Aircon sucks engine power

[TeKnodriver]

As per post title, turning on the AC seems to draw a big chunk of engine power / feels like driving with handbrake on...
in fact it seems to cycle on and off every minute or so

not sure if this is normal on cars this old -
had a hire car last week and AC made hardly any difference to engine performance

had new aux belts fitted few months ago but it made no change

is there any way to check correct function through VagCom?

98 TDi btw.

 

[Arrkon]

Hello stranger.

Your running an AFN if i remember correctly. I never noticed any power drops in mine... when was the AC last gassed up? if the lubricant in the compressor is low or worn it may result in extra load on the engine through the AC compressor...

 

[TeKnodriver]

Yes mate, it's AFN
more load on the engine is probably a better description

regas done couple of years ago,
as for lubricating compressor - can this be topped up or whaddya do?

 

[Arrkon]

It can be topped up by any decent garage or AC specialist. but ideally it should be G 052154a2 (original VAG compressor oil)