If it just needs a top up the qiy route works, but if its has a leak then it wont last, the main issues are two fold, 1 the diy cans are no longer cheap (bloody dear I think) and 2 the price of r134a has sky rocketed, so you cannot get the old 35 quid regas jobs anymore.
The quick and dirty test it to remove the air con top up cap (either one will do), get a screwdriver and poke the nipple! if you get a decent puff of gas/oil a top up will work, if you get a pethetic dribble of gas/oil then it needs more serious attention, ps cover the screwdriver tip and the port with a rag, otherwise you WILL end up with a faceful of gas/oil!
The quick and dirty test it to remove the air con top up cap (either one will do), get a screwdriver and poke the nipple! if you get a decent puff of gas/oil a top up will work, if you get a pethetic dribble of gas/oil then it needs more serious attention, ps cover the screwdriver tip and the port with a rag, otherwise you WILL end up with a faceful of gas/oil!
MJI
Well-Known Member
It is too hot!
I have done the DIY top up several times and they do work, but the fact you, or I, need a top up, tends to imply there is a leak.
Top Tip, if using the top up kit from the likes of Halfrauds, hold the bottle up with the gun at the bottom to allow the maximum of leak sealer to get into your system.
Best of luck!
Top Tip, if using the top up kit from the likes of Halfrauds, hold the bottle up with the gun at the bottom to allow the maximum of leak sealer to get into your system.
Best of luck!
Tenebreaux
Well-Known Member
Last time I looked, the DIY kit wasn't that much cheaper than getting the likes of Kwik Fit to do it.
Haven't looked recently but the first time you go for it you have to buy the pistl thing with the gauge and the bottle of gas, which isn't cheap, but from then on a bottle refill is much cheaper as all you pay for is the gas.
The gas is now silly money, refill bottle on its own 60 quid!
Though to be fair, you wont need it all if just toppping up.
That IS insane. It only used to cost £40 to get a tyre place to check your system out and top it up. No need for it.
FFS!
Think it went up about a year ago, something to do with the new wonder (very expensive) R142YF which is replacing the old R134A in newer cars, so has somehow had a roll on effect on the price of R134A.
