A/C Checks & Recharges

[mcgc0]

Any idea what sort of cost range to have the A/C on my '90 C4 recharged and temp/press tested might be? Also, if presumably the l/p and h/p ports on the compressor are the same for all A/C systems, can the check, recharge and testing be done anywhere?

Looking through previous posts it seems I can get away with R24 gas (if I haven't been changed to R134a already). Will the gas check determine the current refrigerant spec?

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Marcus,

Under "normal" circumstances I would heartily recommend a visit to KwikFit as they offer a regas at £49 - and will not charge you at all if they don't achieve a 10% improvement in air temperature. However, the matter will be complicated considerably if your car has not been converted to R134a. Firstly, the valves on the access ports are different between the original R12 system and a converted R134a system and it's unlikely that KwikFit would have (a) the right valves and (b) anything other than R134a to refill it with.

You may be better to search out an a/c specialist who knows what he's doing - but contemplate paying near double the KwikFit price.

Regards

Dave

 

[mcgc0]

Interestingly Dave I nipped along to a big Halfords this afternoon following a suggestion that they can check charge and refill. I merely wanted them to check the pressure but not have a refill (knowing that they only have R134a).

Your info re access ports seems spot on, as when the chap tried to connect his kit to the ports they would not fit or attach (either of them). I have two male ports, one with a knurled ali cap (presumably the other missing) and the port seals look like small positive pressure, or sprung loaded, steel balls.

So potentially I have not been converted. Does that leave me then with hunting down someone who can recharge with R24 in avoiding a complete (and costly) conversion to R134a - is R13 no longer legal or available?

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Marcus,

Don't go out of your way looking for a "cheap" solution - the conversion to R134a is NOT expensive. For the price of a couple of access ports and, maybe, a receiver/dryer if you want to do it properly, coupled with the regas it's unlikely to be much more than £100/£150.

I know it's not wonderfully convenient for you in South West London, but give Gary Soames at Autoair Conditioning a ring. I'm sure he'll advise you the best approach. He's based in Woking (Tel: 01483 480252) and does lots of work for Porsche and knows them inside out.

Regards

Dave

 

[mcgc0]

Thought the conversion cost would run into hundreds+ I will definitely give Gary a call then. A recommendation of someone who knows what they're doing is the cost saved later on.

Not knowing A/C fully, is a refrigerant life based on amount of use or does it degrade with age?

Thanks

Marcus

 

[kmdavis]

The life of the GAS does not deteriorate, what happens on all cars even new ones to a lesser degree is that over time the gas leaks via each of the fittings, this will be pipe to pipe joints, connection to the compressor etc.

 

[kmdavis]

Not whishing to jump onto you thread but I have a brand new Sanden compressor but it is a 134A unit and my car is R12. And as Dave stated the charge ports are different for the two GAS types.You can buy on E bay charge port adaptors to convert to 134A, they just screw into the existing ports. What we should do to make the AC system fully compatable is to change all of the O rings as the gas runs at a hotter temperature thus making the O rings fail over time.

 

[mcgc0]

Is the changeover/conversion to 134a only restricted to compressor components of ports and internal O rings? Anything else in the system needs to be modified? If only the compressor it sounds like something I could do myself.

 

[wagonface]

Marcus - I have also heard good things about Alpinair, who are based in North London somewhere. When I spoke to them the guy was helpful about chatting about my system. They have a drive in diagnosis clinic on saturdays, no appointment needed.

Just mentioning this as another option. I live SW11 and would probably give this Gary guy a go, as he recently did a good job on Olly's Turbo.

 

[mcgc0]

Nice one Wagonface.. I'm in SW12 so will probably give him a call for some ball-park costs etc.

Incidentally, you going to Chelsea Autolegends this Sunday?

 

[mcgc0]

Went to see Gary Soames at Autoair early doors Saturday morning. All sorted; gas converted and fully charged. Checked for leaks and none found. All blowing nice 'n cold and now ready for Le Mans.

Thoroughly recommend Gary who knows his stuff and familiar with all 911, Boxters etc (also a dealer/agent for Porsche Baur condensers), very polite and all told a reasonable cost.

Marcus