P38 Air con compressor shim fix?

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kooky_guy

kooky_guy

Well-Known Member
Posts
2,410
Location
Sandhurst, Berkshire
Hi Guys,

My air con compressor clutch is engaging and diengaging randomly so I assume I have the common problem that the electomagnetic clutch has worn enough so that the magnet is no longer strong enough to hold if properly engaged.

Can someone direct me to more information on the shim removal fix?

Rangerovers.net suggests that there was a proper Land Rover fix for it consisting of an additional wiring harness and relay but doesn't seem to go into any details. Anyone know any more?

It's not top of my list of things to fix, but it would be nice!

Guy
 
kooky_guy said:
Hi Guys,

My air con compressor clutch is engaging and diengaging randomly so I assume I have the common problem that the electomagnetic clutch has worn enough so that the magnet is no longer strong enough to hold if properly engaged.

Can someone direct me to more information on the shim removal fix?

Rangerovers.net suggests that there was a proper Land Rover fix for it consisting of an additional wiring harness and relay but doesn't seem to go into any details. Anyone know any more?

It's not top of my list of things to fix, but it would be nice!

Guy
Click to expand...

Unusual for a air con clutch to wear unless there is a voltage drop that causes the clutch to get a weak hold. These clutches are metal to metal with no lining material. So there is not a lot that can wear in normal use. Sounds as though you are getting voltage drops in the circuit. Maybe that is what the fix is about. You just take the bolt out of the clutch, pull it off and remove shims until you get the recommended air gap. Or set it with smallest gap you can with no touch. If the clutch is at all worn it will be because of voltage drops in the circuit.
 
Thanks for the info. Sounds like I'm going to have fun once I find the time to look at it.

Seems a bit odd that I don't get the book symbol though - ever.

I was watching it this morning - started the engine with the air con on and the compressor started turning fine. Then it stopped. Then started again a few minutes later, then stopped again etc. Heater controls were on low.

Does the climate control switch the compressor on and off if it thinks it's reached the correct temperature? If so, then perhaps it's my temp sensor?

Hmm.

Guy
 
kooky_guy said:
I was expecting the infamous condensor leak to be honest.
Is there an easy way to check? It seems to pump out coldish air when it's working...
Click to expand...

Buy yourself a can of EzChill from Ebay FOR £18, the one with the guage and you can use to check the pressure, then after you have fitted a new condensor or fixed the leak you can use it to give a part charge of gas which is enough to get the system working until you have it vacced and re-gassed.:D
 
kooky_guy said:
I was expecting the infamous condensor leak to be honest.
Is there an easy way to check? It seems to pump out coldish air when it's working...
Click to expand...

In the engine compartment, look at the bulkhead & there are two pipes with what look like big tyre dust caps. Unscrew one of them to reveal a valve which you can press down with a screwdriver. Do this for just an instant and if there is gas you will hear the release of pressure and will probably see brightly coloured fluid. If you don't - you ain't got none!
 
MirrorSignalSwerve said:
In the engine compartment, look at the bulkhead & there are two pipes with what look like big tyre dust caps. Unscrew one of them to reveal a valve which you can press down with a screwdriver. Do this for just an instant and if there is gas you will hear the release of pressure and will probably see brightly coloured fluid. If you don't - you ain't got none!
Click to expand...

Do the one on the large diameter pipe and wear gloves, the gas can burn:eek::eek::eek:
 
Can someone please tell me (in plain English! not with BY's and WLG's!) where I can hook up +12v directly to the compressor please to force the clutch to engage?! (it's a P38 as per the thread btw!)

I've just changed the condenser, but although the system is now apparently holding gas, still no working A/C, as it seems like the compressor isn't kicking in.

I've lost my RAVE CD's so no wiring diagrams etc, and the compressor is so buried under everything else that I can't get to it that easily to just connect onto the back!

Cheers,

Matt
 
Last edited:
P.S. Datatek, whereabouts are you? I'm sure I've seen your P38 in the new Auchan car park a couple of times - once nearly walked up and tried to open it until I saw the wheels - I've almost exactly the same vehicle (and with new style French reg too!)

Matt
 
I think I must still have hgas in it as it's been working quite well the past couple of days - it just seems to drop out whenever it feels like it (usually when it's bleeding hot outside!).

I'll have a poke at the valve at the weekend though just to make sure.

Guy
 
mmaddock said:
P.S. Datatek, whereabouts are you? I'm sure I've seen your P38 in the new Auchan car park a couple of times - once nearly walked up and tried to open it until I saw the wheels - I've almost exactly the same vehicle (and with new style French reg too!)

Matt
Click to expand...

If you mean the new Auchan near Poitiers then it could be me, usually Friday around lunch time.

I have seen a couple of other P38's in the car park but none with the new style numbers.:D
 
Had a play this morning. Confirmed +12v on the lead to the clutch when the A/C is turned on, so not an electrical problem unfortunately. I'll try to find a second hand compressor (new prices seem to vary between £320 and £850 - ouch!). Might justify £320 if I was going to keep the P38, but just wanted to get it sorted to sell it - well, that and the fact that is is bloody hot here at the moment!!

DT - I'll park next to you next time just to confuse you! :)

Matt
 
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