Air Con Pipes

[Robscim]

I knew a bit of sunshine after all the weather we've been having would cause a problem!!!

Went to use the air-con on Sunday on the way back from Goodwood, and despite it always working since I've had the car (7+ years), it was difficult to tell if the air was cooler then ambient or not. So, a quick test later in the day and no, the air-con isn't working!

I didn't think the compressor clutch was activating so a quick trip to the garage and no, it isn't!! However, they soon identified the cause - a lack of gas in the system. They also found the cause of that - the air-con flexi-hose that leads down the front of the engine has rubbed on the rear edge of the F1 panel and worn a hole in the pipe.

No problem I thought, they're a pressure rubber flexi-pipe so won't be too bad. Well, the bad news is that new ones aren't available, the fittings are apparently unavailable and I'm told the local fitters won't re-fit the existing fittings to the ends of a new piece of pipe anymore (I'm getting this from the garage).

So, whilst the garage are going to try to source a pipe from a breakers, what's the consensus on this (I know there's only one place for the correct answer to all things Cerbera - here!!)? Does anyone know of a company that will re-fit the ends to a new piece of pipe (if it can be done) or is there another solution? (I've already had the "cut the roof off" solution before anyone suggests it!!). Maybe someone has one of these pipes sitting around they could be persuaded to part with for some cash?

It's a 1999 4.5 and I'm near Gatwick, if that helps!!

Thanks in advance.

Rob

[ukkid35]

Just take the old hose to your local Pirtek outlet, they will provide you with a custom made new hose, and lighten your wallet somewhat. I find that a humble but cheerful outlook will result in a discount of perhaps 25%.

[wiggycerb]

ukkid35 said:

Just take the old hose to your local Pirtek outlet, they will provide you with a custom made new hose, and lighten your wallet somewhat. I find that a humble but cheerful outlook will result in a discount of perhaps 25%.

I did this with mine, they ended up cutting the pipe on the worn through senction and simply put a joiner in, cost about £15.00

[Robscim]

Gentlemen,

That is genius! I don't know why I didn't think of that!

HUGE thanks to you guys again!!!

I don't suppose anyone has a piccie of where the pipe connects to? If its easy to get at I can whip it off myself but I need to juggle stripping it down with using the car later this week and next

Failing that, it's a short holiday for the car at the garage!

Thanks again!

Rob

[Toby Tram]

I know why you didn't think of that.......it's because you know that even if you fix this problem another one will arise causing you to forego driving to Le Mans in favour of a car with full air conditioning!

.....and making you wish you had never sent a smug email to any of your mates saying your car is completely fixed!!!!

;-) !!

[Robscim]

It's a Cerbera - we'll be fine!

I take it you don't have a picture then?

Two weeks today....

Rob

[wiggycerb]

Robscim said:

Gentlemen,

That is genius! I don't know why I didn't think of that!

HUGE thanks to you guys again!!!

I don't suppose anyone has a piccie of where the pipe connects to? If its easy to get at I can whip it off myself but I need to juggle stripping it down with using the car later this week and next

Failing that, it's a short holiday for the car at the garage!

Thanks again!

Rob

If i remember, just take the F1 panel off and undo the hose. Its pretty easy if i remember, but it was a few years back !!! Good Luck

[Toby Tram]

Rob

I shall just have to use my Wedge to ease you out of the driving seat!!!!!!

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