A couple of weeks ago I turned the air conditioner on after I started the car, and around 15 seconds later as I was driving off there was a loud kind of knock! I thought I had ran over something, but couldn't see anything on the road. So, I continued driving... A couple of minutes later there was a bit of smoke whisking up from the front edge of the bonnet on the drivers side, and of course I pulled over.

Upon looking inside the engine bay and underneath the car I saw the green air conditioner stuff (the oil?) and heard the gas escaping - and yes, it was air conditioner, not coolant! The oil was burning off on the hot engine with the associated funky smell.

I had the air conditioner serviced last year, so I took it back to the place for them to check it over (see where the leak was), and he said it was on the front seal of the compressor. It was probable the TX valve had seized, so in the quote given (around $1250 from memory) it was for the compressor, TX valve, labour, and service.

Of course, I don't want to spend $1250+ getting the air conditioner fixed, so I was wondering what my options are. Apparently it is just easier to replace the compressor than to service the seal, I can get the required MSC105C (NOT the MSC105CF) for around $65 second hand. I take it I wouldn't be able to do much better than that for a second hand one?

My main concern is the labour involved with replacing the compressor and the TX valve. Does anyone know of a good place to do this that isn't too expensive? I don't need it regassed (I'll get that done at a licenced place). Also, is the TX valve under the bonnet or inside the vehicle? The mechanic said it appeared to be under the bonnet, but I have read that it is in some obscure place underneath the dashboard/console (in which case it would cost a lot more).

I live in Adelaide, I don't mind travelling to the northern or southern suburbs if I get a good quote to do the work. Before someone says it would be better to get a new compressor etc, I know that :) But it's just too much to spend considering the value of the car.

Thanks!

Look up Kool King. He does all my A/C and heater work for my whole family. Hes doing a tx valve and evap on my brothers pajero later this week.

His name is Jamie and he knows his cars, especially Mitsi.

He is south if the city (Marino) but comes to you.

If you say Matt with the white magna and pajero from Hallett Cove he should know the one.

it generally takes me 45 minutes to 1 hour to r&r a tx, and we charge 1 hour to r&r a compressor. so all up i'd be surprised if you got charged more than 3 hours labour. i cant speak for any other states, but over here the price for the regassing with the proper gas (r134a) is ~$250+gst.

The regassing amount (with new filter etc) sounds about right. I guess it all depends on how much the labour is!

I might give Kool King a call once I know about the compressor definitely, just not sure how easy it would be to replace it just in the driveway. I realise all up it still won't be cheap, but to get it as far away as possible from $1250 would be nice!

Well, still haven't got this sorted out, I hope to have time to look in to it in a couple of weeks

I do have a completely separate question though, in regards to a friends TH Magna. I was talking to him about my air conditioner, and he mentioned an issue he found with his. I said I'll ask about it on here. A couple of months ago he had the serpentine belt changed, and now when he turns on the air conditioner, there seems to be a constant fairly quick rattle/clatter sound coming from the compressor. He never noticed it before the change, and I agree I didn't notice it there either, even when he had the air-con running. It isn't too loud, you can only really notice it outside of the car. It only occurs when the air compressor is actually pumping, when it isn't it's silent.

I did a google search about this and it doesn't seem to be a very common issue. Most issues relate to other noises. The only responses in other forums, with completely different cars, is about the belt possibly being too tight (obviously on a car without a tensioner, like I believe the TF/TH Magna's don't have?). The actual 'solution' was a combination of spraying degreaser between the air-con clutch and pulley, and having the belt replaced (and tensioned properly). The inside clutch part spins freely (with the engine off of course). Apart from the rattle/clatter, the air-conditoner is fine, and is cold! The last time it was serviced was the end of last year.

So, any suggestions? He knows if he takes it to a mechanic they'll suggest a new compressor, new belt, and so on, which will no doubt get rid of the rattle but may be unnecessary as well.

Mate, I have a near new unit on the shelf, was on a customers car which was rear ended and we purchased directly from the Insurance company, would be lucky to have done 3 months use. Will let this one go for $295 plus shipping. Is complete with clutch etc etc. Was degassed and then sealed up, prob still has most of the oil inside it as well.

Your mates issue is most likely the bearing in the compressor, there is a fine line between too loose and too tight

Ah ok! I'll let him know! I think he will be opposed to spending that much, factoring in fitment and regassing.

Are bearings easy to replace with the compressor in the car? I have heard it can be done, and done without losing the gas etc... I'm guessing the belt etc has to be removed. Sourcing the bearing is no hassle.

The bearing on the clutch can be done but this is not your mates issue. The issue he has is most likely the bearing inside the compressor so not an easy task.

If it was the clutch bearing then the noise would be there when the unit is not running or compressing if that makes sense

Yeah it does! I'll let him know :) Thanks!