My OHC has done about 70k kms in about 8+ odd years.
2-3 days back I suddenly hear a sound like -
gadd gadd gadd gadd gadd gadd when I switch the AC on. The sound immediately disappears once I switch it Off.
I popped the hood to check it out because my immediate thought was that something is touching the fan-belt. However, that was not the case.
Although he does not so any AC work, I take it to my trusted mechanic who's immediate diagnosis is that the Compressor is damaged and it should be replaced ASAP. Also, he mentioned that in the past few days, I must have been feeling a major drop in pickup with the AC On - that happens due to Compressor taking extra load just before it reaches the conking off stage. In retrospect, I realized that what he was saying was true, therefore was almost sure of his judgment on Compressor being the problem.
Also, as per him, this is a common ageing problem that crops up in OHC's. Repairing is not an option in this case. He recommends I show it to the local AC guy (his reference) the next day.
I then called up the inhouse OHC expert - Iraghava - he confirmed that the sound corresponded to Compressor issue. Apparently, his compressor had packed when the car was at 11k (or was it in 11 months?) and he got it replaced under warranty.
Later, Courtesy Honda confirmed that Compressor had packed and gave a quote of 43K. Mentioned a couple of things that would be changed apart from the compressor like the AC clutch(?) etc.
Mechanics Reference has given me a quote of about 12k.
10,200 - Compressor (3 months warranty only !!)
1000 - AC gas
500 - some bottle that will be changed
300 - Air flow cleaning, general servicing etc.
Experts, Please Advice -
- Anything specific I should keep in mind, pointers etc. ??