Rover 75 2004 CDTI Aircon Compressor.

[Big.Al]

Also can anyone recommend someone in the North Yorkshire/Durham area that specialises in A/C.

[SD1too]

Alan,

Sorry to hear that things are not going well. Since I do my own air conditioning repairs (except evacuation and recharging) I may be able to point you in the right direction.

Originally Posted by Big.Al

... the garage i use ... had fitted a compressor already and hadn’t fixed the problem ...

This is very common. Whenever someone doesn’t know what’s wrong they inevitably blame the most expensive component. Did they fit a second-hand compressor? If so, that’s very unwise unless you’re aware of the potential pitfalls.

I wanted a proper diagnosis. They put the UV dye in and it lit up around the condenser.

Well done! That’s more like it.

So I used kiwi-fit to re-gas, whilst at work, as I thought they couldn’t muck that up.

... I don’t think they put in enough oil as it needs a bit more on replacement of condenser etc.

Most of the oil is retained in the compressor when the system is evacuated so more to the point is: did the garage check the oil in the replacement compressor and add more as necessary?

... after it was gassed up by kwik-fit but it slowly started blowing hotter air and the high speed fan was on all the time ..

That isn’t an oil problem, more like incorrect refrigerant charge.

... there is a whining/metalic grinding when the A/C is on and goes away completely on econ mode.

With the Diesel engine that’s usually caused by a failing crankshaft pulley. When did you first notice this noise?

So: Could it have overheated and cooked the compressor.

No. That’s a myth. The compressor is protected by the high pressure trinary switch which will disengage it if the pressure (and therefore temperature) of the refrigerant rises above a pre-determined level.

Does the system need to be completely flushed through incase there is some debris/etc

That’s a good question. If the garage fitted a second-hand compressor and the ports were not capped then that’s a possibility. I have done flushing myself after I obtained a quote of several hundred pounds (because it’s very time consuming). It’s not comprehensive because parts of the system cannot be flushed. I wouldn’t consider this at the moment.

Also found this compressor on amazon claims to be for a LN TD4 will it fit and is it any good.

Alan, first of all you need to get a reliable diagnosis. Don’t arbitrarily replace expensive parts on a hunch. Look at Yell.com or put into Google: “Mobile car air conditioning Richmond North Yorkshire”. You need a knowledgeable, independent practitioner to check what Kwik-Fit has done and give you his opinion.
As I said, your air con. might be fine and the problem is your crankshaft pulley.

Simon

[Big.Al]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Alan,

Sorry to hear that things are not going well. Since I do my own air conditioning repairs (except evacuation and recharging) I may be able to point you in the right direction.

This is very common. Whenever someone doesn’t know what’s wrong they inevitably blame the most expensive component. Did they fit a second-hand compressor? If so, that’s very unwise unless you’re aware of the potential pitfalls.

Well done! That’s more like it.



Most of the oil is retained in the compressor when the system is evacuated so more to the point is: did the garage check the oil in the replacement compressor and add more as necessary?

That isn’t an oil problem, more like incorrect refrigerant charge.

With the Diesel engine that’s usually caused by a failing crankshaft pulley. When did you first notice this noise?

No. That’s a myth. The compressor is protected by the high pressure trinary switch which will disengage it if the pressure (and therefore temperature) of the refrigerant rises above a pre-determined level.

That’s a good question. If the garage fitted a second-hand compressor and the ports were not capped then that’s a possibility. I have done flushing myself after I obtained a quote of several hundred pounds (because it’s very time consuming). It’s not comprehensive because parts of the system cannot be flushed. I wouldn’t consider this at the moment.

Alan, first of all you need to get a reliable diagnosis. Don’t arbitrarily replace expensive parts on a hunch. Look at Yell.com or put into Google: “Mobile car air conditioning Richmond North Yorkshire”. You need a knowledgeable, independent practitioner to check what Kwik-Fit has done and give you his opinion.
As I said, your air con. might be fine and the problem is your crankshaft pulley.

Simon

They claimed to have fitted a new one that they purchased from rover when they went bust but I’m not sure they have to be honest. The crankshaft pulley replaced about a year ago along with the bottom adjustable tensioners. All the engine mounts have been replaced too. My other thought was it the tensioner idler pulley or some other pulley?

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Big.Al

They claimed to have fitted a new one that they purchased from rover when they went bust but I’m not sure they have to be honest.

That does indeed sound like a fairy story. Can you see the compressor? Does it look brand new and shiny? A visit from an independent mobile air con. specialist is your best move now.

Simon

[Big.Al]

Originally Posted by SD1too

That does indeed sound like a fairy story. Can you see the compressor? Does it look brand new and shiny? A visit from an independent mobile air con. specialist is your best move now.

Simon

Where is the best place to view it from the wheel arch liner? Sounds like a plan with the AC specialist.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Big.Al

Where is the best place to view it from the wheel arch liner?

A fellow diesel owner will best be able to help you with that question Al but looking at MG Rover’s illustration I’d say it’s at the very bottom of the engine. You might have to remove the wheel arch liner.

Simon

[Big.Al]

So the aircon has held out and has been running cold all summer, but when I engage the aircon it sounds like metal plates grinding then becomes more of a whine that changes with the revs. Noise free when the aircon is in Econ mode. Also odd when changing from forward to reverse it stops for a moment then starts whining again after a couple of seconds.

I have taken it to another garage and they say ?compressor ?belt tensioner.

Which has always been my suspicion but which route do I take as they are both very expensive. I like my cars running perfect and this is driving me nuts.

Can anyone with a bit more knowledge suggest a way of knowing which route to take?

Cheers.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Big.Al

So the aircon has held out and has been running cold all summer, but when I engage the aircon it sounds like metal plates grinding ... Noise free when the aircon is in Econ mode.
Can anyone with a bit more knowledge suggest a way of knowing which route to take?

Yes Al. You have a diesel so start looking at the crankshaft pulley. That’s what the above evidence suggests.

Simon

[Big.Al]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Yes Al. You have a diesel so start looking at the crankshaft pulley. That’s what the above evidence suggests.



Simon

That’s was replaced 18 months ago with a cortico one and this problem has been going on as Long as that too.

Replaced crankshaft pulley, all engine mounts and the lower adjustable AC pulley in the last 18 months.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rovertone]

I replaced my crankshaft pulley 3 years ago 30k miles back (disappointing), in Portugal where the best brand I could get was Contitech at a cost for the part at 260 euros!

A few months back I thought that my compressor was on its way out as I had a knocking, noticeable when idling and when a/c was switched on, I even got a listening stick on the compressor body and for all the world the knocking was coming from there. Then the noise seemed to even out and was not so noticeable at idle or when I switched aircon.
Just off on a trip south again and once bitten I decided to get my garage to change pulley for a Corteco, guess what smooth quiet engine!!

Now the bit of my tale that may help you, my mechanic pointed out to me, if you look closely at the front of the pulley you could see wear marks where the sections of the pulley had been flexing with metal to metal contact. I suggest you pull the wing liner away and have a good close look at the front face of the pulley towards the outer edge to see if you have the same.
Just pleased I didn't change compressor!
Good luck