P38A AirCon

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kermit_rr

kermit_rr

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I bought the p38 with missing condenser (a/c radiator). I don't know how long its been missing for but likely at least 4 years. Allegedly taken off because it was leaking.

if I put a new(or second hand) unit on and had the system internally cleaned and re-gassed, would it likely work? or am I asking for a whole heap of trouble? Obviously the pump hasn't been energised for however long the condenser has been off.

I'm not really that fussed about a/c if its a non-starter but would be nice to have it back working if possible and not stupidly expensive
 
Hella condenser from local motor factors will be about £110. Dead easy. Fit new o-rings too.

Pump may have seized by now as the oil inside lubricates it. Is the belt attached still so it is turning? Can you spin it by hand?
 
pump is still on the engine and still with the AC belt so it always turns, whether the clutch is seized is a different matter i guess
all that was done was the rad removal, everything else left intact
i guess i was wondering about grime and corrosion, all the seals etc with being left open to the atmosphere for years
 
kermit_rr said:
pump is still on the engine and still with the AC belt so it always turns, whether the clutch is seized is a different matter i guess
all that was done was the rad removal, everything else left intact
i guess i was wondering about grime and corrosion, all the seals etc with being left open to the atmosphere for years
Click to expand...

Don't think it engages unless there's enough pressure in the system. Being left open certainly won't help. What year is yours? The Thor works differently to the GEMS. On the other hand, for a £100 notes for a new condenser and a few more for a replacement pump you'd probably be away. I'd be tempted to risk it.
 
its a 2000 (W) 4.0 Thor
Its not a lot of money then, I guess i could try the existing pump, worst case I get a new pump.. you allude to them being cheap? I'd have expected the pump to be quite a few £££
 
Maybe changing all the seals would be good. Just fit new condenser then vac down for a couple of hours to remove any moisture. Then leave vacced down for a few days to see if it loses anything. If ok fill oil to recommended and fill with refrigerant.
 
cheers folks
only a few days to the MOT, just hope I'm getting ahead of myself!
1. replace brake fluid
2. sort out new wheels and tyres
3.get LPG fixed
4.repair passenger blend motor
5. see about aircon
 
kermit_rr said:
I bought the p38 with missing condenser (a/c radiator). I don't know how long its been missing for but likely at least 4 years. Allegedly taken off because it was leaking.

if I put a new(or second hand) unit on and had the system internally cleaned and re-gassed, would it likely work? or am I asking for a whole heap of trouble? Obviously the pump hasn't been energised for however long the condenser has been off.

I'm not really that fussed about a/c if its a non-starter but would be nice to have it back working if possible and not stupidly expensive
Click to expand...
I would bet that it has a good chance of working. My project car had been stood for years albeit with the condenser in place, it works fine although the clutch was a bit screechy to start with.
as Wammer said vac out & test and then re-fill. the Aircon is good for the electronics, keeps the humidity down in the cabin so reducing corrosion in connectors etc.
 
cheers, never thought of it like that.. I suppose i'll have to get the condenser plumbed in then get the aircon man pull a vacuum on it
looked at prices on eurocarparts (the shop is just round the corner) and they note that theres no dehumidifier in the condenser.. I dont know the first thing about aircon systems - should there be one? why do they mention it?
 
kermit_rr said:
cheers, never thought of it like that.. I suppose i'll have to get the condenser plumbed in then get the aircon man pull a vacuum on it
looked at prices on eurocarparts (the shop is just round the corner) and they note that theres no dehumidifier in the condenser.. I dont know the first thing about aircon systems - should there be one? why do they mention it?
Click to expand...

The receiver drier does that job, if it's been open a long time maybe a good idea to fit a new one. I also seem to forget at times that i have all the gear to do my own aircon work. And forget that not everybody has.
 
How would you home test the fixes to ensure everything is leak free i.e identify additional issues with the system aftwer fitting the condenser? Going to the aircon garage every time would prove expensive.
 
surely you'd only need to go once to identify all/any leaks? what else would you need to do?
what are the options? I'd expect aircon tools would be expensive for the rare times it would get used and seals etc would perish thru non use?
what would you do?
 
That's what I was thinking about @kermit_rr . You replace the condenser take it to be filled and there are further leaks in the system. So you have to go back to have the system charged again and sort the leaks out. I just wondered f there was a way to test an empty system at home before taking it to the specialists, i.e. a cheap check that there are no gaping leaks in the system.
 
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