306 TD Air Conditioning 1997

Checked one out last week, on that an ally pipe had corroded under a securing clamp (uv dye checked out with a uv light)

In message , Angus McCoatup© writes

Aye, that's what happened to mine. A lot failed under warranty according to the parts bloke I spoke to, so I was lucky mine lasted as long as it did. I didn't bother fixing it as the pipe that went was 100 odd quid to replace (plus re-gas) and parts bloke reckoned the other pipes go shortly after, so probably more like a 4-500 quid bill by the end of it. You could probably get the pipes made up somewhere but you won't save an awful lot. Cheaper to wind the windows down for the few really hot days we get.

LOL! I'd rather have the a/c working no matter (within reason) the cost of keeping it working!

Alot of repairs can be done at home, and most parts are now available on the public market via specialist firms or the internet. Most Hydraulic and A/c specialists can re-make you a bust pipe either in ally or rubber with appropriate fittings crimped on for not alot of money.

Admittedly removing front bumpers and / or the dash to get at leaky components is the worst part.

Tim..

In message , Tim.. writes

Well my TD had done about 80-90k when the air con went, it's now on

119k, and to be honest, spending 4-500 quid to fix the aircon doesn't really appeal to me, the whole car can't be worth more than 1500 quid, even though it's in excellent nick.

Anybody fancy guessing the value? S Reg TD, 119k, great condition, FSH (oil every 5k, service every 10k), all receipts, all tyres 5mm plus, regularly waxed and generally mint (apart from the air con!). I keep thinking of changing for something a bit quicker, but then I think - is any car I get in my budget (8-10k) really going to seem like an 8k better car?

In that sort of condition with that history and the not-too-high mileage, I'd guess that it'd be worth around £2500 or so, so if you're considering keeping it for another 2-3 years at least (which it should easily last without problems, I reckon) then it'd be worth spending the money on fixing the aircon. Just my twopennorth.

Peter

To be honest if you do come to sell it, you;ll find it is only worth ~1500 to most people with non functioning a/c but more like ~2-2250 with it working.

(if the condition is as you say- well maintaned good nick 306 DT's are holding their money very well still)

Tim..

In message , Tim.. writes

Hmm ok that's interesting, although as it's been unused for a couple of years it could be more than just the pipes that have gone I guess. I'll have a dig round locally for anybody that does aircon repairs. Cheers.

The message from "AstraVanMan" contains these words:

Talking of how much cars are worth - between Welshpool and Shrewsbury there's a garage with a Chevette on the forecourt.

I nearly crashed when I spotted the price.

£950!

Guy King ( snipped-for-privacy@zetnet.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Iss a classic, innit, squire?

The message from Adrian contains these words:

Classic joke, asking that much for it.

Quick update, the cars being done tomorrow by an expert. Yesterday., he put some dye in the system ,started regassing then pop! a hole discovered and the UV liquid emerging......didn`t even need a light! It`s the lower pipe from the compressor to the n/s of the car. Its a comon place to go since it is so exposed and under a clip......so cost...=A347 for pipe, =A35 for dye, =A310 fitting, =A355 regas...not bad....and no fuses gone....incidently,the loading on the compressor is not there cos since there`s no gas in the system, the low pressure switch stops it functioning.you learn something new every day!

In message , eevoob writes

Same place mine went, and if Pug parts bloke was correct, expect the other pipes to fail in the next few months :-(

Mine's booked in for Monday....

To be honest, I`ve visually checked all the other pipes (that I can see at least!) and all "look" fine. I can understand why this one had gone because it is well exposed. Here`s to hoping though.............