VS Air Conditioner Condenser / Compressor issue ?

[PrincessPeach]

Hi. I have a VS commodore. Went to reverse out of a car park today and 'bang' and 'hiss' - sounded like a tyre blowing out. Quickly turned off the engine, pushed it back into the park. At the front of the bumper there was green oily fluid oozing out from the Air Con Condenser (in front of the radiator) - I think that is what it's called. The two metal hoses going into the top of it - the right hand (passenger) is connected firmly with a nut and the left one has come off - no nut to be found. Is the Air con the issue here ? Will it be as simple as putting a new nut in there to hold it back on ? Any replies and advice will be much appreciated . Thanks.

ps: image attached is for reference only to show the part i'm talking about incase I've named it incorrectly....

[cander24]

Sounds like the alloy pipe has developed a fatigue crack and combined with a little corrosion and gas pressure its finally given way?? You may find you need to fit a new pipe as i believe the nut should remain in the pipe due to the flared end of the pipe which is needed to seal, much like an olive seal on domestic copper pipe fittings etc. Does the end of the pipe look as though any has broken off?

[PrincessPeach]

No so sure its a crack as such. I've placed a red ciircle around the piece where the pipe joins to. I think there was an o ring in there and i could just pull it away. seems to have just blown off. I had a look at a mates VS ute , her ac condenser has a nut on each side. cant check it yet coz I left it at the car park ...

[cander24]

If you have one to compare it to thats by far the easiest way to identify whats missing or what broke etc if its not otherwise obvious. And yes there should be a nut on both sides.
Is this the reason you left it in a carpark? You can still safely drive the car, just don't try using AC because it wont work too well at the moment
If the pipe is undamaged and it only seals with an o ring as you've mentioned, then i guess its possible the nut wasnt properly tightened and has come loose with age and eventually blown the pipe off? If this is the case, a new nut, o ring seal and regass should have it all sorted.

[cander24]

Oh, and the part you're referring to is the receiver dryer

[PrincessPeach]

If you have one to compare it to thats by far the easiest way to identify whats missing or what broke etc if its not otherwise obvious. And yes there should be a nut on both sides.
Is this the reason you left it in a carpark? You can still safely drive the car, just don't try using AC because it wont work too well at the moment
If the pipe is undamaged and it only seals with an o ring as you've mentioned, then i guess its possible the nut wasnt properly tightened and has come loose with age and eventually blown the pipe off? If this is the case, a new nut, o ring seal and regass should have it all sorted.

Ok yes that is all that seems to be missing. However at a closer inspection the pipe that connects to the Receiver Drier (thanks for the correction) is internally connected to it - as in I wont be able to get another nut in there. The old one must have corroded and split off. It all seems to be connected as one whole pipe and piece. Yeah that was why I left it there, rather be safe than sorry. Just been and picked it up, started and drove just fine. No AC though.

Anymore suggestions ?

[PrincessPeach]

If you have one to compare it to thats by far the easiest way to identify whats missing or what broke etc if its not otherwise obvious. And yes there should be a nut on both sides.
Is this the reason you left it in a carpark? You can still safely drive the car, just don't try using AC because it wont work too well at the moment
If the pipe is undamaged and it only seals with an o ring as you've mentioned, then i guess its possible the nut wasnt properly tightened and has come loose with age and eventually blown the pipe off? If this is the case, a new nut, o ring seal and regass should have it all sorted.

Ok yes that is all that seems to be missing. However at a closer inspection the pipe that connects to the Receiver Drier (thanks for the correction) is internally connected to it - as in I wont be able to get another nut in there. The old one must have corroded and split off. It all seems to be connected as one whole pipe and piece. Yeah that was why I left it there, rather be safe than sorry. Just been and picked it up, started and drove just fine. No AC though.

Anymore suggestions ?

[PrincessPeach]

Not sure why it posted that twice .

Do you know how I can get another nut in there ?

[PrincessPeach]

The nut has to go on this side of the pipe ... there is a "T" end stopping a new one going on ...

[Brett_jjj]

The nut might have slipped down along the pipe it holds in.Check down along the pipe for it..

