[V8] Losing faith - A/C issues

[Scott Justusson]

 Here's my take, after reading the below, it's plain outdated suggestions in today's world.  First, some of the below write-up is good, and makes several good points.  Pro wrenches 'greed' kinda ruins it, because it's Bernie Benz insulting...   Secondly, the Audi A/C system in the v8 is all GM design.  The compressor for the v8 is one of the most commonly available, and NIB should with searching should get you in the 350 range. That's what the interweb is for.

Next, the only way to buy a used compressor is from a running car with working A/C.  That would mean yards are not the best place.  Why?  Because yards by law have to recover A/C refrigerant to comply with the EPA mandates on refrigerant pollution.  Some use the ports to do this, most don't, they use a clamp-pierce recovery that takes 20 seconds then leaves a gaping hole..  Which means a yard compressor will sit exposed to the elements, causing it to need a rebuild, btst many times.  

Lastly, I've read Roger's posts for many years, and usually find them unique, and often entertaining.  I may not always agree with the summaries, but they are always well written, and offer a good read.  What I have gathered over the years, Roger is not a DIY.  So, let's forget about the vacuum pump, the 'greed' of *all* professional wrenches, and give Roger some good advice in the context of his vent.

I say get educated on the compressor type, and find one.  You might even help your wrench find one, so you can get a warranty from him on the work.  Or find a good A/C conversion outfit (the name escapes me now Roger, but if you are interested, PM me and I will find it) that makes all the adapters and fittings to properly convert you to one of the new 134 hi efficiency rotary compressors.  I've done a couple of these, and they include all the parts you need, including fittings (just not hose itself).  Make sure the shop doing the install is A/C certified, and uses one of the Snap-on or other comprehensive A/C system Charge/Recovery machines.  Fix the A/C so your wife will ride in the car with you this summer.  At the end of the day, good working A/C in a v8 is vital to it's true enjoyment.  Roger, anyone can give you advice on DIY, but if you aren't a DIY guy, you will own a lot of junk compressors, been there seen that.  

And, lest all of us v8 owners forget, there are pros here, DIY here, and those that just want to be educated consumers.  IMO, there is nothing wrong with being an educated consumer, nor is there anything wrong with using a professional wrench.  IME, there are very few professional wrenches that work on cars for 'greed' for the long term.

HTH and my .02

Scott J
92 v8
91 v8
91 200

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Professor GT gmail <CavalloGT at gmail.com>
To: v8 <v8 at audifans.com>
Sent: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 11:31 pm
Subject: [V8] Losing faith - A/C issues


Roger,

One of my compressors is actually a Toyota compressor (Nippondenso). I have 
taken a photo of the ID tag on it for reference, but I haven't taken the time to 
.....

Charging the system with a scale to assure the correct amount of refrigerant is 
added, and just as important, to ensure it is not overfilled, is another 
important measure. It's the difference between doing a hack job and a 
professional job. "Paying Customers" deserve nothing less than a truly 
professional job, but unfortunately "Flat Rate" (Greed) in most cases is 
diametrically opposed to quality.

On my particular vehicle I had to repair poor connections at both the high 
pressure switch located at the bottom of the condenser, and at the ambient temp 
sensor out in front of the condenser. They both suffered "pin spread" and 
"fretting", and once good connections were reestablished the system began 
working properly with no remaining codes.

I have been enjoying the past two months with cool and dehumidified driving (and 
clear vision as well - no fogged windows).

The compressor has been performing well and is not noisy. Life is good!
 
Keep us posted on you progress!

Thanks,

ProfessorGT