desv8
Member Since: 01 May 2020
Location: CHELTENHAM
Posts: 124
  
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Hi everyone
Has anyone ever tackled an air con compressor replacement on a v8.
Now that it's HER daily at the moment it's become a major issue and weather is not the only heat I have to contend with when I get home.
Changed the condenser last year after having die put in and diagnosed as being the fault. Changed and still issue  then had compressor diagnosed by specialist air con guy by which time weather cooled so not on the urgent list. Now back on the V urgent list so wondered if anyone had any tips on what to look out for while changing. 
Ordered a new DENSO unit, thought middle of the road cost wise. good choice
Thanks everyone
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 22nd Jul 2021 8:42 pm |
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Big_Dan
Member Since: 28 Jan 2005
Location: Central Beds
Posts: 67
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How big a job was replacing the condenser? Mine looks a bit suspect as there's a leak somewhere 2003 Discovery 2 V8 GS
2005 Discovery 3 V8 HSE
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 AMG-Line
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| 23rd Jul 2021 10:08 am |
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desv8
Member Since: 01 May 2020
Location: CHELTENHAM
Posts: 124
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Not that bad. Not sure how you are meant to do them but I took the front off, head lights, bumper, crash bar, top plate etc to avoid having to remove the coolant RAD. Only issue I had was that a couple of the bolts holding the crash bar on snapped on me so had to drill and retap, apart from that very straightforward. One thing to note, don't be tempted by cheap condensers. I had to send 2 back as the pipes from the condenser were to short and would not line up with the compressor side, ended up with a Britpart, a little dearer but all lined up and fitted fine which surprised me as some Britpart can be hit or miss.
Good luck 
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| 23rd Jul 2021 1:14 pm |
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kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6573
 
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Official method is to remove the radiator first… So - remove refrigerant, upper fan shroud, fan, lower fan shroud, disconnect all radiator hoses, disconnect AC lines that go on the left of the radiator, remove radiator, remove AC condenser, put new in, do everything else in reverse.
I think (based on my experience with the radiator), that you don’t actually need to remove the radiator. The hoses are flexible enough that it’s ok to remove the bolts that keep it in place and you’ll be able to move and tilt it enough backward in the engine compartment so the condenser can be removed and a new one finessed in. 
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| 23rd Jul 2021 2:25 pm |
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