Aircon regas - run out again after 3 - 4 months

[Cookie]

Anyone had this before? Had my AC regassed by Kwik Fit about 3 - 4 months ago (can't remember exactly) and it's now not really blowing out cold again :/

Anything simple I can check before I get it regassed again?

 

[Jonny1*2]

if you use it regularily (which you should otherwise it will leak - strange but true), then it might be an o ring issue within the system.

 

[Cookie]

Yeah it's used all the time

Is that easy to diagnose?

 

[SnapMonkey]

I thought they leaked if you didn't use them...

 

[MicKPM]

That's what Jonny essentially said Var.

This is because the refrigerant 'R134a' aka "Gas" has a yellow-ish colour which is a lubricating oil inside the rendered aerosol and the A/C system integrity requires the system to be run for a small period once a week to allow this 'oil' to fully circulate and protect the system seals and joints. Its not always essential, for example in Winter months, as most regulated and non-regulated A/C systems won't work when the external temps are below 4 oC anyway (The compressor clutch will not kick in to protect the compressor internals) but to stop the rubber O-Rings drying out and perishing you do need to give them a good blast of at least 10-15 minutes each week when the temps permit it.

If the car went in for a re-gas with a proper "specialist" then they would have injected a leak detecting dye first to ascertain the integrity of the overall system... just pouring in new gas is wasteful and silly especially if the system pressure is observed as being low in the first place as there is obviously a leak.

Mick

 

[Jonny1*2]

Out of curiosity mike, what's the correct pressure when full?

 

[Cookie]

So you're saying Kwik Fit's system doesn't use this magic dye? Shocker

 

[MicKPM]

Out of curiosity mike, what's the correct pressure when full?

I will need to look that one up Jonny... I've added it to my to do list so will PM you.

Mick

 

[Jonny1*2]

Cheers Mick

 

[Alpine_motorsport]

Not sure on the pressure but it takes 650g to fully fill the system from empty. I finally got around to welding up one of my split aircon pipes yesterday and gave it a re gas. Only taken me 18 months to get around to it!!!!!

 

[bmh.01]

The megs show about 2 bar with the compressor off and the pressure equalised.

 

[Goodj]

I had Kwik Fit do a full regas on mine, thought the system might be dead. They couldn't get the Climate to register any colder than when it went in, so no charge for a complete drain and refill.
Took it to a specialist for a full diagnostic, they said it wasn't blowing quite as cold as it could, but it was still working fine.... but may need a regas!

moral - Kwik fit dont do air-con, they just say they do

 

[incy-spider]

There are alot more things to check other than just gas, firstly check the cabin filter, if its clogged you wont be getting the correct volume of air flowing through the evaporator, secondly if the condensor at the front of the car has leaves, birds, deer, rabbit or any other shat clogging it up it wont cool as it should resulting in poor performance. Get it checked by someone who knows the first thing about it, Also make sure they are qualified else they will be getting fines! :evil: