A/C Issue

[stefcio007]

Another test today and tried AC with circulate air off. Worked better, should it?
I have a 90° brass elbow on the way so that I can bypass the heater core if need be in the end.
I'm getting my (possibly water pump) coolant leak fixed tomorrow so don't want to fiddle around too much. And uni's got me busy too.

[mattross]

Recirc: all it does is close a flap in the back of the dash and suck air from the passenger footwell instead of outside (thru the cabin filter under the windscreen wiper plastic bit). It will feel different but seem to work better, but not the cause of the A/C issue.
If you stick you hand under the dash (or use a mirror) in the far corner of the passenger footwell you can feel the flap, it may be clogged.

[stefcio007]

There is no-where to stick my hand in under the dash there. Everything is closed up except for the vent.
I am pretty sure my flap works now. As soon as I turn it away from the coldest I get hot air. When it's on cold setting, no hot air comes through now.
I think I just might have an AC leak, just going to suck it up and re-gas it again.

[stefcio007]

Have a leak coming from my AC compressor. Will require a replacement.
Anyone know where I can get one?
Or should I just let my mechanic replace it?
By the time I need replacing there will be no gas in the unit so can my mechanic do it? Or can only an AC place do it?

[mattross]

Some Options:
1. Wreckers, if you want to risk a 2nd hand one
2. when the exchange rate was good i bought mine from ecstuning.com in the US as it was cheaper than here even with postage
3. Sanden USA to find the model and then google it, or ring around the distributers in your area

[timiteo]

I have a good used compressor if you want to buy it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[stefcio007]

Good to know, PM me how much you'd like for it. Thanks.

I was told that the seal on the compressor is gone.
So not too sure if a need a whole new compressor with seal or if I can just get the seal separately.
I assume it's a leak somewhere inside so the whole unit needs to be replaced.

[Smiley_Walsh]

Hi, can I ask how you ended up fixing this issue? Did you replace the compressor? If so, where did you source it from and have it fitted?
I am having similar issue. Definitely have a leak at the compressor.
As occurred with yours, my a/c began to only function well when moving, not well in stop-start traffic. Then it failed completely. Secondary fan still functioning when a/c turned on, but no gas left in the system.
Its too hot these days without a/c functioning. Would love to know an affordable solution!
Thanks. C

[dubster99]

I have no ac on my vento, went to get regassed and compressor wouldnt hold pressure, going to risk getting one from a wrecker. Read online its a common problem and was told today if the aircon doesnt get used for a while they do fail, anyone know which is true?

[feenix74]

I guess it is a common problem, we have just purchased a 96 Vento as Daughter No 1's first car. It is still in Melbourne with my brother's mechanic who is preparing it for me to ferry back here to Canberra. I am not looking forward to the 6.5 hours drive in January heat with an unserviceable aircon. Although that being said, my 97 Golf CL that I have owned since it rolled out of the factory still has its original aircon with its original gas charge in it and works fine.

As I have noted in your thread, I believe the refrigerant gas acts as a lubricant on the seals and the working components of the compressors. I was told to give the aircon a 15 min run every week to keep all the parts of the aircon unit lubricated.