Thread: Aircon 2016 D4 SDV6 - is this wear and tear?

Originally Posted by 4bee

600 smakeroos! Must be gold plated these days. If it needs replacing I'd be shopping around a bit, that sounds ridiculous imho & somebody is having a lend..

Mine needed doing. Apparently the valve in question is in the compressor body, and while it's a relatively inexpensive component, the labour to get in there and get it out is the killer.
Luckily my compressor was in good nick and it was just the valve that got replaced. That price sounds about the same as I paid.

But he doesn't say that RT. He said....."forget what he called it) that sits somewhere behind the dash."

Are you talking the same valve? Being behind the dash adjacent to the cooling coil (?) I would have thought it was a Thermal Expansion Valve but as I mentioned in a previous post I am not familiar with the system & it's quirks &/or any components".

My suggestion was generally to be aware of what you are expecting & what you get, & if a TEV, it sounds expensive. Labour would be expected to be a lot stripping & rebuilding the dash. Makes one wonder why that valve is not tucked away behind a flap accessible from the exterior. Some dream eh?

I realise that those of you in WA are subject to being charged a lot for similar work closer to the Eastern States for freight etc in that some unscrupulous traders can have you by the nuts. ie. Take it or leave it stuff..

Originally Posted by 4bee

600 smakeroos! Must be gold plated these days. If it needs replacing I'd be shopping around a bit, that sounds ridiculous imho & somebody is having a lend..

Try doing the whole system...

No thanks, I'll stick to my block of ice on the front seat with a 12v fan blowing over it. Ok for short trips.

Originally Posted by 4bee

But he doesn't say that RT. He said....."forget what he called it) that sits somewhere behind the dash."

Are you talking the same valve? Being behind the dash adjacent to the cooling coil (?) I would have thought it was a Thermal Expansion Valve but as I mentioned in a previous post I am not familiar with the system & it's quirks &/or any components".

Good point.

My suggestion was generally to be aware of what you are expecting & what you get, & if a TEV, it sounds expensive. Labour would be expected to be a lot stripping & rebuilding the dash. Makes one wonder why that valve is not tucked away behind a flap accessible from the exterior. Some dream eh?

I realise that those of you in WA are subject to being charged a lot for similar work closer to the Eastern States for freight etc in that some unscrupulous traders can have you by the nuts. ie. Take it or leave it stuff..

Labour rates here for indies I've used are around $100-$120/hr, regardless of the marque.
That being for various cars I've had including a Jeep Cherokee, an Audi TT and the D4.
In fact, I had an aircon evap unit go in the Cherokee. I was quoted $200 for the part, and eight hours to get it out - also behind the dashboard - and fit it all back together. For a 99 model XJ worth about $2500, I didn't bother.
I think I'm fortunate to have dealt with mostly scrupulous traders.

And, I'm not saying they aren't around...just that there are some who wish to be overnight squillionaires There is one in Adelaide I wouldn't touch again with your gear stick.

Fortunately I had a mechanical background passed on to me by my old Dad who had been a Motor Vehicle Instructor in the Army & prior to his enlistment had spent a lot of time on Outback roads & having to do his own roadside repairs, so I was able to work on various vehicles from a 1924 501 FIAT (where you actually had to spray Kero & light oil onto the metal discs of the clutch) & including Vauxhalls, Austins, Holden HR up to my D1 but I did invest in a Service Manual & a torque wrench for that one.
Also have restored my '66 2A & apart from a leaking clutch master cylinder at the mo, she's been a good vehicle. Have just got the repair kit & that is due to be done over the next week or so.

The worst things that happened with the D1 was the Coolant bottle blew out & the odd Factory supplied oil Leaks.

Originally Posted by 4bee

No thanks, I'll stick to my block of ice on the front seat with a 12v fan blowing over it. Ok for short trips.

I needed the ice on the head to help me cool down

As has been mentioned already...

*yes compressor runs all the time.
*normally its the valve on the side of the compressor that sticks.
*a/c guys that are familiar with the disco compressor can change them out in place.
*often your local indy Land Rover repairer can steer you towards a good a/c guy they use.