AirCon Servicing on an Alto

amit_mechengg · 3rd February 2009, 12:15

guys i have an alto done 42000 kms till date. i think its time to do an AC servicing. this facility is available with MASS but they charge a whooping 2500rs for the same.

the AC is subros make. do the Subros people have servicing centres outside? especially in pune?

What all needs to be done for servicing the AC. As per my knowledge, its compressor oil change. AC gas charging, Chemical cleaning(dont know how its done).

What are the costs incurred in AC servicing? i think 2500rs is a RIP-OFF

vikram_d · 3rd February 2009, 12:23

I find 2500 a reasonable amount because everything is done by a single machine and is a completely automated process. Just plug in the machine to the aircon lines and press the start button. Also the 2500 includes all the consumables like the refrigerant and compressor oil. Also you will have peace of mind becuase the machine will fill in the exact amount of refrigerant needed for your car.

simply_sunny001 · 3rd February 2009, 12:27

Even if you go outside and get all this done,it will cost you around 1500

so you can either find a reputed AC service guy or give your alto to MASS.

and its a once in 2-3 years kinda job

sukiwa · 3rd February 2009, 12:34

@ Amit_mechengg:

Check with Subros directly if you want.

Subros Limited : Office & Plant Addresses, Noida R&D Centre, Noida Plant, Noida Tool Room, Manesar Plant, Pune Plant

Off Topic: Keeping fingers crossed for you. Looking at other threads by you, hope AC servicing does not lead to any additional problem or performance degradation for you.

HappyWheels · 3rd February 2009, 12:38

Amit,

I would suggest you go with the M.A.S.S service itself. At least those guys would know what they are doing. Regardless of the cost, you will get some peace of mind that the job was well done (hopefully).

Now, this is unless you get a reliable service center who are experienced in doing this kind of work.

rkavthekar · 3rd February 2009, 13:22

Amit,

Its no harm to check once with outside of MASS and get a quote. Last month, I got my Indica AC completely checked, cleaned and refilled the gas (after almost 6 years of usage). I went to Climate Engineers on Karve Road opposite Garware College. He charged me 2500, but taking out the Dashboard to get access to BLower, coils is extremely tedious job on Indica. I was present through out the time when job was done and he did a good job.

take care and drive safely

amit_mechengg · 3rd February 2009, 13:29

ohh 2500 rs including the gas and oil is a good price then. ya better i go to the MASS as they might be doing many such cars regularly.
and as per my weird experiences with my alto leading to some very small yet funny problems i dont want to take a risk with the AC.
Thanks a lot folks.

one more question. Alto has a 110 cc AC on a 800 cc motor as compared to Zens and older marutis which had 60CC AC on 1000cc motor. The ac kills half the engine power and driving an alto with AC on is like driving a "Bullock Cart" with no better control on the Power Band.

Is there any way to help reduce the power losses? somewhere i had read that changing the pulley size helps and all. but has anyone done this ?

vikram_d · 3rd February 2009, 14:34

You can install a smaller diameter pulley on the compressor or a bigger pulley on the engine. For this you will also need to change the pulley belt. This modification makes the compressor run at a higher RPM.

amit_mechengg · 3rd February 2009, 14:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikram_d

You can install a smaller diameter pulley on the compressor or a bigger pulley on the engine. For this you will also need to change the pulley belt. This modification makes the compressor run at a higher RPM.

will this have any implications on the engine/compressor? how will the clutch actuation of the compressor work with high rpms?
is there any ratio/calculation between the engine RPM and the AC compressor RPM

vikram_d · 3rd February 2009, 14:46

There will be no after effects on clutch actuation. The new ratio will be dependent on the safe working working RPM of the compressor.

esteem_lover · 3rd February 2009, 14:57

Vikram, it is certainly not worth the trouble, if you ask me. You are increasing the chances of your compressor conking off.

vikram_d · 3rd February 2009, 15:02

Like I said whatever modification is done has to be within the safe working range of the compressor. Within this limits it will not casue any problems, but cross the limit and you are into the unknown.

esteem_lover · 3rd February 2009, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikram_d

Like I said whatever modification is done has to be within the safe working range of the compressor. Within this limits it will not casue any problems, but cross the limit and you are into the unknown.

I am sure the manufacturer has designed the compressor to work within that exact safe range at the highest engine rpms. It is just too much of a risk to try something like that.

vikram_d · 3rd February 2009, 15:13

The manufacturers also keep a huge safety margin. This margin can very easily be utilised. The typical factor of safety (FoS) for automobile compressors is between 1.7 - 2.0. The compressor in the car is running at a FoS of 1.0 even at maximum engine RPM. You can very easily push it up to 1.3 - 1.5 to be safe. Again this depends on how old the compressor is. If it is relatively new then nothing will happen to it.

