Air Conditioner

[eMsta]

Hi all,

Just found out today that the Air con is not really working properly. Here is the history:

Last year, after I bought the car, found out that it was not gassed. So took it back and got it gassed. Almost exactly a year later, the aircon is gone. Is it possible that re-gassing only lasts for a year?

When i turn it on, it makes some sound as if the aircon is working, the engine idle is still the same or just a bit more, and the fan works harder.

Im guessing that once its re-gassed it should last for a while. So maybe there is a problem with the aircon unit???

If possible, does anyone know of a place where I can take it for it to be checked out around the Mt Waverley/Glen Waverley area?

[tek_01]

In theory gas shouldnt ever run out. but thats in theory

a/c guy rekons you should probably re-gas every 5 years or somthing unless you have a small leak which seems like you do

[eMsta]

hmmm...thats an interesting point Con - any idea what the cost would be if it was leaking?

[RANDY]

Probably a leak. Apparently the A/C people can use some kind of light to see the leak. Might just be one of the fitting on the pipe, or your release valve might be loose.

Either way, give your local A/C place a call and ask them rough figures. =-]

[tom9999]

A small leak could be very hard to find. You could try yourself with some soapy water in a spary bottle. Or i think you could get sum die for it.

[eMsta]

thanks guys - i will check a couple of places out tommorrow or the weekend....anyone know how much it will cost me though?

[JVP]

matt, goto an aircon joint, and they put a dye in the system and it tells you if there is a leak or not.

most likely there is.

good luck.

theres a few near where i work if u want some info.

cheers.

[Bl4cK32]

one of the reasons it leaks is the r134a that is used. It isnt suited to the jap aircon systems. The way ive heard it was the gas particles are minute compared to the origional r12 that was used, so any potential leaks are more likely to leak...

The way to get around this is to use r12a which is more similar to r12 that was origionally used.

[Ska]

Get the gas with the dye, it'll cost slightly more, but shows up easliy to see any leaks if you have any!

[tek_01]

black32, mine 33 came out with 134 not r12 which is the older style gas so im not sure what your saying abouyt jap a/c systems

im pretty sure it wasnt converted but most r32s are r12

[jake33]

hmm. mines needs to get regassed too.. how much to get it done..?? (ball park figure..?)

[Ska]

No more then ~$100, add in an extra $50 or so if you want the dye in the gas, which is very useful if you suspect you have a leak.

[race_snooze]

one of the reasons it leaks is the r134a that is used. It isnt suited to the jap aircon systems. The way ive heard it was the gas particles are minute compared to the origional r12 that was used, so any potential leaks are more likely to leak...

The way to get around this is to use r12a which is more similar to r12 that was origionally used.

No the drop in replacement for R12 is R49 iso. Or 409 which is not really a car gas but can still be used just as well. The problem with converting to 134a is not the particles its the fact it eats the rubber o rings out, due to different make ups.

[AndrewM]

the dye is usually ultraviolet, so they put some gas in ur car and let it run for a bit, then shine a UV light to detect where the leak is.

Got the same issue ATM.

[eMsta]

thanks for the info guys - i will probably get it checked out tommorrow (if the aircon workshops are open)