Wimborne Dorset for being "Old-School" and doing things correctly.

The system was re charged - which took a few hours I am told, and the system was up to specified working pressure. I was then advised that as all systems were working the pump remained suspect as there was little if any circulation.
This was backed up by another AC engineer who based his comments on the results of the works carried out and his own observations.

The only thing I haven't taken into consideration is the dryer/desiccant unit, but now I am this far I might as well go the whole hog!

Why not give Jules a PM. He will answer all of your questions and also supplies the necessary o rings that must be fitted.

I have removed air con compressors without touching the oil cooler.

Chuck; this sounds suspicious to me. How can circulation be detected in an air conditioning system? It can't.
In that case the compressor cannot be faulty. By definition, the compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant.

I recommend that you find a mobile air conditioning practitioner to give you an accurate diagnosis. I can see that you have absolute faith in your people, but I am afraid that what you're reporting doesn't make sense.

Simon

How on earth?????

I had to remove the fixing bolts to oil cooler and the connecting pipes at the oil filter just to get enough movement to get at every thing including the rearmost fixing bolt. In my case there was no way to remove or even access the pump without that, I even had to lift the engine an inch or two to get a little movement on the cooler. The two small tags on the frame (one for the under tray the other holds the cross-over pipes) prevented any movement.

Mine is a PPD so perhaps there is a difference!

Made it the end though but not a job for the feint hearted! My thanks go to my Neighbouring works unit chap who had the four poster and the necessary engine lifting gear. It would have been extremely difficult without all that.

Your comments SD1too rely on the misnomer that the term "compressor" is not exactly correct. The system is filled under pressure and will not engage until the pressure is reached. The AC "Compressor/Pump" is just that; it is a pump that circulates, under pressure.... The system maintains its pressure all the time, even when not working/running. Hence it is a good practice to run the AC on a regular basis to maintain and lubricate the seals. Thank you for your comments though they are always welcomed, and create a healthy discussion, and that extra knowledge.

I am now going to play with my P5 3 litre Rover - it calms the nerves :p: