What is this thing inside my new AC compressor? Does it come out before installation?

[showme]

I bought this Philtop compressor for my grandson's 2013 VW Passat, and I can't find an answer to what this thing is and whether it's supposed to stay in there or come out before I install it. I've been back and forth with Philtop's customer service and so-called tech support dept., and I don't think they know any more than I do. It's a hard plastic cap-like thing inside the discharge port. I've never seen one before and there is none in the original compressor. I called Philtop's customer service dept and the first guy told me it was supposed to come out, but I believe he was thinking I was referring to the rubber plugs that both ports had to keep debris out of them. I tried to explain that I wasn't talking about those, but something inside the port. He told me to email their tech support dept and I'd hear back by the end of the day. When I didn't get a reply I called CS again and got a different rep and told him I was still waiting for tech, and he tried to help me but wasn't sure of what I was asking about. Later I got a reply from tech, and they said it is supposed to be removed, but also mentioned it was for keeping debris out, which is what the rubber plugs are for. Plus, I told them I've tried to remove it but it's not budging. Then I got a call back from the 2nd customer service rep I spoke with and he said he had done more research and said it was supposed to stay in, which i was glad to hear since I couldn't get it out and no one there seemed to know how to remove it anyway. The cap does have a pin hole in the center of it, but I'm still uncomfortable vacuuming the system and charging it without knowing for sure if it stays in or comes out. I told the tech dept that I can't believe they don't know the answers to this. I told them to get one from the warehouse and see for themselves. "You're service techs and you can't find the answer?" As of right now I'm at a standstill until I know for sure what's up with this part. If anyone can help me figure this out, I would really appreciate it. Lee

 

[kschachn]

Cross-post from the same question and picture on Passat World?

I'd leave it there FWIW.

 

[showme]

Yeah, I need an answer fast so I'm posting this everywhere. I've installed it but now I'm hesitating on vac and charging it. I don't want to blow out the new condenser or the evaporator. I'm seriously considering pulling and returning it and getting a new solenoid for the old one, but I'd rather just leave this one in and avoid the hassle of remove and replace. I've already installed a new radiator, condensor, fan and brakes, and have a long to-do list after this. The whole thing with the company's "tech dept" really has my blood pressure up right now. Thanks for your vote on keeping it in, though.

 

[Trav]

I have not seen anything below the rubber caps and metal plate they use to keep them in place that should be removed. I would go head and vac it down and charge it.

 

[showme]

Thanks, Trav. There's nothing in the paperwork that came with it that mentions this thing. The orifice on the original compressor has an outlet hole about 1/8" that's situated on the bottom 'corner' of the cylinder (port), and the idea that freon is supposed to pass through a pin hole instead of the larger orifice in the old compressor doesn't seem kosher to me. So I was hoping to hear from anyone who has seen this kind of thing before. But so far I at least have to "go!" votes here.

 

[JohnnyG]

Did you try to pull it out?

 

[QwikKota]

Which engine? 3.5L?

 

[Trav]

The more I think about it, it does not make sense they would put a part that needs to removed before install it then cap it off with a rubber plug and bolt a metal plate over it. Why put it on there in the first place if that were case?

 

[showme]

JohnnyG- Yep, after I talked to the first customer service rep on the phone, I used a pair of small paddle type pliers to both unscrew it if it's a threaded cap, and also to grab and pull it straight out. Neither worked. I also used a pic to try to pry it up from the top (look close and you can see the 'dig' spots). That sucker is on there. That's when I started contacting the company.

QwikKota- 2.5 gas engine.

Trav- Same here. My first question after 'what is it?' is ' 'why is it even there, anyway?' It had the rubber plugs, metal plates and even new bolt on each one. The low pressure hose port didn't have anything like that in it. I looked for Philtop's corporate office number to see if I could get in touch with someone more knowledgeable, but no luck with that search. The cs reps both sounded mexican, and at least the second guy was concerned enough to do some follow up checking and call me back, but to sell products that you can't explain is really unprofessional. And irritating.

 

[CleanSump]

Google lens was no help. Maybe it's a design revision or due to different manufacturers. I've never removed anything under the plastic caps (or metal plate on some) that are there to keep junk out of the compressor. I'd suck it down and give it a go as is.

 

[showme]

Thanks, CleanSump. Yeah, I've searched everywhere, but I'm not only having no luck with what it is and what it's for, I can't even find anyone who's ever seen something like this. If it wasn't raining out right now I'd go out and hook the gauges and vacuum up and try it since I've gotten 4 go ahead votes from you all. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow so I'll get out there and see what I can find. Thanks, everybody. I do appreciate the input on this. And I will report back after I fix it or destroy it, one or the other.

 

[CleanSump]

If it's restrictive and the pressure is too high or no pressure then the pressure switches should prevent the compressor from running. So I would give it a go as I don't believe it will hurt anything other than your time and refrigerant if it doesn't work.