Can 20 year compressor overheat the 20V?

[Louis-Alain Richard]

The difference might be also in the compressor design. Some newer compressor
are of the "variable displacement" variety. This compressor starts at zero
displacement and the demand in cold from the cabin raise that to correct
level by modifying the stroke of the pistons. It's the Freon pressure on
both side of a swash plate that varies the stroke. Very simple, very clever,
and quite durable.

So, the initial drag is minimal, you don't feel any additional drag
suddenly. On some cars, like the A8, there is no more a compressor clutch
because it compress all the time (when no cold is needed, it compress
nothing). And no cycling of the compressor, for a better driving experience.

Louis-Alain



> -----Message d'origine-----
> 
> I do notice a difference with my car, it is definitely 'draggier' with the
> A/C on. I hardly notice anything with our Honda Odyssey minivan, which has
> a 245-hp V6.
> 
> Dan D
> '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
> Central NJ USA
> 
>