Hi everyone I recently bought a 1999 306 1.6 Meridian. When I switch the a/c on there is a loud hissing noise from behind the dash (a common problem looking at other posts). I had the gas checked yesterday by a specialist and was told that there is plenty in the system - just under
4 on the gauge. The system was re-gassed 4 weeks ago by the same person and worked afterwards. The compressor is cutting in and the clutch plate is spinning but there is no difference in the air temp. They suggested running the a/c regularly over the next 6 weeks to see if it sorts itself out.
I said that I thought I'd seen a fluid leak from around the area of the compressor but the specialist said that it was nothing to do with the a/c system.
Hopefully the "specialist" is correct that there is the correct amount of gas in the system. "Hissing" can occur when there is not enough, resulting in gas rushing through the expansion valve rather than condensed refrigerant. It won't be the gas escaping is if it's a loud hiss as it would all be gone in a number of minutes.
I have been doing regassing for years, and I really don't know what "4 on the gauge" means. If there's any kind of compressor / expansion valve / gas problem with lack of cooling, watching the high and low side pressures with the system running should tell you what is happening - there are 2 gauges you need to watch.
Maybe you should get a second opinion from another "specialist"
The gauge that was used to test the amount of gas had 2 sets of numbers. My reading was below 4 on one scale and 56 on the other but I don't know what the scales were.
Possibly temperature then, degrees C, if so then this would not be an unusual reading. Means that at the evaporator (the bit which cools the air in the car) should be at approx 4C if the refrigerant is flowing. Would be interesting to know if the low pressure pipe is cold, if so and the air is warm, could be a problem with the control flaps / heater valves (if is has one)
You should find 2 pipes going to the evaporator (at the back of the engine bay). When the system is running normally, on of these may be slightly warm, the other (low pressure) cold. Normally the cold is slightly larger diameter. The low pressure runs straight to the suction side of the compressor, the high to the receiver / drier (like a can) to the condensor at the front to the output of the compressor.
Thanks I won't be able to check the low pressure pipe until this evening so I'll post my findings either tonight or tomorrow morning.
With regards to the leak, I don't think it's condensation as it has an oily texture but I've not had the pipes replaced because I haven't noticed a leak in the last week or so. Which pipes are prone to wear on a 306?
Could the leak be connected with the a/c not working? No leak at the moment and no a/c.
In message , snipped-for-privacy@claybrook.co.uk joss stops reading and ponders a while before scribbling this reply
The pipes that are prone to leak are the front metal pipe that runs from the compressor then along the bottom of the radiator and up the near side of the radiator to the evaporator which sits in front of the big radiator. This is on a phase 2 306 meridian 1.6 1999. The metal pipe as mentioned above is held in place by 2 tabs which are fastened to the bottom of the radiator via tox screws which are ba****tered to get out. The leaks usually occur under the rubber grommets.
I had mine repaired for £40.00 new will cost £100 from pug dealer. Dealer part only!!!!
With regards to oily texture leak. Possibly the head gasket on the compressor? Which is replaceable, though most so called specialists will tell you different because they would not know how to do the repair. Its easier for them just to replace the compressor and charge £800.00 . Mine went the same way. However I bought a new compressor £186.00 inc. vat and next day delivery from
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dealers wanted £500.00 plus!!If oil leaks from the compressor then so does the gas! The oil in the compressor mixes with the refrigerant. You should also have a dye added with the compressor oil. This will then show any leaks by leaving a fluorescent green stain at site of the leak.
Product Name: Compressor Company Name: Peugeot Model No: 306 Engine Size: 1.6 Fuel Type: P Transmission: M/A Year From: 4/98 Year To: Gas: R134A O.E. Number: 6453N1 Parts Number: 14-1500 Other Information: COMPRESSOR MAKE: SD7V12 MODEL: 1500
Incidentally the correct way to check the correct weight of refrigerant is by extracting/scavenging it and weighing it. The same goes for when re charging.
Good luck with it. Tip of the day? Find someone who knows what there talking about, not someone that's paid £3k for a 2 day course on car air con.
I had the a/c running on my way home from work and checked the pipes. If I've got the correct one then there wasn't one that was noticably cold. I've been in touch with someone to give me a second opinion as I'm not too impressed with the person who looked at it last time.
Yep, seems more and more people are claiming to be air conditioning specialists because they bought a standalone piece of kit with some instructions. I don't claim to know everything but when I had a problem with mine I ended up having to do my homework and knew more than some of the so called experts by the end of it.
There are also those who do know but like many in the auto industry will make up faults, normally claiming the compressor has gone, to make a fast buck.
In message , snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com joss stops reading and ponders a while before scribbling this reply
Sadly this is the case. Pay £3000 and get a 2 day course and very basic equipment then let loose on unsuspecting public. Specialists indeed hahahah. I was lucky enough to have dropped on a true pro in car air con. A local mobile mechanic called Dave Wilson. He took time to explain every step he took in the process. Top man indeed. It isn't hard to do a search on car air con and get yourself aquatinted with how it works, what bits do what and why. Knowledge is king. joss
I totally agree. In the last week or so I have had to become pretty familiar with the basics and, if I knew then what I know now, I'd have been able to ask a few more questions when I had the system looked at.
By the way can anyone recommend someone in the Surrey/Sussex area who is reliable and knows what they're talking about?
In message , ib joss stops reading and ponders a while before scribbling this reply
Hum Poolecool website does not really inspire. It seems simply to offer re gassing. If you need repairs it seems to indicate you would need to take it to a garage or dealer. So what's the point. Might as well take it to a garage or dealer in the first place. Just my thoughts..
I reckon that is a good service they are offering. Around here (Sunbury, just inside M25) I only know places that you have to take the car to and the cost is more like £70.
If you have an oily liquid dripping below that part of the engine, could it be a slight leak in the power steering pump or pipes?
Have you checked the pollen filter, if blocked with crud, it would whistle. Also as suggesdted, you might have a problem with the controls for the heater. Some of the peugeots were fitted with stepper motors to operate the flaps, and these have been known to fail.
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