DIY aircon regassing

[CJ]

I notice that Halfords sell DIY aircon refill kits, I need to get my own done soon and was wondering if anyone has gone down this route?

EDIT: heres a link to said product:

http://www.coolproducts.info/productinfo.php?pid=3

CJ

[CByrne]

Saw them in Halfords in Blanc at the weekend, had another brand there aswell. Tempted to buy but with the winter coming in...if I do it give it a go I'll let you know how it goes hideously wrong...

[CJ]

Some searching came up with DIY tips, see here:

http://id-usa.com/how_to.asp

The recharging process looks straightforward enough assuming that the mechanical end of the a/c system is in good working order.

CJ

[CJ]

I went up to Halfords in Blanch and shelled out 60 quid for a bottle of refrigerant and a pressure gauge, when I hooked it up initially, the reading was pretty low at approx 10psi (according to the gauge, pressure should be reading 25-45psi, this is dependent on environmental temperature). See pic below, blue is the correct range, green is low:



With the aircon on max cool, I then proceeded to fill up the system:



The gauge didn't appear to move for a good while, (although the can was emptying), I wonder how much of the stuff ended up in the atmosphere . Eventually, the pressure rose to 25spi and didn't move any further. I used approx 3/4 of a can in total, the remainder can be used at a later date if required.

So whats the result? Air is definetly much cooler when set to 17 deg on the a/c ECU, I'll reserve my full judgement for another couple of days to see if dehumidification has improved (this was my main gripe, the windows were fogging up big time over the past week and refused to clear with the a/c on).

CJ

[soc]

I wonder can this be used on the golf?

[CJ]

I wonder can this be used on the golf?

Don't see why not Shane, its a universal application for R-134a based a/c systems.

CJ

[dave100]

£60!?

aint it not cheaper to get it done by a pro? mine cost £20 last time!

[CJ]

£60!?

€60

CJ

[steelroe]

CJ

Is there not a H port and L port on the Air con line, which is the correct one to deliver the gas

[CByrne]

Nice guide CJ, I'll give it a go over the weekend. When you say lost in the atmosphere do they give you a "universal" connection that doesnt quite fit?

[CJ]

Is there not a H port and L port on the Air con line, which is the correct one to deliver the gas

Theres is a L and a H port Rory, the L port is considered the service port which is where you deliver the refrigerant (as per workshop manual).

When you say lost in the atmosphere do they give you a "universal" connection that doesnt quite fit?

Colm, the connector fits just fine, there were times when I felt that gas might have been escaping back up the filling tube as the pressure inside the can and the a/c system had reached a state of equilibrium, but I could have been imagining it to be honest.

I had a chance to try out the system on the move this morning, its definetely operating much better and dehumidifies fine. I've emailed Autoair to get a comparable quote for recharging the system, the main reason I went for this option is ease of use and not having to go out to Dunshaughlin for a refill.

CJ

[JD]

Great guide CJ, must give that a shot. OT but your engine looks absolutely spotless, mind me asking what you use to keep it clean (apart from elbow grease).
JD

[CJ]

FYI, I sent Autoir (www.autoair.ie) and email for price comparisons, heres the reply:

We have mobile's unit's on the road which service any make and mobile of vehicle.

Vacuum system out, insert UV dye, recharge system, and test A/C system. Charge for this service: ? 140 + vat.
Hope this information is help full to you, if you have any quires you call
us on.
Tel: 01-8250543
Mob: 086 2023523

While its over double the cost of a DIY approach, they would be appear to be pretty thorough in terms of cleaning out the system and leak testing.

CJ

[CJ]

I've noticed that my a/c system is not working too well of late (i.e takes ages to demist, not blowing cold air) and theres a distinct 'hissing' sound coming from the passenger footwell that wasn't noticable before. Theres no damp patch on the carpet so I'm hoping the heater matrix is OK, what I'm worried about is that the a/c pump is on the way out, anybody got any thoughts?

I'd recommend against attempting the DIY system refill until I've worked out what the problem is, it may or may not be linked to this problem.

CJ

[Muad_dib77]

Any updates on this CJ?

[CJ]

Any updates on this CJ?

To be fair, I don't think that the process caused a problem with my own system as I undertook the procedure on another FTO without any issues. I reckon I just have a leak in the system that needs to be plugged, havn't had a chance to get it sorted yet though...

CJ