[PrincessPeach]

Thats what I thougt Brett. I've just been out and had another good look, the nut is definately gone ...

[cander24]

The nut has to go on this side of the pipe ... there is a "T" end stopping a new one going on ...

Ok, so the nut is fixed on the line as I first suggested and seals againd the o ring. I'd say Brett_jjj is on the money and you'll find it a bit further down the pipeline...

[Brett_jjj]

It must have corroded through and fell off. If the other end of that pipe is also flared ,then you will probably have to get a complete new pipe.You will also have to get the A/C system regassed,which costs around $100.

[wamboin23]

this is a very common problem with vr/vs commodores.

lack of a/c system servicing means that the flare nuts that hold the pipes to the receiver drier corrode. when trying to remove them, they pretty much just fall apart.

to repair, you will need new a/c condensor (the radiator looking part), a new receiver drier, and the new line that runs from receiver drier, along the front, down the chassis rail, up the firewall and to the TX valve. then will need servicing, new gas etc.

[PrincessPeach]

Yes the pipe that has come off the Reciever Drier goes down and connects to the radiator ... sounds like a pooey job ... the nut is no where to be found . The pipe is only 7" or so long so yeah. Any idea if I can replace only this piece ? How much ? DIY? Where can I get it ? Sorry if these are impossible to answer.. I just want my car back to mint condition. had a little bingle last week and had to replace the bumper and bonnet . On the cheap too as its not an insurance job , so the 'new' bonnet chips and rust spots and the bumper is silver blue/green ... Needs respraying . . . Pretty devo .

[PrincessPeach]

Good God wamboin23 ... Way too difficult and $$$ ...

Is it going to be ok to continue driving the car as normal with out fixing this issue ? Will it be ok to use the Fan option without using the AC ?

[wamboin23]

will be fine to drive around. the a/c won't even try to turn on anyway, it is protected against turning on when no gas is in the system.

although its prob not a bad idea to try and seal the open lines the best as possible, incase you ever do want to get it going again. moisture is a killer for a/c systems.

[PrincessPeach]

yeah sure thanks. what do you suggest i seal it with ?

[Z2TT]

Hi,

As mentioned, this is a common problem on VS Commodores. Might I also suggest, you change the pipe that runs from the outlet of the condenser
that goes toward the passengers side REASON - It fouls against the chassis rail because of Lack of rubber grommet to protect it from factory, and it eventually splits, check this, if there is abrasion present replace that pipe while your at it from either one from VR or VS in better condition.

Easily a DIY Job, bumper off. Get the O-rings, bring them down to Ashdown Ingram get them to match them. Now put all your replacement pipes and condenser on if needed, don't put the new reciever/drier on yet, plug the pipes with plugs (Use shopping bag scrunched up to make small plugs) and plug the ends where the receiver normally goes.

Now you should try to install the new receiver as soon as before the regas, because the new receiver will quickly begin to absorb moisture, so it might be an idea to get the shop to put the new receiver on for you before they regas it, don't throw the old reciever away, you need to re-use the pressure switch from it on your new receiver. Be sure to get some oil added to the system as you may have lost quite a bit during the pipe failure.

On your picture i don't see a problem with that pipe, it should be able to come off once you get the other nut off.
really the nut should be there, it is pretty much impossible for it to fall out.

[PrincessPeach]

Ok. So I'm not exactly that experienced, I originally thought the Reciever Drier was the AC Condenser - I have been corrected . So Can you please advise me where the condenser is and what it looks like ?

Can I confirm you are suggesting to replace the two pipes either side (coming out of the top) of the Receiver Drier ? ... I haven't yet looked to see where the passenger side one goes to .

Is it simple to remove the drivers side pipe from the radiator ?

Is it essential to replace the Receiver Dryer ?

ps : Where is Ashdown Ingram ?

Do you think it will be an issue to leave the new pipes - onced replaced - and remove the Receiver - and replace or put back on the Receiver once I'm ready to re-gas ? will it still be ok to drive around with the pipes plugged or would you suggest to leave it as it is for now until I can do it all at the same time ?

It really is a mystery where that nut went ... it may have corroded completely ?

