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Update: New compressor arrived and fitted. Changing the RCV valve didn't work for me, so this was the next option. I had M&J Auto in Merrylands do the work and am really happy with the result. Cost $270 fitted, which included the labour to fit the new compressor and a re-gas.
I had the sanden model too. As it turns out, I accidentally purchased two compressors, so now have a brand new spare. If anyone wants it let me know, suit mk5. I'll leave it here for a few days before posting in the fs thread as I know a few of you may want dibs? Cost me $350 landed.
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I have a MY10.5 R36 48k kms that the dealer just replaced my RCV on after I diagnosed and ordered the part from polarbear in the US. Mines a pxe16 Sanden. I had intermittent to no cooling and only 9-11bar in VCDS no matter what the temperature or load. The service guys were sceptical but it worked straightaway after an evacuation, RCV change and regas. Vent temp was at best 17c previously but is now back down to around 4c with no delay on cooling. There was a small amount of swarf and muck on the old RCV filter so it may play up again in the future at which time I'll do a full warranty job on it.
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Just to add a bit more info to this thread. In the Australian Auto Motive trade magazine [Oct '13] a question was asked in relation to a VE Commodore about not being allowed to start the engine when there is no gas in the system.
" The VE Commodore uses a clutchless air conditioning compressor, which can be damaged, or even seize, if run without a full refrigerant charge" -------"compressors rely on the flow of refrigerant to circulate the lubricating oil. Without any refrigerant, running the engine could cause irreparable damage to the compressor. To stop these vehicles being completely immobilised they have been designed to be able to be moved around without damage. The general guidelines are that you can drive the vehicle as long as:
*Engine speed is kept below 2000rpm.
*Is run for less than 15 minutes, and
*The air conditioning is switched off.
The Commodore is fitted with a Delphi unit. I guess the above instructions may also apply to the Sanden, Denso etc compressors fitted to our cars.
In an advert. for an information night on the Variable Displacement Compressors in the Automotive Engineer [July/August '14]
"These little understood compressors are now at the heart of most automotive air conditioning systems." So as VW owners we are not alone with these problems.
