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[Nickbat]

Once again, my aircon has gone up the spout.

In the last three months, I have changed the compressor (with new compressor seals), got a new receiver/dryer, condensor and high pressure valve.

About ten days ago, the garage that fitted the valve re-gassed the system and confirmed that there were no leaks.

Since then it has gradually been chucking out less cool air and today the output has almost been on the warm side.

I have bought a uv light from Maplins for £9.99 in the hope of finding the leak (I think they put dye in last time round) and when I get the batteries - thought I had some fresh ones at home- I'll take a good look around. My worry, though, is that the leak might be in the the area of the heater matrix. I presume that, if that is the case, it's curtains for the aircon as getting at the matrix means practically having to dismantle the car, unless anyone knows any different, that is. I've never explored down that part of an Omega!

Every time I get the sodding thing regassed it's costing me about £70 and this is the third time this summer. The money would have been better put aside to get a newer car!  

[Taxi_Driver]

I assume you have it set on LO then?

Just wondering.....coz it is getting colder outside these days

I have mine set on 20 at the mo.....and esp in the mornings it blows warm air out.

[Kaycee]

Just a point have you checked the HBV valve that the vacuum pipe is on and working and not split after i had same problem the garage said it did not need gassing must be another fault then it started leaking water changed the HBV and now  on LO freezing cold, it could be pipe split if not leaking

Robert

[Nickbat]

Thanks Robert, that's something that hadn't occurred to me.

I'll check it out.  

[Nickbat]

OK, didn't get to check the HBV today due to the weather. However, I did notice that when I put the aircon on (the compressor still engages so there must be some gas left in), there was a distinct hissing, slightly tinkling sound coming from the face-level vents which wasn't there before. I think this could point to a vacuum leak, as Robert suggested,. I need to check out the HBV, but I've looked in the Haynes manual and there is no mention of a heater bypass valve (no suprise there, then!). To save me a bit of time, could someone let me know precisely where it is located.

A piccie would be nice!
  

[Timbuk]

Right at the back of the engine, best to remove wipers and scuttle to gain access. My HBV was leaking and after changing it the aircon was much better

[rpont]

No picture of the HBV in Haynes but if you go to page 4A*8 and look at picture 7.2b. Look at the arrow, to the left of it you will see a gap between the plenum and the scuttle, it's in there... It's on a bracket fastened to the back of the breather box behind the drivers side head. Best to take off the scuttle and see if you can get to it, easier to remove the plenum as well.

[Nickbat]

Thanks for the info, guys.

[Nickbat]

Took the car to Kiplings (where it was last regassed) and they put it up on the ramps. It was clear that I have quite a leak coming from the metal section of the long pipe which runs from the compressor to the low side service valve near the bulkhead at the top of the engine. The guys there reckon it's a pinhole break on the top of the pipe as it runs underneath the compressor.

Vx say that pipe is a non-stock item and even if they order it, it may never show up. If they could get hold of one, it would cost £104 + vat. To make matters more complicated, there are a few different versions according to the chassis number (mine is apparently an"AQ").

Is there a solution? Could the pinhole, if identified, be repaired? Presumably not as it's aluminium, so it can't be welded. If I could locate one from a breaker, could I be sure that it fits?

Oh dear, methinks this is the end of my aircon system, on which I have spent several hundreds this year .

Poxy car!

[Nickbat]

Just had a thought over a cuppa. Would a really tight tourniquet of PTFE tape and self-amalgamating tape be enough to stop the refrigerant leaking out? Probably a daft idea, but the leak is on the low pressure, rather than high pressure, circuit.

[Nickbat]

Hmmm. Just found this place

http://www.aluminiumrepair.co.uk/html/all_kits.html

For £12.50, I may be able to repair the pipe, it seems.

Any comments?

[TheBoy]

Sorry, no idea, but would be interested in if it works...

[Marks DTM Calib]

You might be able to seal it with some metal to rubber sealent (cam cover gasket sealent?), a rubber patch and a jubilee clip.

If it was me I would be getting one from a breaker though (there are only two versons I know of).......I suspect that this actualy throws the faulty compressor diagnosis into doubt though.

[Nickbat]

Thanks Mark.

When you say there are only two versions, are you talking pre-facelift and facelift?

I would try to get them from a breakers - that would be the best option financially - but I had hell's own delight getting that hi-side valve section and in the end had to go to Vx (£65!!).

At that time, Mr McB's breaker friend was in hospital. Maybe I need to find out if he's back in circulation.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Hae you tried on here in the parts for sale section......maybe Issunaz has the bit on the shelf somewhere. The change was about 1996......