AC RFEFILL

frostythor · Jun 3, 2021

Hi well the Sun finally came out, so driving down the road turn on my AC and its .....warm. so I went on line and found video on a DIY on how to regas/refil it,

it only took a few minutes to do and I would say its not perfect but its a lot cooler
I started out showing about 10-15 psi, after filling it up to 30-35 psi so just about maxed out and I only used 1 can out of the 3 cans I bought, I'll recheck it in a few days mainly to see if the system pressure has dropped and, if so I may buy a can of AC leak stop and put that in after draining it down a bit, but all in all it is better

the video is

lynall · Jun 3, 2021

I have used them for top ups before with good success, but they now seem to be to expensive as the price of R134a went through the roof about 2 yrs ago.

frostythor · Jun 3, 2021

Yes but still cheaper than a garage job , plus I still have 2 cans left, and the connection hose in my tool box for future use

Andy Warren · Jun 3, 2021

frostythor said:
Yes but still cheaper than a garage job , plus I still have 2 cans left, and the connection hose in my tool box for future use

Has yours got rear air con ? I had my system pressure checked last week just using nitrogen & got charged £86

. I'd had the compressor off to do the ex. manifold studs & change the dryer but I'm a bit loath to take it back as they said it would cost a lot more because of the rear air con. Did you get the stuff of that auction site ?

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

frostythor said:
Yes but still cheaper than a garage job , plus I still have 2 cans left, and the connection hose in my tool box for future use

I normally get the stuff from Halfrauds in the green bottle and a tip I was given was to hold the bottle upside down when filling with it as it then puts more of the sealant into the system.
But I too had heard that it was much more expensive than it used to be.
So i too am interested in where you got it from and how much you paid for it. don't want to change the pressure gauge or the trigger bit either, but if the other system is cheaper.....

Gord Wedman · Jun 3, 2021

Rear air con just requires a bit more gas so I wouldn't think the cost would be that much higher. In the engine compartment there should be a label saying how many grams or ounces of gas are needed for a fill. It may have numbers for cars with and without rear AC.

Andy Warren · Jun 3, 2021

Gord Wedman said:
Rear air con just requires a bit more gas so I wouldn't think the cost would be that much higher. In the engine compartment there should be a label saying how many grams or ounces of gas are needed for a fill. It may have numbers for cars with and without rear AC.

Hi, just looked under the bonnet & there's only 200g difference with the rear air con. As I've got my D2, Freelander 1, daughters Kia & the wife's Mitsubishi Lancer to do it'll be well worth buying a few cans & hose I'll probably save a fortune

Gord Wedman said:
Rear air con just requires a bit more gas so I wouldn't think the cost would be that much higher. In the engine compartment there should be a label saying how many grams or ounces of gas are needed for a fill. It may have numbers for cars with and without rear AC.

lynall · Jun 3, 2021

Stanleysteamer said:
I normally get the stuff from Halfrauds in the green bottle and a tip I was given was to hold the bottle upside down when filling with it as it then puts more of the sealant into the system.
But I too had heard that it was much more expensive than it used to be.
So i too am interested in where you got it from and how much you paid for it. don't want to change the pressure gauge or the trigger bit either, but if the other system is cheaper.....

I think the halfords stuff is now 60 quid a can?

Gord Wedman · Jun 3, 2021

I don't know how accurate those guages are on those refill cans but if you end up with cold air that is the main thing.
Regarding holding cans upside down when filling, there is some debate on this. You are supposed to be running the system while filling. If holding the can upside down allows liquid refrigerant to enter the compressor it will be damaged as liquid cannot be compressed. Some say it can't happen as any liquid will instantly vaporize after entering the low pressure side. Others are not so sure. I just shake my cans vigorously to impart some energy/warmth. I also put them in a pot of warm water.

frostythor · Jun 3, 2021

Hi All, I got mine off E bay. it was £12 for the connector , and £35 for 3 cans of gas, I have only used one so far, but did Not use it upside down as it was not
recommended as it could put neat fluid in then it expands and over pressure's the system

as I have said I will keep a check on it for a week or so, when the can I used had equalizes I turn it off on the can and removed it , then sat the can in the sun for an hour to let the fluid gas off, then did it again

I also looked at this kit, but as I only needed it for my own car, I decided to go the small route

triumphman · Jun 3, 2021

ATS through Groupon £35 any vehicle, if there us a leak you can get a refund, if it holds pressure but doesn't work they give you the option to remove the refrigerant and have a refund or leave it in and pay.

