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We are up and away by 09:30, back down the N147 to Limoges industrial zone. 45 minutes later we find Aventure Camping-Cars easily and Ali goes to the office. They seem miffed we weren't there at 09:00 opening time but say they'll look after the two vans they're working on now.
At 11:50 a technician comes out and assesses we need the A/C system fluid recharged. They shut for lunch 12:00 to 14:00 so we have to disappear for two hours, so we get some lunch and buy diesel.
Waiting at the gate we meet a French woman from another van. She is desparately upset; they have no TV!
The sat-dish has been broken on a low tree. We've always joked the French vans have the sat-dish wired to the handbrake - no sooner they are parked and their dishes pop up and scan.
At 14:00 we drive into the workshop and get connected to the recharging machine. First is sucks out any old gas, then it injects some oil for the compressor, then it pumps in new refrigerant. At the refilling stage the mechanic shows us a fine spray from the radiator. New radiator/condenser required. After 5 or 6 phone calls the best he can do is get one next week. We pull faces. He offers to try genuine Mercedes parts store.
They have one and he can fit it today, but the downside is Mercedes parts prices. He prints a quote for us; 2 recharges @ €70 [not unreasonable]
3 hours labour @ €73 [normal for franchises]
1 part €478
OUCH! - Get it done.
The owner offers us a beer and after he opens the bottles he hands over a rather good quality bottle opener/corkscrew, a present for our troubles.
By 18:30 closing time Mary*Lou lights and grill are back in place in front of the new radiator. We have to return in the morning to gas up the system. We can park on their forecourt outside the gates because of guard dogs, but can we pay half now and the balance on completion.
Aircon on account.
A/C on A/C
If we weren't heated enough, Ali is grilling merguez sausages when the pan catches fire. The whole flaming lot is swiftly thrown out of the door to extinguish itself.
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