Right folks, following one of our gobshite drivers writing off the better of our two Towncar limousines, I've been given the oh so glorious task of getting the other one back on the road..
But the Aircon compressor is utterly fubar, to the extent that there's sparks actually coming out of the a/c clutch! This is not good, and the amount of drag that the compressor is putting on the serpentine belt is likely to knacker the belt in a matter of seconds. Can't switch the a/c off, nothing is that simple when it comes to limousines. The AC is automatically switched on when the power for the rear compartment is switched on. There is no "off" switch for the rear AC, and it's too bloody hot in there without it.
So, I've ordered a new compressor and drier.
Now I just need to fit it.
The mechanical part looks rather simple, so if anyone knows, correct me if I'm wrong,....
First thing to do is press in the schroeder valve to "reclaim" the freon. Of course I will be using proper ac reclaiming equipment and not just venting it to air ;-) Honest guv..
Then it's just unscrew the hoses, unplug the electrical connectors, remove the pump and drier. fit the new ones, connect it all up, take it to AC people and get it vac'd, dye tested, and recharged.
Is it really that simple?
Oh, by the way, I know R134 is dangerous etc.