Next phase- Aircon

lazza · Unread post by **lazza** » 21 Jun 2010, 14:42

HI Forum

thanks for your replies on the ITV. In the end the citroen garage checked it and I had quite a few parts to change for the steering- cylinder, struts (or something like that) the cylinder was particularly expensive. With the fixing of the gearbox oil leak and changing break pads came to near on 700 € ouch.

Still it passed its ITV and didnt have to fix any engine leaks.. althougth ironically now after the work I am seeing a small oil leak under the car- typical!

Anyway, the most important thing now is to fix the AirCon. So I'd like some advice.

In FeuVert they said it was the compressor not operating properly and I have seen a leak coming from the compressor in the last couple of years.

So should I:

a. Bite the bullet and take it to a garage that will fix it all
b. Change the seals on the compressor myself?
c. Change the compressor myself?

How on earth do I go about b & c

Thanks alot.. it's very hot here now

, so the sooner the better!

Larry

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 21 Jun 2010, 15:15

You'll need access to an Air con system Vac pump, appropiate dials, and adapter to plug into the Charge port..

Im about to do this myself on my Xantia, due to a compressor body leak..

Vac out ALL system pressure if any.. If theres non at all in it, you'll be fine to undo the pipe connection on the back of the compressor and move the feed pipes to one side.. BE SURE THERES NO PRESSURE IN THERE...

The compressor is a slight pain to remove, as you need to remove the altinator to get at the top two securing bolts, you then need to get the Aux Belt off... undo the four Compressor bolts and take note of the spacer positions.. get two new large seals from dealer, quite cheap over here, 60 UK Pence each or so, could even be a UK Pound...

Re fit it all, then if you are lucky to have your own Vac pump and guage do a Vac test, if it holds a vac for a while its worth sending in for a recharge then... you know it will hold from the Vac test..

Paul

Unread post by **xantia_v6** » 21 Jun 2010, 17:36

Where is the leak? If it is around one of the pipe connections, it probably just needs a new O-ring popped in. If elsewhere (especially around the main shaft), then a compressor change is in order.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 21 Jun 2010, 19:19

mine leaks round the body two halfs....

I found though if I slackend the mounting bolts it stopped, so there's something not quite right between swapping from HDi engine to TD engine - Both Alloy Sumps..

Paul

lazza · Unread post by **lazza** » 22 Jun 2010, 15:43

Pretty sure mine was leaking from the Housing where the two halfs meet.

(It´s a Harrison by the way.)

Maybe if I go somewhere and ask them to empty the system? Then take it all apart?

Or should I just take it to a garage?

How much should a compressor new/2nd hand cost me?

thanks
Larry