ASHISHPALLOD · 3rd February 2009, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

guys i have an alto done 42000 kms till date. i think its time to do an AC servicing.

Is it mandatory to do ac servicing after say 40000km?
If yes, where is it written in manual?
If no, then why are you thinking about ac servicing? any problem with ac?

I need to know this as my alto is nearing 47000 km run and i have not touched ac yet. It is running as new.

3rd February 2009, 12:15	#1
amit_mechengg Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 2,488 Thanked: 2,252 Times View My Garage	AirCon Servicing on an Alto guys i have an alto done 42000 kms till date. i think its time to do an AC servicing. this facility is available with MASS but they charge a whooping 2500rs for the same. the AC is subros make. do the Subros people have servicing centres outside? especially in pune? What all needs to be done for servicing the AC. As per my knowledge, its compressor oil change. AC gas charging, Chemical cleaning(dont know how its done). What are the costs incurred in AC servicing? i think 2500rs is a RIP-OFF
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 12:23	#2
vikram_d Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,427 Thanked: 1,185 Times	I find 2500 a reasonable amount because everything is done by a single machine and is a completely automated process. Just plug in the machine to the aircon lines and press the start button. Also the 2500 includes all the consumables like the refrigerant and compressor oil. Also you will have peace of mind becuase the machine will fill in the exact amount of refrigerant needed for your car.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 12:27	#3
simply_sunny001 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London & Rohtak Posts: 1,340 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	Even if you go outside and get all this done,it will cost you around 1500 so you can either find a reputed AC service guy or give your alto to MASS. and its a once in 2-3 years kinda job
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 12:34	#4
sukiwa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: pune Posts: 2,381 Thanked: 2,570 Times	@ Amit_mechengg: Check with Subros directly if you want. Subros Limited : Office & Plant Addresses, Noida R&D Centre, Noida Plant, Noida Tool Room, Manesar Plant, Pune Plant Off Topic: Keeping fingers crossed for you. Looking at other threads by you, hope AC servicing does not lead to any additional problem or performance degradation for you.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 12:38	#5
HappyWheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,110 Thanked: 538 Times	Amit, I would suggest you go with the M.A.S.S service itself. At least those guys would know what they are doing. Regardless of the cost, you will get some peace of mind that the job was well done (hopefully). Now, this is unless you get a reliable service center who are experienced in doing this kind of work.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 13:22	#6
rkavthekar BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 205 Thanked: 14 Times	Amit, Its no harm to check once with outside of MASS and get a quote. Last month, I got my Indica AC completely checked, cleaned and refilled the gas (after almost 6 years of usage). I went to Climate Engineers on Karve Road opposite Garware College. He charged me 2500, but taking out the Dashboard to get access to BLower, coils is extremely tedious job on Indica. I was present through out the time when job was done and he did a good job. take care and drive safely
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 13:29	#7
amit_mechengg Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 2,488 Thanked: 2,252 Times View My Garage	ohh 2500 rs including the gas and oil is a good price then. ya better i go to the MASS as they might be doing many such cars regularly. and as per my weird experiences with my alto leading to some very small yet funny problems i dont want to take a risk with the AC. Thanks a lot folks. one more question. Alto has a 110 cc AC on a 800 cc motor as compared to Zens and older marutis which had 60CC AC on 1000cc motor. The ac kills half the engine power and driving an alto with AC on is like driving a "Bullock Cart" with no better control on the Power Band. Is there any way to help reduce the power losses? somewhere i had read that changing the pulley size helps and all. but has anyone done this ?
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 14:34	#8
vikram_d Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,427 Thanked: 1,185 Times	You can install a smaller diameter pulley on the compressor or a bigger pulley on the engine. For this you will also need to change the pulley belt. This modification makes the compressor run at a higher RPM.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 14:46	#10
vikram_d Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,427 Thanked: 1,185 Times	There will be no after effects on clutch actuation. The new ratio will be dependent on the safe working working RPM of the compressor.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 14:57	#11
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	Vikram, it is certainly not worth the trouble, if you ask me. You are increasing the chances of your compressor conking off.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 15:02	#12
vikram_d Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,427 Thanked: 1,185 Times	Like I said whatever modification is done has to be within the safe working range of the compressor. Within this limits it will not casue any problems, but cross the limit and you are into the unknown.
	() Thanks

3rd February 2009, 15:13	#14
vikram_d Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,427 Thanked: 1,185 Times	The manufacturers also keep a huge safety margin. This margin can very easily be utilised. The typical factor of safety (FoS) for automobile compressors is between 1.7 - 2.0. The compressor in the car is running at a FoS of 1.0 even at maximum engine RPM. You can very easily push it up to 1.3 - 1.5 to be safe. Again this depends on how old the compressor is. If it is relatively new then nothing will happen to it.
	() Thanks