Originally Posted by Trav
Originally Posted by Chris142
Originally Posted by mk378
This is the SD7V16 variable displacement compressor. Sometimes the failure is only the control valve being stuck at zero causing it to spin but not pump. The control valve can be replaced separate from the whole compressor but the refrigerant must be removed first. Especially considering it is 20 years old the receiver drier should be replaced any time the system is opened.
I though that too but I looked at the compressor and it does not have that valve that I could see
Unless you take it apart you wont see it.
https://www.polarbearinc.com/articl...den%20sd7v16%20compressor%20tutorial.htm
I have done a lot of these on MkIV cars, the compressor rarely comes apart inside so unless there are metallic particles in the lines going into the rear of the compressor the condenser can stay.
The expansion valve on these can be a real bugger, it is held on with 2 long thin bolts that go through the valve into a plate on the evaporator, these thin bolts seize in the valve body. I have successfully cut the valve right down the middle where the screws are using a mirror to do the lower bolt, its not easy and easy to bugger up.
I would leave the expansion valve and just change the compressor and receiver drier or you could end up putting an evaporator in it (big money). The Hella Behr Sanden (now called Mahl Clevite) is one of if not the best aftermarket unit on the market and at $200 is a deal, the ones I have used perform flawlessly and are one of the quietest units I have come across.
Sanden and [censored]/Behr opened a factory in China to produce them, they also produce the parts for the "assembled" in USA Sanden ones.
Unless the compressor had a catastrophic failure which is not the norm with these this is a very easy job costing less than $250 and about 1.5 hrs plus recharge.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7001344&cc=1375556&jsn=417
The stupid friggin censor will not let me post the brand name H.E.L.L.A.
I think replacing the compressor and drier makes sense given the age. I will take to another shop and see if they can inspect the oil that comes out of the compressor and lines.