A/C Issue (sound, leak)

[GEP]

Hi users,

I'm just posting for some feedback in regards to the A/C system in my 2003 VY sedan...290,000Kms and only had the A/C re-gassed at Holden once back in 2006. Not being a big user of the A/C system I'm unsure of when these problems started occuring. Firstly, when I turn the A/C system ON, the compressor clutch activates as it should, and de-activates with the A/C system OFF.

However with the A/C system on I hear a strange almost dull hiss or whirling sound coming from the front facing cabin air vents when I put my ear against them....but it's ONLY from the front facing air-vents. If I have the A/C on and switch the vents to only blow out the foot-wells....I don't hear that sound anymore. I thought maybe the evaporator was dirty, so I washed it out which actually worked really well...following a guide on hear and flushing the evaporator via the resistor port. Also it's important to mention that the air does not seem ice-cold, but it's not hot either. But the sound still persists, I will keep the A/C OFF until I can diagnose the issue.

The second is a leak of refrigerant oil coming from the engine bay-side of the TX valve, up against the firewall.

So I guess what would you guy's think would be a suitable resolution? Obviously, money is a consideration for everyone these days. I am rather confident in replacing the compressor, drier and TX valve myself...but Im wondering about the finer details like where to buy refrigerant oil and things like that. Or should I just buy the parts myself and take them in to a specialist (which I'm always hesitant about.. Finding honest and thorough mechanics is not easy these days.

Thanks for you time and thoughts.

 

[Pollushon]

Hissing from the evaporator (dash) indicates low gas. There's quite a pressure differential, exacerbated by low gas pressure. Receiver/dryer and hard lines are a weak point in the VY, but given you're saying it hasn't been serviced in 18 years, could be anything. I'd be taking it to a shop for evacuation and testing

 

[shane_3800]

The sound is likely a vacuum leak on the actuator.

I would not diagnose a leak without dye. It's usually the service ports that leak on these.

The oil is something that only really A/C shops use so it's not really stocked by auto parts stores for the public.
It's usually trade only suppliers like Cooldrive that keep A/C oil in stock.

You might find A/C places hesitant to gas a system that you have worked on, because there is seals that again you can't buy from normal auto stores that should be replaced.

Technically any work on the system needs to be carried out by a licenced shop.
A/C isn't a mechanics job, you have to do a separate course and get a licence to work on A/C. Auto electricians get that as part of their training.

Look for a highly rated A/C shop that also does auto electrics or specialise in cooling.
Example in Canberra where I live Phillip Radiators provides high quality service and work, and I can confidently recommend them, because they always do good work for me.

 

[Pollushon]

Vacuum actuator leaks are heard at all times and on the VY the slightest leak will stop your vent controls working at all