A/C - just changed condenser, now suspect evaporator. Advice sought

[alan richard]

Have just spent £400 to sort my aircon - involving new condenser fitting which I expected to be at fault.

A/C lasted 2 days - returned to garage with a 'what-the-hell?'

They advise now that no leaks detected in engine bay/ plenum via UV, but their sniffer detects some gas in the interior.

Garage is quite reliable (ex MG/Rover dealership with an old boy who knows the 75 well)

They've not quoted to replace the evaporator, they rang to advise that it would become a 'big job' and let me decide if I could live without it.

Having just forked out for the condenser, I'm not so sure if I want to . . .

I appreciate it's a 'personal choice' question but am interested to hear anyone else's view on this and if anyone can advise a rough cost for this type of work.

Cheers.

A

Sadface. Hot and bothered

[Mick Brownhill]

Originally Posted by alan richard

Have just spent £400 to sort my aircon - involving new condenser fitting which I expected to be at fault.

A/C lasted 2 days - returned to garage with a 'what-the-hell?'

They advise now that no leaks detected in engine bay/ plenum via UV, but their sniffer detects some gas in the interior.

Garage is quite reliable (ex MG/Rover dealership with an old boy who knows the 75 well)

They've not quoted to replace the evaporator, they rang to advise that it would become a 'big job' and let me decide if I could live without it.

Having just forked out for the condenser, I'm not so sure if I want to . . .

I appreciate it's a 'personal choice' question but am interested to hear anyone else's view on this and if anyone can advise a rough cost for this type of work.

Cheers.

A

Sadface. Hot and bothered

I know the feeling. Took mine to for re-gas and they found a leek. Had to take it to specialist who tested and found the condenser leaking. It had actually had it. I will try and post photos today. Also had a new radiator fitted because it was on its last legs. Cost over £600. It was an agonising decision to make. I felt needs be, its my daily and a lovely car. With the cost of purchace and work done (service and spray bumper) still only cost me less than £2.5K. I decided not a lot of money for a super car.
Best Wishes
Mick

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by Mick Brownhill

. . .I felt needs be, its my daily and a lovely car. . .
Mick

Cheers Mick for the encouragement, I'm on the same page.

-A

[JefferiesFarnol]

I had pretty much the same thing, the garage replaced my condenser, said there were no more leaks and and two days later I had no A/C. After a mobile specialist also found no evident leaks with a pressure test and filled it with dye added, the same thing happened; it ended up being the compressor which was covered in dye. I theorise that it doesn't show up with the pressure test because it only leaks out when the compressor is running. It might be worth checking but if, as you say, there is gas in the cabin maybe it isn't the compressor.

I did the work myself in the end which saved labour costs and it wasn't too hard even for a complete amateur like me, it's been working perfectly since being charged on Tuesday (fingers crossed). This is what my compressor looked like after it had leaked dye all over itself:


Perhaps also worth mentioning is that the specialist told me that it would have to be a serious leak to lose a full charge in two days.

[Arctic]

Hi Alan.
Is this what you are looking for below click the link.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264655035...hoCLvUQAvD_BwE

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by JefferiesFarnol

I had pretty much the same thing, the garage replaced my condenser, said there were no more leaks and and two days later I had no A/C. After a mobile specialist also found no evident leaks with a pressure test and filled it with dye added, the same thing happened; it ended up being the compressor which was covered in dye. I theorise that it doesn't show up with the pressure test because it only leaks out when the compressor is running. It might be worth checking but if, as you say, there is gas in the cabin maybe it isn't the compressor.

I did the work myself in the end which saved labour costs and it wasn't too hard even for a complete amateur like me, it's been working perfectly since being charged on Tuesday (fingers crossed). This is what my compressor looked like after it had leaked dye all over itself:


Perhaps also worth mentioning is that the specialist told me that it would have to be a serious leak to lose a full charge in two days.

That's interesting - thanks for the tip.

I'd like to think the garage checked around the compressor.
Knowing my luck I'll change the evaporator, then find it was the compressor along.

Speaking of evaporators -Thank you Arctic, appreciate the link. Have ordered one.

Originally Posted by Arctic

Hi Alan.
Is this what you are looking for below click the link.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264655035...hoCLvUQAvD_BwE

Another question on the subject of a/c.
If a new condenser is fitted - should I assume it comes with a new desiccant pack installed?

[daveo138]

Originally Posted by alan richard

Another question on the subject of a/c.
If a new condenser is fitted - should I assume it comes with a new desiccant pack installed?

Mine did. (fitted last week, but as yet ungassed)

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by Arctic

Hi Alan.
Is this what you are looking for below click the link.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264655035...hoCLvUQAvD_BwE

Necro posting, I know.

I did 'buy' that item Steve (Cheers for the link BTW) but when the sale went through on ebay I was informed that it was not available.

Question for today - Is the evaporator/ heater matrix for the facelift diesel the same as for a V6, or pre-facelift V6?

It's getting that time of year and have seen one available locally

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194830738...Bk9SR_Czp5n8YQ

Would this fit, anyone know?

Thanks

A

[dave lincs]

If your stuck I have a brand new evaporator

[Arctic]

Hi Guys.
Are we talking about the matrix here or the whole air system blower etc.