Technical Aircon problem

[MikeRRR]

Hi Guys. Had my 2010 Punto Evo Aircon recharged but the computer on the charger said the aircon had a leak and couldn't be charged up. It wasn't working when I got the car and wasn't covered by the warranty. I was told that it is probably just seals gone but my not so local Fiat Dealer wants over 100 Euros for the diagnostics. I have lived without for 18 months but are there any easy checks or repairs I could do?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Guys. Had my 2010 Punto Evo Aircon recharged but the computer on the charger said the aircon had a leak and couldn't be charged up. It wasn't working when I got the car and wasn't covered by the warranty. I was told that it is probably just seals gone but my not so local Fiat Dealer wants over 100 Euros for the diagnostics. I have lived without for 18 months but are there any easy checks or repairs I could do?

Hi.
There is normally a tracer die in the system. Have a good look around the pipework.

Charlie

 

[portland_bill]

Normally when it is recharged, a leak test is done. As above a dye can be added to show the leaks. I assume whoever tried recharging it did not identify where the leaks are.

It is most likely to leak past a seal or at a pipe joint, but as the gas evaporates, it leaves little or no trace. I've not tried, but it may be possible to attempt to pressurise it using the low pressure valve on the pipework, then locate the leak by spraying a soapy water onto each joint. Also check the condenser radiator at the front for damage, and check all pipe work for rubbing to a hole. Only once the leak is identified can you know possible costs to repair.

 

[MikeRRR]

Thanks for that. I use a gas detect spray at work on LPG systems and could use that but I didn't know that I might be able to pressurize the system. Any idea where the low pressure valve is? Mike

 

[portland_bill]

Any idea where the low pressure valve is? Mike

Follow the pipework. There will be two valves, one is the high pressure, the other low. I think they are different sizes, so see what they look like, then you'll know if you can pressurise using either. As the system is probably empty, there should be no pressure, but still be careful.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

The problem with leak testing by pumping air into the system is the moisture that would get pumped in with it, so it's very much not advised to do this.

I'm not sure where you took it but clearly not a proper aircon expert.

You can put uv dye in the system of if it leaks out you can use a uv light to detect where the dye had leaked out. You can also pressurise the system and use a device to 'sniff' for the leaked refrigerant.

On thing that commonly happens with air con testing in the way you describe is that they vacuum the system and then hold the vacuum. If the vacuum don't hold then they say the system is leaking, but this don't help in normal use as the system is at high pressure not vacuum so it's not a true indication of any actual leak.

Basically I guess what I'm saying is to get a proper aircon specialist to look at it as you might not have a real leak and it might just need a recharge. If you have got a leak they can tell you where and advise on a fix