Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

sippey on Sun April 10, 2011 9:47 PM

Year: 98
Make: VW
Model: New Beetle

I get a New Beetle with a failed AC and I am trying to fix it since summer is coming. The compressor does not work due to no pressure in there. I find the leak with UV dye.
The leak is at a nut at the back plate of the compressor (a SANDEN model). It is not the low pressure or high pressure tubes or connectors, I am pretty sure. It is just a hex nut with a hole on it. I believe it is the only big nut beside those holding the tube connectors. I cannot see the leak clearly, but as soon as I cover it with my finger, it stops leaking. The hole feels smooth, like something being machined.

As I am not pro, I don't know what the nut is, even after I Google around for a whole afternoon. I think it is a safety valve or something that breaks only when system is over pressure. My question is what is that called, and how I can fix it. Could I just buy another valve, replace it and refill? Or, I have to replace compressor? Since I let it be in this situation for a whole winter, do I need to replace other stuff as well?

Any suggestion or information is welcomed. Thank you.

GM Tech on Mon April 11, 2011 11:22 AM

Does it look like this? If so, it is called a high pressure relief valve (HPRV) and is serviceable. The one in the photo still has its cover on it.



Here it is without the cover..



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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

Edited: Mon April 11, 2011 at 11:25 AM by GM Tech