Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 13:15:59

Title: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 13:15:59
Still having AC problems. Discovered the high side valve was leaking, so I ordered a new core. Took the car to my (now) usual aircon place and the mechanic sheared the old valve off. He said "they must have put it on too tight at the factory" ::)

Now, I'm  a bit stuffed. I don't know what part I should try to order.

Can anyone offer any guidance?

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/Image001.jpg)
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Allenm on 19 September 2006, 13:24:56
You need to move the {img} (in square brackets) to before the http.  but having done that the picture is not there! -- Added the .jpg - now it is
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/Image001.jpg)
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 13:28:57
The pic is showing in original post!
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Allenm on 19 September 2006, 13:29:57
Quote
The pic is showing in original post!

All I can see is a square with a red cross in it!
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 13:55:21
It's now showing in your reply!!

This is getting on my ****

I'll try again.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 13:58:24
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/Image001.jpg)

Can you see this one?
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Allenm on 19 September 2006, 14:04:40
Yep, can see that one fine!
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 19 September 2006, 14:14:17
Get a replacement section from a scrapper.

The bit below the valve is a quick release joint which can be removed by easing back the rubber cover and removing a circlip.

The other end slots into the condenser bracket, you need to remove the bolt to free if off (get the gas out first). The pulse damper (the metal cylinder) is simply in a mounting bracket on the inner wing.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 14:47:30
Quote
Get a replacement section from a scrapper.

The bit below the valve is a quick release joint which can be removed by easing back the rubber cover and removing a circlip.

The other end slots into the condenser bracket, you need to remove the bolt to free if off (get the gas out first). The pulse damper (the metal cylinder) is simply in a mounting bracket on the inner wing.

Thanks Mark. Is this the quick release joint (circled), where the metal pipe from under the damper meets the rubber section on its way back up?
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/valve2.jpg)
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 19 September 2006, 14:57:01
No, if you follow that section of rubber pipe it goes to the plate on the condenser.

Follow the other pipe and it heads down in front of the rad and off to the compressor.

You should find a join here with a rubber type cover, pull the cover back and remove the circlip (easier from below).....what age is this one as it looks like it might be an early type with a union near the damper.....
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 19 September 2006, 15:35:39
It's a 1995, Mark.

From what I can see, I may have to get the section right to the receiver/drier unit. I changed that the other week, so I know it's easy to get at the joint and I have a couple of spare seals......(somewhere!!)
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Matchless on 19 September 2006, 21:23:28
1995 so wont have quick release connectors, just the bolt-up type.
Get a replacement from the scrappers and try to smear a little a/c oil onto the O rings as you assemble......will be a tiny amount in the pipe if you are lucky.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 21 September 2006, 15:16:22
Having little luck in finding a scrappie that wants to help out with this. Seems as if I'll have to take the old pipework off and traipse around all the yards in person.

On the other hand, does anyone reckon I could extract the old broken off thread successfully?  
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Allenm on 21 September 2006, 15:18:37
Am I missing something here?  Didn't you say that a mechanic sheared off the valve?

Get them to sort the bugger out - they broke it!
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 21 September 2006, 22:26:48
Well, yes, the mechanic DID shear it off, but he said it had been put on too tight originally. He rather gave me the impression that there was no way he was going to take the blame...or fix it. He told me that the same thing had recently happened on a Land Cruiser and that required a huge length of piping replacement.

There's little point in arguing with these small garages. It's certainly MUCH cheaper to take your car to them rather than Vx dealers, but you always run the risk of a cock-up and, unlike Vx dealers, they are more than happy to walk away when things go tits up.

I have to say, that, for something so small, it is, as you say, a bugger of a problem. I haven't received a single response to my parts request on the Vauxahll Gateway network of dismantlers. In the past, I have received a whole stream of quotes for items. This time.....zilch.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 22 September 2006, 14:34:28
Well, just spoke to Megavaux and they reckon most breakers just cut through the pipes as they get in the way when dismantling. :(

Suggested I remove the aircon system or leave it not working.....

All this for a poxy stripped valve thread.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 September 2006, 15:26:02
Try some of the giuys breaking them on here.....or PM MrMcB and see if he can get one off his breaker mate.
Title: Re: Aircon woes...again
Post by: Nickbat on 23 September 2006, 00:14:16
Sound advice, Mark. I'll follow it up.