Discussion
Firstly, has anyone actually GOT a Chim with working air-conditioning?? 
If so do you find it makes much difference to engine cooling or the ability of the fans to cope? I'm considering buying a '98 450 with factory air fitted but it's not really warm enough presntly to see if there's any incompatibility (also it's needs re-gassing on this car so can't tell diddley squid right now). Usually the condenser is mounted somewhere at the front, ahead of the car's rad and that is also usually fan driven. Not even sure now where that is mounted now on the Chim. Anyone have any history on this? Is it more of a pain than a pleasure on days too hot to even take the lid off? It's hardly mentioned anywhere!!
If so do you find it makes much difference to engine cooling or the ability of the fans to cope? I'm considering buying a '98 450 with factory air fitted but it's not really warm enough presntly to see if there's any incompatibility (also it's needs re-gassing on this car so can't tell diddley squid right now). Usually the condenser is mounted somewhere at the front, ahead of the car's rad and that is also usually fan driven. Not even sure now where that is mounted now on the Chim. Anyone have any history on this? Is it more of a pain than a pleasure on days too hot to even take the lid off? It's hardly mentioned anywhere!!I have a working factory A/C system. I use the term loosely, as it often needs regassing: current suspicion is one of the charging valves, as there's no evidence of a leak even after filling with a dyed refrigerant.
It makes no difference whatsoever to the engine temperature. The system is cooled by the main cooling fans, which switch on much more frequently than otherwise (even when cold) when the A/C is on. They tend to stay on for less than ten seconds a time.
The system is well above its game as it uses the same compressor as the P38 Range Rover. It's great in my opinion, even on the hottest day with the roof down. And in winter it acts as a really quick demister, as you'd expect.
It makes no difference whatsoever to the engine temperature. The system is cooled by the main cooling fans, which switch on much more frequently than otherwise (even when cold) when the A/C is on. They tend to stay on for less than ten seconds a time.
The system is well above its game as it uses the same compressor as the P38 Range Rover. It's great in my opinion, even on the hottest day with the roof down. And in winter it acts as a really quick demister, as you'd expect.
Great and very reassuring - Thanks Andy. I was concerned they may have mounted some components in front of the main radiator which would restrict the airflow to the radiator. Btw, I always use Mirage Air (John, 0208 450 2997)for all types of a/c systems / makes of car.
Since posting my question I've heard from him and he says he sees a lot of TVR's all just needing re-gassing due to underused compressor seals. He says a properly done regassing should last on average a couple of years. He's 2 minutes from the southern end of the M1 and presently charges £55-£60.
Nick.
Since posting my question I've heard from him and he says he sees a lot of TVR's all just needing re-gassing due to underused compressor seals. He says a properly done regassing should last on average a couple of years. He's 2 minutes from the southern end of the M1 and presently charges £55-£60.
Nick.
Thanks Dave, I'll look out for it as it has to be mounted somewhere with a reasonable chance of geting fresh air driven through it. That's exactly what I was asking about but it seems from what Andy says, it is compensated for somehow - maybe with the fans coming on at a lower temperature. Some main stream manufacturers actually fit larger radiators to extend the cooling surface to make up for the sheilding by the aircon unit up front - and also of course the fact that warm air from this unit will be next blown through the engine radiator immediately behind it. So with that in mind it's very good to hear that Andy's works OK and there don't appear to be any other posts about it!
bigboz said:
Not sure how to operate it even. Is there a seperate switch for it somewhere or does it just operate with the temperature dial?
Mine's a '99, but I suppose operation is the same. There's a microswitch mounted on the heater temperature dial that closes when the dial's turned to 'cold'. You'll hear the switch click.
The switch on the transmission tunnel operates a motor in the passenger footwell, next to the battery. The motor opens a flap to switch air recirculation on and off.
nikman said:
Thanks Dave, I'll look out for it as it has to be mounted somewhere with a reasonable chance of geting fresh air driven through it. That's exactly what I was asking about but it seems from what Andy says, it is compensated for somehow - maybe with the fans coming on at a lower temperature. Some main stream manufacturers actually fit larger radiators to extend the cooling surface to make up for the sheilding by the aircon unit up front - and also of course the fact that warm air from this unit will be next blown through the engine radiator immediately behind it. So with that in mind it's very good to hear that Andy's works OK.
There is a large radiator that sits right in front of the cooling system radiator. It's almost the same size and it completely obscures the coolant rad.
It seems that the engine coolant system works independently of the A/C system, the only common part being the cooling fans. With A/C switched on it appears that the A/C system operates the fans completely independently.
In the hottest weather with the A/C on in standing traffic I've never had an overheating problem, although I've seen the water temerature gauge approaching 100°C. That would suggest that if the entire coolant system is in good order, it's up to the job.
One "benefit" that I found of having aircon was when my otter switch failed and hence did not switch on the fans to cool the engine. With the temperature gauge creeping towards 120C we found by accident that switching on the aircon also turned on the cooling fans enough to cool the engine too.
When it's working it's fantastic (ice cold) but sadly mine's also got a leak somewhere.....
When it's working it's fantastic (ice cold) but sadly mine's also got a leak somewhere.....
Mine was great when it worked as well - makes all the difference in traffic in the summer.
A word of caution though - I never have a problem with overheating normally, but I was finding that with the a/c on the temp crept up to the wrong side of 100. But since the compressor's knackered, that might have been generating extra heat.
At any rate, when I have the a/c back up and running shortly I'm also going to fit one of either the Leven or Modwise kits to make sure. Probably worth it anyway to be a bit kinder to everything under the bonnet.
A word of caution though - I never have a problem with overheating normally, but I was finding that with the a/c on the temp crept up to the wrong side of 100. But since the compressor's knackered, that might have been generating extra heat.
At any rate, when I have the a/c back up and running shortly I'm also going to fit one of either the Leven or Modwise kits to make sure. Probably worth it anyway to be a bit kinder to everything under the bonnet.
Air-con is esential for my Chim 500 out here in Hong Kong. Most of you notice the extra radiator in front of the main coolant radiator. However, it some of you are worry about heating. Can do what we do to tropicalise out Chims. An extra 12" fan infront of the Air-con radiator. An oil cooler as well as wrapping up the whole of the exhaust system with heat wrap to keep heat away from the engine compartment. Together with an otter switch that kicks in at 72 degree. With all these, even in the heat of Hong Kong summer, my temp gauge rarely shows about 98 degree. Oop, forgot to mention the water wetter from redline.
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