Replacement: Compressor

[Scheimann]

Team Alfisti

Yesterday I took my pride and joy to get it the aircon regassed, which I was under the impression (from the time that I had purchased it) that it was just the gas which was depleted.

2 hours later, I get the dreaded phone call from my local indepedent and they tell me that the compressor is leaking They quoted me £651 to replace and re-gas (comp: £353, labour £151, re-gas:£62, VAT: £85). I will be taking it to Kwik-fit to do the whole dye thing to comfirm it's the compressor.

But is it a case of just buying a used compressor? Is this one a safe buy? Can I fit it myself?

[biffa]

I would of said if the gas is already gone then yes, but there are a couple of A/C compressor variants so be sure...

I would say the compressor wasnt the original cause of the missing gas but as a result of it not having gas and not being used... Whe there is not gas or the system isnt used the rubber seals dry out and therefore cause a leak...

hope this helps...

[Scheimann]

Originally Posted by biffa

I would of said if the gas is already gone then yes, but there are a couple of A/C compressor variants so be sure...

I would say the compressor wasnt the original cause of the missing gas but as a result of it not having gas and not being used... Whe there is not gas or the system isnt used the rubber seals dry out and therefore cause a leak...

hope this helps...

Is this something that I can fit myself? I've done the thermostat (which is the same system - yes?) - is it a similar technical degree?

[Nomis]

Originally Posted by Scheimann

Is this something that I can fit myself? I've done the thermostat (which is the same system - yes?) - is it a similar technical degree?

If I understand you by thermostat you mean the engine cooling thermostat, that's on the water side not the refridge side. they are different systems totally.

You could probably fit the compressor unit itself (as it's at the front of the engine on the aux belt system), but then you need to connect all the refridge pipes. These may need the ends swaging, etc. If you're not an air conditionining engineer I would let the professional do it.

Plus if you've got any gas left in the system... it's not nice stuff!!!!

[greenhedges]

I've got a similar problem with my air con, I had it re-gassed and it was working fine until oil started to leak out of the compressor. It must be some internal seal or gasket in the compressor that's perished but it is proving difficult to find something to repair it at a reasonable price. As a last resort I will buy a new compressor and probably get an air con specialist to fit it. Although I am thinking about fitting it myself and then just taking it to a garage to be re-gassed.

After searching on the net this company ALFA ROMEO COMPRESSORS*::*Compressors*::*Autokool seem to offer a wide range of new compressors and the most competitive prices, has anyone else used them before?

[Pud237]

Hi,

At AutoLusso we have stacks of compressors that have been taken off cars with working air conditioning systems. We could get a compressor and fit it for you, and then re-gas it. Certainly for a lot less than £651. Give us a call on 01525 221921, we are near Leighton Buzzard.

Its not so easy to do yourself, not impossible but more complicated than a thermostat as it involves removing the auxiliary belt and putting it back on afterwards, ensuring it is correctly tensioned.

[rgwm]

I'd agree with Pud that the original quote is taking the mickey.....second-hand compressor is probably £50 - and any Alfa specialist dismantler (like Autolusso) will have plenty. I have...

Last one I changed took me maybe 20 minutes - remove auxiliary belt cover and belt (easier if you jack up the car on the offside and remove offside front wheel), unplug the electrical connector to the compressor, undo the bolt or allen key holding the aircon pipes to the compressor, remove 4 bolts holding the compressor to the bracket on the block, place old unit carefully on ground so you don't fall over it , then replace in reverse order....trickiest bit is refitting the belt - you need a long 15mm spanner -or some way to get extra leverage on it as the tensioner is strong - and it helps to have an extra pair of hands, but its perfectly possible on your own. You can't incorrectly tension it, the tensioner is self-setting.

Then get it professionally re-gassed.......job's a good 'un. £151 plus VAT labour

[Mitch166]

The problem with second hand compressors is that they sit on the shelf and dry their own seals out. I guess that at least if you get someone like Autolusso do it, if they recharge the system and it leaks, they will try another one.

[Scheimann]

Oh no!

Went back to the garage (above), to ask them to put some dye in and ensure that the compressor was leaking (so I knew which part to tell Ned at Autolusso to replace). Turns out the receptionist who originally gave me the bad news over the phone got it wrong!

It's not my compressor that's leaking but rather my condenser!

I've been looking around and they seem to be around £100-£150, is this right?
Is this something that I can fit myself? Do I need specialist tools?

[Autolusso]

Originally Posted by Scheimann

Oh no!

Went back to the garage (above), to ask them to put some dye in and ensure that the compressor was leaking (so I knew which part to tell Ned at Autolusso to replace). Turns out the receptionist who originally gave me the bad news over the phone got it wrong!

It's not my compressor that's leaking but rather my condenser!

I've been looking around and they seem to be around £100-£150, is this right?
Is this something that I can fit myself? Do I need specialist tools?

Don't worry what ever it is we can fix it, sounds to me like they don't know what they are doing, it could be the compressor, condenser or more likely a broken or split pipe, whatever it is we will have the parts and will be able to re-gas it ,

Are you still coming up in the morning?

Ned

[rhett71]

Anyone worth his salt knows your aircon system needs vaccuming out before it's recharged!! That's half the reason it's not a DIY option for most people!!

[Scheimann]

Hi Ned

Sorry, as you know didn't come up on staurday - reason being as it's supposedly not the compressor anymore and rather the condenser - i want to investigate it a bit more before i bring it in. Both for my piece of mind and to save time.

[Autolusso]

Originally Posted by Scheimann

Hi Ned

Sorry, as you know didn't come up on staurday - reason being as it's supposedly not the compressor anymore and rather the condenser - i want to investigate it a bit more before i bring it in. Both for my piece of mind and to save time.

No problem, but if you had come it would have been fixed now

I am away on holiday for the next 2 weeks but if you want it sorted give Laurence a call at my place and book it in and we will sort it for you

Ned