S3 Sovereign 4.2 Aircon

[Lodgie]

I'm in need of a little help and advice on the aircon. The compressor is shot and I need new pipe work, I've been trawling the interweb for hours and cannot find anything of any use at all.

It's an R12 gas system and I have a converter for the new gas type, the system is leaking like a sieve.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mike020150]

One thing to be aware of is the fall in aircon performance when changing from R12 to R134a. R12 is a brilliant refrigerant even if it does destroy the ozone layer! Hence, it might be worth considering filling the system with one of the better (more expensive) replacement gasses available rather than the usual R134a. Replacement compressors are freely available, either direct replacements, lighter replacements in aluminium or kits to fit modern compressors (typically but not exclusively from the US). If using a direct replacement GM Harrison compressor and the bolts don't screw in easily, it's as well to note that early casings had imperial threads for the mountings and later versions were metric. If you can't find replacement hoses from the usual suppliers, it should be possible to have hoses made up by a hose specialist using the original ends. Mike.

[Lodgie]

Thanks for the reply Mike.

I suspect I'm hampered by my complete lack of understanding of aircon bits and pieces! You wouldn't have any honest supplier names by any chance, I feel I could be well and truly stitched up here

[Lodgie]

Having a chat with KWE, it looks like they fit the bill, I do like positive reviews and honest pricing.

[davidr]

Chris at KWE does know these cars inside out and he's always been a pleasure to deal with whenever I've bought parts from him and gives really useful advice.