Thanks for the info . I will appreciate the time you take to answer my questions providing you are able to.
Thanks again.

[Z2TT]

Ok. So I'm not exactly that experienced, I originally thought the Reciever Drier was the AC Condenser - I have been corrected . So Can you please advise me where the condenser is and what it looks like ?

The Reciever/Drier is the Canister, the radiator like thing is the condenser,

Can I confirm you are suggesting to replace the two pipes either side (coming out of the top) of the Receiver Drier ? ... I haven't yet looked to see where the passenger side one goes to .

Yes, One of the pipes that goes to the reciever coming from the drivers side end is most likely part of the condenser, meaning whole condenser has to be replaced,

the pipe going to the reciever from the passengers ussually rubs on the chassis near the bumper so it's good idea to inspect that and if excessive abrasion wear is found, replace with better one.

That pipe on the passengers side goes from the receiver, toward the passengers, then toward the engine bay and connects close to where the airbox is to another pipe that goes to the firewall

Is it simple to remove the drivers side pipe from the radiator ?
Most of the times Yes

Is it essential to replace the Receiver Dryer ?

It's Good Practice to do so, especially since yours might be the original factory one, Do it

ps : Where is Ashdown Ingram ?
http://www.ashdown-ingram.com.au/contactus.html - Use the Yellow coloured map of Australia to click on the State you are in to find branches, usually 2 branches in every major city

Do you think it will be an issue to leave the new pipes - onced replaced - and remove the Receiver - and replace or put back on the Receiver once I'm ready to re-gas ? will it still be ok to drive around with the pipes plugged or would you suggest to leave it as it is for now until I can do it all at the same time ?
It's fine, you can drive around with the new pipes in but they might move around the place and scrape on the road as there is no receiver holding them together, so you must find a way of keeping them secure, and keeping dirt from entering them

It really is a mystery where that nut went ... it may have corroded completely ?

Thanks for the info . I will appreciate the time you take to answer my questions providing you are able to.
Thanks again.

Answers in Red

[PrincessPeach]

Wow cheers for that Z2TT !

Ok I've got the two sorted now - I was told that the Condenser is an intercooler - or is this another term for it ?

Now I've had a good look again and I can confirm the pipe coming from the receiver going towards the passenger side goes past the condenser and into the engine are. the pipe on the drivers side goes from the receiver and connects not far behind it to the actual radiator . Is this right ?

Perhaps I can take some more photos. Might not be til tomorrow though as Im busy this evening .

Would you recommend to replace the condenser as well ? I'd rather keep it simple for now.

Thanks again.

[PrincessPeach]

Hang on, I have a photo here of my car with the bumper off . this may help, perhaps you can point out the parts you are referring to ?

[Z2TT]

I wrote a long detailed post but now can't be bothered writing it all out in Detail as the forum timed me out, so in quick dot points :

1. Canister like thing is the Reciever/drier - as you see it has a pressure switch on it.

2. Condenser is the radiator looking thing.

3. You don't need to replace the condenser unless the pipe coming off it (To the left of the receiver) is damaged or is missing the nut, and if the nut is not replacable without buying a whole new condenser/pipe (Seems like one unit), then you might need a new condenser.

4. Now the pipe going from the reciever up to the passenger, check for any damage to that where it goes along the chassis up the front (where the curve begins), this is a common problem. That pipe goes from the reciever, along the chassis on the passenger and joints to another pipe near the Airbox.

CHECKLIST/ TO DO LIST

- Check both pipes on either side of reciever for condition and wear, replace if needed.
- Use new o-rings if possible, old ones can be re-used but is bad practice.
- Find a way of securing the pipes so they dont scrape on the road while reciever is not present since you'll get the shop to put the new receiver in.
- Get the receiver/drier changed before the regas, bring them the old one so they can re-use the pressure switch off it.

[hako]

One thing you will definitely need is an A/C shop that will regas the system after you have put it back together. Most reputable shops will not touch a unit that has been played with as if it fails it will reflect on their reputation. However, if you see them first and get their advice you may be OK.....if not then try another shop. Good Luck.