The previous owner of my Z had problems with the air conditioning over the 5 years he owned it; basically it was making a terrible noise that got worse. It has not been re gassed since import in 2004. He took it to a garage and they said they had fixed it electronically. I have the invoice for the work done it cost him £60 two years ago; a Z specialist located in Swindon. But he admitted he didn’t think it was working very well and hardly used it.

 

So the other day I had a quick look and basically all they had done as far as I can see is remove the fuse. I put a new fuse in and turned it on and yes it makes a terrible noise. Three questions:- 1. What are the likely problems causing the grinding noise? 2. As it is a 1990 model I assume there will be a re-gas problem anyway. 3. If I don’t bother repairing the unit would it be best to disconnect the drive belt?

 

Any advice?

yes you can cut the belt frees up @ 2 hp :D , sounds like your compressor has seized up quite common, get one off a breaker and you should be rolling again....lots of peeps junk their aircon for better cooling around the engine so if you ask around you might find a member on here chucking a good one out as they modify their engine

cheers

 

ps the air con fuse controls the sub fan mounted on the front of the rad rad so i would leave it in if you cut the belt as in this hot weather / stuck in traffic you may need the sub fan to be working

Edited May 25, 201015 yr by Uno

ive just stripped off my air con system was fully gassed as i had to get a refigerant guy to empty it so i would say that there were no leaks on the system still got a comp if you need one

How much would your comp be inc post? Thanks A

Its most likelly the clutch and pulley assemblly bolted to the front of the Aircon pump. Seen it a lot where they start getting noisy before siezing up.

 

You can replace the clutch assembly without having to disconect the pump, so no need to have to regass afterwards (providing it does'nt need regassing anyway ofcourse)

 

In the meantime you can just press the "eco" button on the aircon pod to switch off the aircon (to stop the noise) but have the normal fans blowing.

How much would your comp be inc post? Thanks A

 

Its quite a heavy lump and there is one on ebay for £60 so £30 delivered is fine

 

Marty

Thanks Marty it’s a bargain but I will try replacing the clutch assembly first as Legrath suggests, seems an easier first option. Do you have a decent clutch assembly going spare by any chance?

Thanks Marty it’s a bargain but I will try replacing the clutch assembly first as Legrath suggests, seems an easier first option. Do you have a decent clutch assembly going spare by any chance?

 

All i have is the whole air con unit dont really want to split it up

OK Marty I will have the whole unit.

OK Marty I will have the whole unit.

 

Ok mate that way you may be able to change the clutch only and not have to break into the system plus you will have the pump if its needed. My paypal is MartyEllis1980@hotmail.com

 

Marty

Money sent!

Thanks ill get it packed up and sent off to you :)

Its most likelly the clutch and pulley assemblly bolted to the front of the Aircon pump. Seen it a lot where they start getting noisy before siezing up.

 

You can replace the clutch assembly without having to disconect the pump, so no need to have to regass afterwards (providing it does'nt need regassing anyway ofcourse)

 

In the meantime you can just press the "eco" button on the aircon pod to switch off the aircon (to stop the noise) but have the normal fans blowing.

 

You got any more info on this? Mine makes a god awful noise. Had a spare compressor for ages but never been bothered to fit it. If I can just swap the pulley/clutch and it will be fixed then that's ideal.