Air Con: correct regassing procedure?

[mikepday]

Hi,

I need to get my V70 MY2000 regassed, but after various searches on the forums, it would appear that various garages use various different procedures to varying effect!

I want mine done properly, preferably just the once, with a full leak check and recharge.

I would like to be able to ask the right questions of a specialist AC service company to get it done correctly. Apart from a main dealer service agent (I just don't have that kind of money) I'd like to find somewhere that can do this, and I'm happy to spend time asking the right questions, but not on repeat visits, to find leaks they missed.

can any of you Volvo Gurus out there help?

How long should the leak check be?
Should it be a vacuum or pressure leak check?
Is system sealer any good,
Should any oil/lubricant be added to the gas charge?

Even better does anyone know of a reputable AC specialist in the Plymouth/Liskeard area?

Cheers in advance,

Mike.

[outnumbered]

is this any help. 2nd para down
mike
http://aircon-regas.co.uk/faq.html#n0

[swedishandgerman]

Hiya. There's a Honiton based guy, air-con specialist who I am told is the best in the trade.

He works from a van, so might come to you. I suppose Honiton's not too far from you!

We used to sub-contract to him when I worked at Porsche. Apparently, what he doesn't know about air conditioning isn't worth knowing!

Rob Lane 07754 798853 or 01404 831721

[pugrocket]

I took my 2001 V70 into Kwik Fit on Monday to get aircon regassed. It cost £29 which included removal of old gas (none in there) new gas put in and a leak test. They did it on a machine and the whole thing took about 35 minutes.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by pugrocket

I took my 2001 V70 into Kwik Fit on Monday to get aircon regassed. It cost £29 which included removal of old gas (none in there) new gas put in and a leak test. They did it on a machine and the whole thing took about 35 minutes.

Not good enough , the system must be vacuumed for 50 minutes to guarantee all the water is removed . Were they ATA accredited ? you get what you pay for i guess the gas alone would be about £12 of that .. where did all your gas go ?

[pugrocket]

Originally Posted by Clan

Not good enough , the system must be vacuumed for 50 minutes to guarantee all the water is removed . Were they ATA accredited ? you get what you pay for i guess the gas alone would be about £12 of that .. where did all your gas go ?

To be honest mate it wouldnt surprise me. I have never liked kwikfit but as it was £29 i thought i would give it ago. I have only had the car for 4-5 months so i have no idea when if ever it was regassed

[Clan]

Originally Posted by mikepday

Hi,

I need to get my V70 MY2000 regassed, but after various searches on the forums, it would appear that various garages use various different procedures to varying effect!

I want mine done properly, preferably just the once, with a full leak check and recharge.

I would like to be able to ask the right questions of a specialist AC service company to get it done correctly. Apart from a main dealer service agent (I just don't have that kind of money) I'd like to find somewhere that can do this, and I'm happy to spend time asking the right questions, but not on repeat visits, to find leaks they missed.

can any of you Volvo Gurus out there help?

How long should the leak check be?
Should it be a vacuum or pressure leak check?
Is system sealer any good,
Should any oil/lubricant be added to the gas charge?

Even better does anyone know of a reputable AC specialist in the Plymouth/Liskeard area?

Cheers in advance,

Mike.

The law has changed in the last few months , all AC operators and service agents must be registered and accredited now , ATA is the most popular qualification http://www.automotivetechnician.org.uk/ you can search for a local technician there .
The proceedures have changed to . There is a mandatory gas leak check with an electronic gas detector at the end of the process .
The normal vacuum leak test is usualy about 5 to 7 minutes , but this is not a good test as the vacuum will tend to close up any small crack , the system works under a pressure of about 12 - 15 bar and the latest way is to pressurise the system with oxygen free nitrogen and use soapy water to detect any leaks and any crack will open up under pressure.

system sealer is probably illegal now as it is illegal to knowingly allow the Gas to escape , there is a fine if convicted of £40000 at the worst case .

PAG Oil should be added if oil is known to have been lost , a small leak with no stains may need about 15 ml of oil , a big split where all the gas has rushed out will need considerably more . It is a good idea to add some dye oil ,it makes future leaks easier to see .
Your dealer has accredited technicians.. check their prices before you dismis them . How these fast fit centres can do all this in 35 mins to the new standards for £30 is impossible .

[Clan]

Originally Posted by pugrocket

To be honest mate it wouldnt surprise me. I have never liked kwikfit but as it was £29 i thought i would give it ago. I have only had the car for 4-5 months so i have no idea when if ever it was regassed

well if you didnt have cooling and now you do after spending £30 thats not bad , i hope it still works when the sunshine arrives :-)

[pugrocket]

Originally Posted by Clan

well if you didnt have cooling and now you do after spending £30 thats not bad , i hope it still works when the sunshine arrives :-)

i hope so too. I have never liked kwik fit but thought i would give it a try. Its all a waiting game now