|
| | | Saturday Job
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 02/07/2009 19:56:36
Posts: 1, Visits: 2 |
| Hi All,
I'm new to the forum, so bear with me...
I have very strange problem - my 2002 TDi Galaxy is a single unit and should be filled 750ml, but KwikFit guy filled it as dual unit - 1050ml - without me noticing. The guy started the car and I felt for few seconds that the temperature started to go down and then started to blow worm air. I said to the guy "Are u sure it has dual A/C? I think is single..." - although as someone mentioned above on the A/C data plate shows the charging quantities for both... So the guy stopped the car straight away and connected the machine again, emptied the A/C system and did the filling procedure again to 750ml of freon.
When done we tested the A/C again and it still was blowing warm air. He said there must be other problem with the A/C and I should check it with specialist (KwikFit only charge and don't repair...)
I have a friend abroad, who is A/C engineer (and a good one...) and I explained to him what happened. He asked me to check few things - whether the pulley of the compressor was engaging when i switch on the A/C - which did, meaning all electrics work and the compressor switches on OK. Then he told me to attach a filling hose with a gauge on it (they come wit the refilling cane of refrigerant - available at Halfords) and the gauge went straight on the last red section at approx 120psi - the red section means "May have mechanical probs".
The pressure and the dial did not change when i turned the engine on and A/C on and off. My mate told me that that means possibly the valves inside the A/C compressor were busted and the compressor does not pump any pressure any more... Bad news, he said. He also said that this could be repaired, but knowing the prices here in the UK it would cost a fortune... May be a new or reconditioned compressor would be wiser.
The problem is that when a compressor (or any other part of the A/C system) is replaced, the system must be purged to clean any particles in the system, than a deep vacuum is applied for 15min or more to clear any air or condensation and then the A/C is re-gassed and re-oiled. Also it is recommended that the Receiver Drier and Expansion Valves are changed when fitting a new A/C Compressor, because contaminated oil trapped in these units will escape the system flush and in time enter the new unit and act as an abrasive.
So, we are stuffed totally from such error of the KwikFit guy.
Anyway, any one knows a reliable auto A/C engineer on London area (London SW, SW)?
My friend is very good A/C engineer, but is based in Bulgaria...
Any advise is welcome. Thanks for you patience to read this!
Roumen
Galaxy 1.9 TDi auto 02 - six seater (originally)  |
| |
| | | Forum Apprentice
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 06/02/2010 08:53:59
Posts: 175, Visits: 711 |
| | Compressors on these Shalaxy's are not the most reliable at the best of times. Was your a/c working before you visited Kwik-Fit at all? 120psi on the low side of a static system that has stood for afew hours is too high. On a 25deg C day, the low side should be 90psi and no more. An overcharge and afew minutes running will not bugger the compressor as a rule- just not very cold air, and the safety cut out would cut out the comp if the highside got to dangerous levels. You need a specialist who is familiar with the variable stroke compressor on these cars. I'm not in london so can't help! It is *essential* that if the compressor has thrown its guts that the system is opened, and all of it flushed properly. This involves flush fluid and is messy and time consuming. You will need to replace the expansion valve, drier and all the seals that are disturbed as a bare minimum. I would replace the condensor too, as it is almost impossible to flush out all the bits from these. If it turns out that the compressor has indeed gone pop and the a/c guy feels that it is a direct consequence of K-F then they ought to be paying the bill for fixing it. Hope this helps abit?
Run out of head to scratch |
| |
| | | Forum Tea Boy
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 13/01/2010 13:20:17
Posts: 65, Visits: 1,664 |
| | Galaxy compressor, living nightmare.. it would of been buggered even before kwikfit got their incompetent little hands on it! You will need a compressor, condensor (reciever/drier built into it) TX valve and a system flush. I can help you out with parts maybe, Regards, Gary |
| |
| | | Forum Tea Boy
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 03:38:06
Posts: 54, Visits: 387 |
| | Hi Roumen, welcome to the forum. As Timbo and Gary have already given great advice, I won't expand on their points but would just add that, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" I would be going back to K-F with a report from a reputable a/c specialist Regards Mike |
| |
|
|