Aircon pipe from compressor

[Mirez]

Bugger is the word I think Having had a fully working A/C system for 5 years now I got the old flashing panel warning today. A quick scan and its the old "A/C Pressure Switch" code so removed the grill and drier cap expecting to see the evidence of a leak but no, its all good in there. In fact, its as good as the day it was replaced last time - I guess the revised parts are actually good!

So, further investigation found that my A/C oil is all over the under shield and the pipe from the compressor to the filler has snapped Now it appears this is reasonably common and most people don't bother fixing it due to the cost of the replacement (Ã,£360) and the inability to repair it with much long-term success.

Still I refuse to have anything not working on my car so I've found the exact same part brand new from Poland for Ã,£95 shipped Now whilst I wait for that to arrive, it appears the next joint in the pipe is under the drivers headlight which is going to be interesting. Anyone have an idea on how to access that?

[daddyfixit]

there are mobile aircon people who will carry out pipe repairs in situ ?  otherwise its probably a bumper off job ?  its under headlight behind the wheel arch liner---leads to the drier cartridge ??

[Mirez]

Too late - I've bought it Its just a question of how much effort is needed to change it now - the bumper on these is really easy to remove so that's not a problem but I think its behind the cowel and I'm not quite sure how easy that is to remove?

[barlidge]

Yes it is underneath the front cowl piece which is basically the whole front end behind the bumper and includes the rads etc.  I did mine by cutting an access slot underneath the headlight with a dremmel type tool and using the scissor type pipe joint release tool.  Not pretty but functional.

[SilverBeast]

Is it the fat one of these?
[attach=1]

As above you have to remove the fibreglass body closure panel.  I had to do this to have a mobile a/c specialist repair the smaller pipe on my 130.

It was easier than I thought it would be. I forgot to take a picture with the panel out though.  Here it is with everything just about ready to remove it.  Ropes are suspending radiator from garage roof joists.

[attach=2]

The only pipe that needed separating was the silver aircon pipe at bottom left of shot that goes to the pressure switch. Once it was repaired. Few more details in post #11 of this thread https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy/engine-air-intake/msg1294/#msg1294
It may be different on the 115's. I have a few more shots but nothing you can't work out for yourself fairly easily!

[insanitybeard]

I've had the front panel off of my 130 TDI recently Mark (trying to put bodged accident damage 'repairs' right), I've taken some pictures which I can post if they help, unfortunately the lower air con pipe to the condenser has to be removed to get the front panel off properly which involves degassing the system (which isn't an issue if you need the system degassed for repairs anyway!), unless you resort to this kind of working practice (last post in the thread). I was able to leave the radiator in place to avoid dumping the coolant though. My air con had a slow leak at the joint in the pipe at the top of the front panel that runs from the compressor to the upper right of the condenser, so I presently have my air con system degassed whilst I sort it.

[Mirez]

Cheers all, I gave the fill valves a little push with a driver today and there is literally nothing left in the system so degassing won't be an issue! Surprised I didn't hear it de-pressurise tbh as it must have been audible!

Managed to find a local A/C chap who's going to fit the pipe and regas the system for Ã,£60 so that's good - just got to make it accessible for him now. I'd prefer to do it all properly and whilst I won't be bodging like that, I may consider cutting an access panel into the cowel if it makes life much easier... will let you know!

[Mirez]

Well I had a good look at this and decided to cut my access panel. Not my normal approach to fixing things so I was trying to understand what the cowl was there for - other then as part of a design, did this section have a purpose? I couldn't think of any other reason then for keeping the hotter engine bay air from entering the intake. Since it has drain holes onto the panel below it's not stopping rain water and its not structural so I decided to go ahead and cut the hole.

Fairly strait forward and a dremel with cutting disc cuts through this panel like butter, I then used the grinder attachment to tidy it all up:

[attachimg=1]

After that the A/C boys did their job and replaced the pipe. For reference the pipe from the compressor to this joint is part number: 7M3820743C and is about Ã,£390 from Ford!!! I sourced a replacement aftermarket part from Poland for Ã,£95 delivered (Ebay) and it took then a little over an hour to replace the pipe and gas up the system.

Finally, I cleaned up the cowl and fitted a piece of the sound deadening sheet I bought a while back. Its ultra sticky, water and heat resistant so should be fine. I cut a second piece and slid this under the hole so its patched both sides and has formed a strong repair.

[attachimg=2]

[insanitybeard]

What a ridiculous price for an air con pipe! I can't believe the expansion valve makes it worth so much more money! I was looking at cost of a new compressor to condenser pipe (the nearside one) recently, and although it's a two part pipe (there's a joint that sits on top of the fan cowl) the retail on the main section of pipe from the compressor to the joint was only c. Ã,£90 plus VAT!

Still, although I normally try to do things as properly as possible, in this case I agree you've saved a load of aggro by not having to remove the front bumper, crash member and front panel, especially as it's a repair you won't see in normal use and has no affect on the integrity of the front panel!

[barlidge]

That looks pretty much the same as the access hole in mine 

Ford must have put their prices up, I'm sure I paid approx Ã,£220 a couple of years ago, robbing gits.

[George106]

Hi guys,

I recently bought another galaxy with the aircon pipe snapped. I would like to have it changed but not sure what pipe is right for my car. I currently have 130ps ASZ galaxy and I pealed sticker from the part and there was 7M3820743Q part number.

I had a look at ebay and found similar looking pipes but end letter in part number is C (AC) which differs from mine... I found http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Klimaleitung-Hochdruckleitung-vom-Verdampfer-zum-Kompressor-VAG-FORD-SEAT-VW-NEU-/231273518867?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item35d8f9d713 on ebay, it's listed for AUY as well as ASZ engines, should I give it a go or is there any cheaper place?

Thanks
George

[Mirez]

The last numbers are usually revision codes, used to identify modifications in components. The pipe from the compressor to the first join should be the same on all bhp models, its the pipe from the condenser to the compressor that will be different.

[George106]

Then I do not understand why this seller offers many different pipes for the same car?  http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_odkw=&item=231273518867&_osacat=0&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_ssn=autotiplubin&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313&_nkw=ford&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[Mirez]

Strange, they all look identical so theoretically it is just revision numbers for minor things - worth asking him a question?

[George106]

Been told if not suitable then is going to accept return.... 

[Etihad84]

Hey there my aircon has never worked any suggestions what could be wrong? I hit the a/c button on the dash and it lights up but that's it. Could it just need re gassed or should I be hearing the pump coming on or will it not come on if there's no gas in the system? Also if a broken pipe has caused there to be no gas where should I be looking? Cheers in advance

[insanitybeard]

If the system is low or empty on gas then the compressor shouldn't operate to prevent damage. Sometimes if you have climate control fitted the display panel will flash to indicate a stored fault, however my system is degassed at the mo and it hasn't caused the display to flash so make of that what you will..... Common problems are the drier element cap on the condenser slowly leaking gas over time or a pipe fracture on the offside compressor pipe in the area highlighted in the below picture- this was taken with the front end off of the car so it's not so easy to see with it all assembled- it's tucked down behind the driver's side headlight. Mine had slow leakage of gas at a pipe joint on the nearside condenser-compressor pipe due to corrosion, the green dye they put in the system was a giveaway as it was seeping out and gathering around the joint!

[attachimg=1]

[siggieman30]

i have a problem with my air con. what are the names of the pipes on the left and right of the engine bay? wont let me post pics for some reason

[Chrispb]

Have a read here, will help with uploading photo's.

Link

[siggieman30]

you're a top man chrispb. all done and posted