The V8 Owners Forum -

Anyone know anything about air con compressors, the air con on my daily driver Rover 820 Sterling coupe has just packed up, it was working fine after having a re-gas a few weeks back. I've got a suspicion it may be the clutch on the compressor which is making a slight chattering noise,

I had a quote for a new compressor and including fitting and re-gassing it would come out at about what the car is worth!

Any advice.

Kevin.

Kev
Let the car idle with the fans on full fresh air and max speed and the cooling turned on.
You should see the centre hub of the compressor lock up with the pulley when the LP switch engages the clutch.
If the centre hub does not rotate at the same speed as the outer pulley when you hear the clunk as the clutch is energised, the clutch is shagged. The clattering may be a slipping clutch.

Or the system may have lost some gas.
This will give you a symptom of the compressor trying to start every few seconds, or it wont try at all. if its short of gas, you may get the compressor cycling and also notice a hissing noise from the cooling coil / matrix which indicates a lack of liquid in the system.

Perry

Perry.

Thats helpful I'll check it over tomorrow, do you know if just the clutch can be replaced as I've been told a new compressor is about £350.00 !

Although the car isn't worth a lot and is just a big armchair on wheels it would be a shame to have to get rid of it as it's only done 83000 miles and I do like to get value out of my daily drivers but for me air con is essential so have to do something.

Kevin.

Kev
Have a punt around auto AC specialists. Some of them may do repairs.
Or you may strike it lucky and find one on a scrapper. If you can find the make and model of the compressor, it may well be used on later cars that you might find in a scrappy.

That last post took 8 mins to go through??

Who makes it? Get me a part number and i'll get you a good price on a new or rebuilt unit.

Ahh!!
The beauty of a forum eh Kev!!

Thanks Hairbear, I'll try and find out make and number, it's hardly visible in the engine bay down below the alternator and water pump.

And yes Perry it's a great forum, what did we do before the internet for those of us old enough to remember the dark days!

Kevin.

Kevin
I can answer that
20 years ago
Cars were simple
Garages stocked parts
Counter staff knew what they had and what would be needed
There was a journeyman on hand to ask questions if there was an unresolved problem
The garage was happy to help and get your repeat business


Now
Nobody holds stock
Cars are complicated with more things to break
Counter staff know nothing about what they are selling
Journeymen are non existant
And it's scalp the punter now as he will never come back

Perhaps I enjoyed the old days too

Ian

I dont miss radio pagers and pay phones Ian

Not sure if this is what you're looking for. Came to me with a few other bits and a RR 3.5 engine. it's a Nipon Denso unit - not sure if it's power steering or air con[/img]

Yes that is an A/C compressor.

Ive been bloody busy for the last couple of days when I expected it to be quiet and had planned a couple of days off to play with the MGB V8

Still haven't got the new engine in yet as my mechanic has a Marcos V6 which is still in his sick bay abd can't take mine in till thats out of the way

I still need to find out which compresssor is fitted to my Rover, I'll try speaking to a couple of A/C specialists and see what they can tell me about make and model and what can be done.

Kevin

Well had a chance to check it today and the clutch is definately locking up when you switch on the A/C so the fault may well be elseware, pressure loss from seals, pipes or possibly the condenser.

I spoke to an A/C company who sound reasonable and they will come and inspect it for £20 which is refundable against the bill if I proceed with the repair, so will give them a shot at it next week. I've got to get it fixed as I can't stand this hot humid weather, will let you know how I get on.

Kevin.

Kevin

here's the ID on the end of the unit in the previous photo. You'rer not too far from me if it's any good to you

[/img]

Pocket Rocket,

Thanks, not sure if that will fit I'll try and find out and get back to you.

Kevin.