VT Aircon Problems

[Jezza88]

Hey!

I've got a VT, had heaps of problems with it first I was told that the TX-Valve was leaking and had to be replaced about a year ago which cost me about $380 incl re-gas.
The Air con was working fine up untill recently, now the compressor is leaking, I got another one from the wreckers and got it replaced paid $200 to replace and re-gas, When I picked the car up from the mechanics after the compressor was fixed there was only hot air blowing out, so i drove back to them and he tried to re-gass it infront of me and told me that the condender is now leaking, he did a leak check with the "leak seeker" and the alarm went off when he pointed it towards the condenser. Now the compressor is making a noise when the AC is not on, the bearing on the compressor is broken so I need to go back to the wreckers change it and go back to the mechanic and get it replaced again.

1. How can I check which part of the condenser is leaking?
2. If the condenser is leaking do I have to replace the whole thing?
3. When I get the compressor from the wreckers what do I need to check to avoid any problems?
Thanks heaps!!

[accentstencil]

You can't really tell if a compressor is leaking just by looking at it and there is always a risk buying second hand. The condenser may be able to be repaired but if you can afford it you would be much better off buying new parts that have a warranty. Saves you having to buy another one if it fails and another gas refill. Here is a new compressor at a good price:VT commodore air conditioning compressor and reciever - eBay Other, Air Conditioning, Heating, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 09-Mar-10 21:39:05 AEDST)
And here is a new condenser:VT commodore air conditioning condenser - eBay Other, Air Conditioning, Heating, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 21-Feb-10 12:52:20 AEDST)
Buy these to ensure trouble free air conditioning. They are both from the same seller and you might save on delivery if you but both.

[Jezza88]

Hey thanks for the reply, Im thinking about going that way to buy new parts, but just worried if the wreckers will give me a refund, is it hard to fix the compressor and condenser by yourself?

[donthree]

hi all am new to this i have a vt berlina with climate control air, and am having problems with air con, the face vents work but when you accelarate air goes to the demist vents and when you back off it returns mostly ok on flat roads and any small incline it will do it, so far have replaced one way valve at rear of engine and is in the right way, changed vacumn bank under glove box also changed acctuators one on right side and one just behind cig lighter, pulled console radio etc out also checked air tank on left side up behind glove box pulled air line off and only small amount of air came out, checked engine port not blocked, any one have any idea what is causing this, has cost a fair amount of money so far, next i suppose is getting dash pulled out to check if any hoses are crimped.

[accentstencil]

Hey thanks for the reply, Im thinking about going that way to buy new parts, but just worried if the wreckers will give me a refund, is it hard to fix the compressor and condenser by yourself?

It is not too hard to replace them yourself providing there is no gas left in the system, if there is you will need to get it evacuated. You will need to remove the front bumper to get to the condenser.
I just re-read your post and I thought you said fit but you said fix, so fixing them would be a lot more difficult, I personally wouldn't waste my time trying.

[accentstencil]

hi all am new to this i have a vt berlina with climate control air, and am having problems with air con, the face vents work but when you accelarate air goes to the demist vents and when you back off it returns mostly ok on flat roads and any small incline it will do it, so far have replaced one way valve at rear of engine and is in the right way, changed vacumn bank under glove box also changed acctuators one on right side and one just behind cig lighter, pulled console radio etc out also checked air tank on left side up behind glove box pulled air line off and only small amount of air came out, checked engine port not blocked, any one have any idea what is causing this, has cost a fair amount of money so far, next i suppose is getting dash pulled out to check if any hoses are crimped.

It sounds like you've checked everything but the vacuum tank, you might as well check that.

[riki7454]

in response to donthree, check the valve connection that is directly controlled by the dial on the dash. all of the vacuum hoses join here and when i had vent issues this valve thing had a broken clip on it, it cost me $22 from holden for a new one (you could get one from a wreckers if the clips are good) and it solved all of my vent issues, easy job for a diyer.

[11gothevt11]

in response to donthree, check the valve connection that is directly controlled by the dial on the dash. all of the vacuum hoses join here and when i had vent issues this valve thing had a broken clip on it, it cost me $22 from holden for a new one (you could get one from a wreckers if the clips are good) and it solved all of my vent issues, easy job for a diyer.

please tell me more

[11gothevt11]

hi all am new to this i have a vt berlina with climate control air, and am having problems with air con, the face vents work but when you accelarate air goes to the demist vents and when you back off it returns mostly ok on flat roads and any small incline it will do it, so far have replaced one way valve at rear of engine and is in the right way, changed vacumn bank under glove box also changed acctuators one on right side and one just behind cig lighter, pulled console radio etc out also checked air tank on left side up behind glove box pulled air line off and only small amount of air came out, checked engine port not blocked, any one have any idea what is causing this, has cost a fair amount of money so far, next i suppose is getting dash pulled out to check if any hoses are crimped.

Did you fix this problem???
If so please explain how to fix it