Asbjorn at ESS? Please Help: Loud Compressor Noise!

[Mizar]

Hi, Asbjorn,

I have the TX-2 with now 55000 miles on it. Since a few days ago, when it turned very cold (down to -25C), the compressor is very noisy. Noise increases with RPM and has generally increased over the last about two days. There is no abnormal noise at idle, and the noise starts right when the compressor clutch engages at ~1400 RPM. The noise is a little less once the engine is warmed up, but remains always clearly audible, even when driving.

I am concerned that the compressor is not lubricated right as the noise sounds a bit like metal churning on metal. Otherwise everything seems normal, no oil pressure light, oil level normal. Last oil change about 900 miles ago.

Any ideas? What should I do?

Thanks,

Mizar

[MarvelPhx]

What you are probably hearing is the clutch inside the pulley. When its really cold, it can make noise until they get warm. Depending on how you use it, they do wear out over time (just like a transmission clutch). However, I do not know what the lifespan is supposed to be. I would email support@esstuning.com.

[paraklas]

Also take a good quality audio clip and upload it to youtube and send the link as well. It really helps

[Asbjorn@ESS]

It could be clutch noise in the cold. If the noise goes away when the temperatures gets warmer it is no problem, if it is still there I would send your SC in for a inspection/rebuild.

[Mizar]

It could be clutch noise in the cold. If the noise goes away when the temperatures gets warmer it is no problem, if it is still there I would send your SC in for a inspection/rebuild.

Winters can be long here, no way I can wait that long. Plus, I didn't feel like driving it with this noise. So, I uninstalled the S/C to take a look:

This looks more like rebuild, I'd say... :banghead:
Where would I send it (ESS Norway, California, or ASA Germany)? Could this still be covered under warranty? Or can I get any other help with this? 55000 miles, installed April 2006. :bawling:

Thanks,

Mizar

[paraklas]

:yikes:
Are these metal shavings on the edges of the propeller?

[MachRc]

ouch,
maybe you can have them port and polish the inside while its apart ..unless you replace it.

thank for posting pix..and keep us updated!

[bluejeansonfire]

so i'm guessing you have a lot of shaft play?

[Tim30250]

What he does in private is his own business.

[lftlane]

^:rofl:

[Mizar]

What he does in private is his own business.

Good one... :lmao:

But seriously, no shaft play at all. But the center nut seems to wobble a bit. Not sure how that happend, but I suspect it's gonna be expensive... The blade edges are kind of folded or rolled back. The lips that are visible there are pretty solid; no loose metal filings or such. My guess at this point is a bearing that went out.

Let's see if ESS can advise.

[MarvelPhx]

That is blade to housing contact. And ive never seen that in an ASA... Even with no oil in it. The question is, why are only some of the blades affected. If it was shaft play or bearing failures, all blades would be affected.

It looks like it ingested something bad...

[paraklas]

That is blade to housing contact. And ive never seen that in an ASA... Even with no oil in it. The question is, why are only some of the blades affected. If it was shaft play or bearing failures, all blades would be affected.

It looks like it ingested something bad...

Wouldn't have caused further damage if it was something like that?

[Asbjorn@ESS]

Looks to me as a foreign object, but it should be a relatively easy fix. I recommend also removing and cleaning the FMIC as any metal residue should be trapped here.

Please contact Mr.Dirk Ochmann at ASA directly for the blower rebuild:

do@g-power.de

Let me know if I can assist in any way.

[Mizar]

Looks to me as a foreign object, but it should be a relatively easy fix. I recommend also removing and cleaning the FMIC as any metal residue should be trapped here.

Please contact Mr.Dirk Ochmann at ASA directly for the blower rebuild:

do@g-power.de

Let me know if I can assist in any way.

What does FMIC stand for?

[HighBoostin330]

What does FMIC stand for?

Front Mount InterCooler