3B and ABY Condensers

[S2_Dave]

After selling a kidney last year to fix my compressor and convert to R134a, I now have a leaking condenser. It may be easier for me to find (thanks to Sal) a compressor from an ABY, but is this the same part as that from a 3B? Orginally I thought that all the air-con parts from early coupes would be the same, but the compressor from my old 7A did not fit my 3B last year, so I'm not betting my other kidney that condensers will be same across different engines.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! I'm starting to lose my enthusiasm for this car. It's a money-pit - as soon as I fix one thing there's something else. It's off to MRC next week with a to-do list, so it should be returned with only the condenser needing to go in and then I can get back to enjoying S2 ownership without worrying about what other organs I need to sell.

[Fat Audi 80]

I can't answer your question, but there is nothing quite like an S2 when they are working correctly. YOu will get there in the end have a huge grin on your face...

Cheers,

Steve.

[Jamo]

I think they are different, the 3B and ABY/RS2 condensors but i haven't got access to the Audi bible

*Awaits Parts Daddy*

[S2_Dave]

I hope so Steve! I remember when I first bought it and I loved driving it. I want to get back to that, but it's costing me a fortune and testing my patients. Not being a great mechanic I just want to take it somewhere and have it returned with all of the remaining problems fixed. Then I can start to rebuild my bank balance (ready for a bigger turbo et al) whilst enjoying my S2 again.

[S2_Dave]

I think they are different, the 3B and ABY/RS2 condensors but i haven't got access to the Audi bible

*Awaits Parts Daddy*

Good job I didn't bet that kidney!

[Jamo]

The only reason i say this, is because i've come across one on ebay and the sellers sold it because it didn't fit his 3B.

PM S2avant he'll know

[s2avant]

Da..........da.............da.............wait no more citizens of S2Forumville, The Parts Daddy is here to save the day

Basically it all depends on your chassis number and what flavour gas you use. A quick look at the bible tells me your 91 3B will probably not match the later ABY versions.

PM your chassis number and I'll give you a more accurate answer.

Ben

[S2_Dave]

Thanks Parts Daddy,

It's R12, but converted to R134a, so I'm doubtful. Sending PM now.

[dan_b]

I understand there was a change in the condenser at some point as when I got my aircon fixed last year with a not-Audi-branded-Denso compressor, VACS ordered me up the matching condenser and it didn't fit my 3B... Somewhere along the line there was a change.

[martinjs]

The thread sizes on the compressor for the pipes are different between the two, newsh fitted an ABY one to his 3B IIRC, just had to fit ABY pipes i think.

[s2driveruk]

dare i ask how much it cost to covert to R134??? I paid £65 for an R12 drop in to be used and all is fine and coooooooool with the car so far

Good luck sorting it though!

[dan_b]

You're meant to change the dryer/ condenser when you change the compressor aren't you?

[PeterS]

not to mention the orifice tube, which should cost less than 2 GBP ( I paid $2.50 USD) ...since it has a screen and tends to collect stuff..

[dan_b]

Hmm, need to do this then on mine...
What's the access like to the dryer?

[S2_Dave]

dare i ask how much it cost to covert to R134??? I paid £65 for an R12 drop in to be used and all is fine and coooooooool with the car so far

Good luck sorting it though!

The total bill was over £600 which included the compressor, conversion and re-gassing, but I don't know the breakdown. I'd certainly get an S2 with working air-con if I was to buy one again!!