Technical Air con re-charging

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Technical Air con re-charging

nuddmann

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I'm toying with the idea of getting the air con re-gassed n my 04 multi. Anyone done it, my slight concern is a seal or something similar going as the car's 9 years old and has 152k on it, the air con is definitely not as efficient as it was.

If I'm likely to end up blowing something I'll leave it..........
 
Check that the pulley on the aircon pump feels like it's still doing something before trying a re-gas. With the engine switched off, try turning the end of the pulley (not the bit with the belt around it but the part that sticks out beyond that) by hand. If it turns freely, either the pulley clutch or the compressor itself is past it.

For the re-gas, try Kwikfit. I don't normally recommend such places, but I went to them a few years ago to have mine recharged. They do a very thorough leak test and (if you're lucky enough to be leak-free) guarantee to make your aircon at least 10% cooler than before. I think I paid about £45 all in. It's probably a bit more than that now.
 
Where are you based? A guy local to me does the whole lot on a proper machine for £35 :)

Essex, near Chelmsford.

WMF, the aircon works, it's just not as good as it used to be. I really notice it after driving the cars at work or my missus' new Renault. I might leave it, did the rear springs today and it looks like I need to replace the rear shocks too, one side is definitely sitting a bit lower than the other! I'll keep the money for that
 
Make sure your rad fan is running when the aircon is on.

It'll work on the motorway but not in the town if it's not.
 
. . . With the engine switched off, try turning the end of the pulley by hand. If it turns freely, either the pulley clutch or the compressor itself is past it . . .
I was under the impression that the Pulley would spin freely until the A/Con was switched on (Electrical input), otherwise it would be 'pumping' continuously.

. . . did the rear springs today and it looks like I need to replace the rear shocks too, one side is definitely sitting a bit lower than the other . . .
The shocks have no bearing on the ride height (other than restricting the maximum extension), that's down to the Springs alone.
 
Go ahead and get it re-gassed. just had the Panda done, made a huge difference. Last weekend, trip to Crawley in the heat, just blowing cool. Today, still just as hot outside, but inside, very cold. Passenger had to put her jacket back on!

Re-gas will also check for leaks and replenish oil in the system. All the seals rely on this oil to keep them from shrinking, and the pump of course, needs it for lubrication. As you have lost some gas, (it oozes out very slowly, no matter how well sealed) you will have lost oil too, so running it on will eventually lead to leaks from every joint and a pump failure. A stitch in time....

My Panda is an 06, they recovered 69g of gas, replaced with 500g.

The fridge in your kitchen does not lose gas because it is all welded up. Not possible on the car.
 
I was under the impression that the Pulley would spin freely until the A/Con was switched on (Electrical input), otherwise it would be 'pumping' continuously.


The shocks have no bearing on the ride height (other than restricting the maximum extension), that's down to the Springs alone.


Oh well, done it now, never mind!! Feels much better to drive, had new shocks and springs all round in the last 2 months, like a different car!

I'll have a look at getting the air con done when I'm back from holiday
 
Just had mine done and from empty the multi takes 700grams of refridgarant...which the bloke said was surprisingly a lot!
Let's hope it holds out!
 
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