UP TO SPEED WITH
FPS welcomes NISSENS as its new air conditioning parts supplier.
Most modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning systems and
knowledge and expertise of the components are gradually turning
into a competitive advantage that generates good profits for the motor
factor. With 95 years of experience, Nissens is recognised as a leading
expert in engine cooling solutions and air conditioning (AC) and will
now offer AC parts through FPS, backed by its complete thermal
know-how and manufacturing experience.
As a leading manufacturer of essential climate system components,
Nissens offers a comprehensive range of high-quality air conditioning
spare parts, covering more than 9,600 OE numbers, while
simultaneously offering technical support for climate systems. With
its focus on added features, such as quality, ‘First Fit’ and ‘First to
Market’, the partnership between Nissens and FPS ensures that the UK
motor factors are always well-informed on the latest market trends.
TAKING THE LEAD ON AC COMPRESSORS
Servicing the compressor correctly is crucial to the efficiency of the AC
system. During an AC cycle, the compressor enables the refrigerant
to change its state from gas to liquid and flow through the different
components of the system as well as through the high and low
pressure sides.
equivalent. Furthermore, critical components, such as the pulley,
clutch hub, bearing and wobble plate are improved to withstand
higher stress, tensions and temperatures than expected of OE units.
In spite of this, motor factors need to be aware of the most critical
aspect of compressor service and installation – correct lubrication.
CHECK THE ADDITIVE
As all moving parts are fitted with millimetre precision, every
aspect of the setup is expected to perform within the boundaries
of an exceptionally narrow margin. Part of this setup is the
lubrication, essential for all movements of the compressor. Factors
must be careful when dealing with additives, as incorrect use can
make them extremely harmful to compressor lubrication.
When working with additives, there are three particular problems
that are prone to occur:
•
Too much UV agent: will dilute the oil; resulting in improper
Schematic of a car air conditioning cycle
To ensure that everything
performs to the highest
standards, Nissens conducts
advanced life and performance
tests as well as back-to-back
tests against OE units, so that
every single product in Nissens’
400+ compressor range,
covering more than 2,000 OE
numbers, fully matches the OE
4 AIR CONDITIONING
viscosity and in turn, poor lubrication and increased pressure
in the system.
•
Flushing agent residues in the system: can impair the Teflon coating
in the compressor, especially if the system is not thoroughly
flushed afterwards. Teflon deterioration causes particles to peel
off, eventually clogging the system and causing the compressor
to seize.
•
Leak-stop contaminated oil: incorrect vacuum removal can leave
moisture in the compressor system. As some leak-stop agents
work by crystallising moisture in leakage areas, a poorly
vacuumed compressor will experience extensive crystallisation
consequently contaminating the circuit, reducing the lubrication
abilities of the oil, causing the compressor to eventually seize.
SYSTEM LUBRICATION
Another important factor is the oil. PAG oil is the most common
lubricant used in modern automotive air conditioning systems
running on R134a and R1234yf. It is a fully synthetic oil that offers
efficient and universal lubricating parameters. It is conductive, highly
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 42