DIY Aircon re-gas

[Nasher]

Anyone used the DIY Aircon re-gas kits?

Mine needs topping up again and I'm thinking of going DIY with a can of sealer/Dye and a can of Gas.

Not going to go for the Halfords type set up.
I'm going to go for a kit that has a reusable hose, connectors and Gauge.

They are about £40 from various places on-line.

Nasher.

[codprawn]

I have never needed to have aircon topped up - but then again I have never had a Jap car for long..............

Often the gas isn't the problem anyway. £40 seems a bit steep for DIY - you can get it done by the pros around here for that.

[Nasher]

£40 for a pro
Its £10 down the guildhall steps

Back to aircon
Kwik-fit do it for @£45 here.
The DIY option is actually £46 now I've looked properly, but thats only the first time, once you have the gauge, hose connectors etc, the cans of gas are only £12, and Mrs Nashers Pug 206 needs doing too.
It may be that the initial kit will top both systems up as thats all they need.

I quite like the thought of being able to top the system up on any used car I buy in the future too. Plus some of the neighbours have been complaining about their systems and I'd probably only charge them £25 a pop

Nasher

[JABS]

You need to be sure you don't overfill the system, so the gauges are essential. This is a skilled job, but anyone who can read instructions can do it, though.

Technically, if you have had a lkeak, you need to 'recover' the existing gas, being careful not to let it into the environs(!). The system is then evacuated to remove moisture. You then weigh the charge that is put in. The tolerance is not that great.

Using the gauges, you need to know the ambient temperature, and to be able to measure temperatures around the system.

The cans that you just blow into the system are a litte dangerous because you can end up with too much gas in there. If there has been a leak, you can end up with air in the system. There is also an amount of lube oil that should be added to the refrigerant.

[Richard B]

If your air con needs re-gassing, that means it's leaking.

Why not get a competent air con engineer to do the job properly?

I know that they're difficult to find (ie a competent one) - I've tried loads!

One of the best air con companies in the UK is (was) Serck AutoCool in Hilsea. I hope they are still there - most of the trade in the south of England (used to) sub-contract to them.

From an old business card - London Road Hilsea PO2 9QZ 01705 667641

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Nasher

£40 for a pro
Its £10 down the guildhall steps

Back to aircon
Kwik-fit do it for @£45 here.
The DIY option is actually £46 now I've looked properly, but thats only the first time, once you have the gauge, hose connectors etc, the cans of gas are only £12, and Mrs Nashers Pug 206 needs doing too.
It may be that the initial kit will top both systems up as thats all they need.

I quite like the thought of being able to top the system up on any used car I buy in the future too. Plus some of the neighbours have been complaining about their systems and I'd probably only charge them £25 a pop

Nasher

Ahh now that's different!!!

[Limey Linda]

Mine needs top up also and because it is Freon it is going to cost an arm and leg.

[Nasher]

I'll order a set up and try to re-gass both cars systems.
Let you all know how I get on

Originally Posted by Richard B

Why not get a competent air con engineer to do the job properly?

Why on earth would I pay somebody to do something I can do myself?

Seriously, thanks for the number, they are just around the corner from work and can sort it out if I cock it up.

I know the Shogun system was leaking, but I found a joint with some residue around it and have nipped it up a bit.

There is still pressure in both cars systems, so there shouldn't be any air getting in whilst there is still positive pressure keeping it out.
Plus the additive should swell the seals a little to help.

Nasher.

[JABS]

The residue is oil. You don't know how much jha escaped. Your system needs oil and a weighed amount of gas. How do you know that the sysemhasn't sucked air in. You only know that the part of the system you checked was pressurised whilst it wasn't running.

I think that with thecost of acompressor runing into hundreds, it is worth getting the job done properly.

Note that this is totally against my nature, but, in this case, is what really needs to be done!

Sorry!

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by JABS

The residue is oil. You don't know how much jha escaped. Your system needs oil and a weighed amount of gas. How do you know that the sysemhasn't sucked air in. You only know that the part of the system you checked was pressurised whilst it wasn't running.

I think that with thecost of acompressor runing into hundreds, it is worth getting the job done properly.

Note that this is totally against my nature, but, in this case, is what really needs to be done!

Sorry!

Yep I'm with you on this one, we use loads of chillers at work and the gas/oil is critical as is the pump down before hand + flushing if any contamination is present.

If you know a local refrigeration engineer they can do it and often do for £20 while you make the coffee

Also what sort of gas do you have in the system
R407C, R134A etc

Also if you fill a system that you know is leaking, very bad may even equal a fine