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

lynall said:
I think the halfords stuff is now 60 quid a can?

I'll have to look next time I'm there, which means a special trip as I don't often go in!
£60 is a shed load. and it makes me think that maybe I should get the system looked at, as I seem to need to top it up every year.

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

Gord Wedman said:
I don't know how accurate those guages are on those refill cans but if you end up with cold air that is the main thing.
Regarding holding cans upside down when filling, there is some debate on this. You are supposed to be running the system while filling. If holding the can upside down allows liquid refrigerant to enter the compressor it will be damaged as liquid cannot be compressed. Some say it can't happen as any liquid will instantly vaporize after entering the low pressure side. Others are not so sure. I just shake my cans vigorously to impart some energy/warmth. I also put them in a pot of warm water.

I too shake the feck out of them and keep on shaking them when filling, while holding them upside down!
Never had a problem with it, but then as said above, i think i have a small leak somewhere!

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

frostythor said:
Hi All, I got mine off E bay. it was £12 for the connector , and £35 for 3 cans of gas, I have only used one so far, but did Not use it upside down as it was not
recommended as it could put neat fluid in then it expands and over pressure's the system

as I have said I will keep a check on it for a week or so, when the can I used had equalizes I turn it off on the can and removed it , then sat the can in the sun for an hour to let the fluid gas off, then did it again

I also looked at this kit, but as I only needed it for my own car, I decided to go the small route
View attachment 239754

Cheers mate!

Andy Warren · Jun 3, 2021

Stanleysteamer said:
I'll have to look next time I'm there, which means a special trip as I don't often go in!
£60 is a shed load. and it makes me think that maybe I should get the system looked at, as I seem to need to top it up every year.

Hi Stan, I looked on their website & it is £60 + £20 for the trigger & gauge so it would be cheaper to take it to ATS or somewhere similar.

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

Andy Warren said:
Hi Stan, I looked on their website & it is £60 + £20 for the trigger & gauge so it would be cheaper to take it to ATS or somewhere similar.

So despite the fact I've got the trigger etc, it's a no brainer!
cheers mate!

Edit, I must just check to see if that is for a fresh cylinder or a refill, as i always have a cylinder, but even so, it may well be worth taking it somewhere to see if they can find a leak. Altho all liquids/gases contain dye that is visible under UV, just need to buy a UV torch.
What's the betting the leak is under the dash?!

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

Andy Warren said:
Hi Stan, I looked on their website & it is £60 + £20 for the trigger & gauge so it would be cheaper to take it to ATS or somewhere similar.

Yep, just checked £10 cheaper if you return the empty cylinder, still not a huge saving!

Andy Warren · Jun 3, 2021

Stanleysteamer said:
So despite the fact I've got the trigger etc, it's a no brainer!
cheers mate!
Edit, I must just check to see if that is for a fresh cylinder or a refill, as i always have a cylinder, but even so, it may well be worth taking it somewhere to see if they can find a leak. Altho all liquids/gases contain dye that is visible under UV, just need to buy a UV torch.
What's the betting the leak is under the dash?!

You can always try the air con system sealer if you do have a leak.

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

Andy Warren said:
You can always try the air con system sealer if you do have a leak.

Guess so far I have put up with it gradually leaking away and not even sure if it isn't "normal". Never knew you could get the sealer separately. Can a normal guy off the street pick this stuff up without being in the trade? And do you need the special kit to inject it?

Stanleysteamer · Jun 3, 2021

Right have had a quick look. Obvs I can get hold of it, but maybe not to fit my existing gear.
Food for thought!

AC RFEFILL

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