Aircon failures in V8 Vantage

[PhastPhil]

Has anyone on this forum experienced Aircon failures/issues in the early AMV?

[DNH89]

I've just repaired the air con on mine (2006 Vantage). I had a small leak from the pipe that runs from the compressor to the condenser. Large enough to allow the gas to leak and stop cooling the air, but small enough to stop leaking once the pressure dropped to half normal pressure.

There are two pipes which rub against each other where they pass to the side of the radiator and slowly wear through (the one from the compressor to condenser and one from evaporator to the condenser).

It's a pain to fix but I can guide you through it if this turns out to be the problem you have.

[Cold]

The condensers themselves are starting to show signs of age on V8Vs of that vintage too. It's the first thing to get hit by debris and road muck passing through the radiator grille so won't last forever. Expensive to purchase, but not impossible for a competent DIYer to replace.

There is the occasional report of compressors leaking too and that's before you start chasing the various pipes and connectors for age related failure.

If you can't physically see a leak (there'll be lots of wetness in the surrounding area) then it would be worthwhile having a mobile regasser pay the car a visit to do a vacuum check and maybe a dye addition diagnosis. You can then ponder your options depending on what is discovered.

[bogie]

I had a leak fixed at 6 yrs and then a condenser replaced on my 2006 Vantage at 8 yrs/65K miles ish

[PhastPhil]

Thanks all. Your info will help me sort the A/C out. I have another question, what is the charge weight to recharge the refrigerant?

[Cold]

750g (26.5oz) R-134a refrigerant
150cc ND8 lubricant

Low pressure charge point is on the left hand side up against the bulkhead. It is NOT to be confused with the high pressure port next to the receiver drier bolted to the right hand suspension turret.

[PhastPhil]

What happens when you charge it from the right side high pressure port?

[Rubinski]

Has anyone been able to claim for the condenser on Timeless Warranty?

[JohnPM]

I've had leaking condensers replaced under the Timeless warranty on a V8 Vantage and a V8 Vantage S. Took a long time to get the replacement for the S though, about 6 weeks.

[stevenichols]

This mirrors my experience. A new condenser was fitted last year, but still problems existed. Car is going in tomorrow to replace the pipe going from the condenser to the compressor. UV dye was used to pinpoint the problem. The replacement pipe came from Scuderia and cost just under £400. That's Astons for you!