Air Con or Something else

[andypryce]

I use a kit such as one below, you connect it to low pressure side (the valves are different size for high and low pressure so you can’t connect it to wrong one), and follow instructions. I know it sounds daunting but it’s dead easy to do.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aircon-Conditi ... 146&sr=8-5

[Doherto]

Andy, thank you for that. It looks like a great temporary solution although I will still try to explore a permanent one before going down that route. However if the kit includes the additional bottle of seal, and yours still de pressurises, the seal doesn't seam to be doing it's job. Thanks again Tony

[andypryce]

Yes you are right, I had hoped the sealant would solve the problem, sadly not. There is a definite slight oil leak from a component on mine though, I suspect that doesn’t help!

[Doherto]

After much searching and talking to some others with more experience than me I have decided to bite the bullet and have a new Condenser made. I did find some on the web but either the supplier was not well rated, in Baveria, or the two in the USA did not reply to my contact enquiry. If it all works out well with the manufacture of a new one I'll post the supplier details. Tony D

[andypryce]

Ok, let us know the outcome.

[Doherto]

OK Nothing is ever simple. I sent my Condenser to have a new one made to Advanced Radiators Ltd, Spire Road, Washington, NE37 3ES. 0191 267 3312. However they tested it up to 150psi with nitrogen and found it to be perfect. Fair play to them, they rang me to say I didn't need to spend circa £400 on a new one. They are sending it back to me and I asked them to invoice me for postage and their costs for the time they spent on it. I jokingly said that as I could not find any tracer oil anywhere it may be going back to them at some stage to which Ben replied that if that happened they would reduce the invoice for a new one by the value of the invoice for testing etc etc. They seam to me to be a company with integrity and will get any business I need to conduct for any future radiator related needs. So I am no further on. I have sent off for a small Ultra Violet torch (eBay £3) to thoroughly inspect all elements of the air Con system as there must be some tracer oil somewhere. I assume, and would love someone to confirm, that if the leak was on the heater unit under the dash it would be in liquid form at that point and therefore be noticeable in the cabin.??? I will update any progress when I have some.

[Doherto]

Hi, I'm back with an update. The UV torch did not 'shine any light' on the situation as I still could not find any tracer oil anywhere. So, after a friend suggested that the hoses become porous too, I bit the bullet and managed to source the three from different sources and fitted them, along with new 'O' rings AGAIN. I have now had the gas recharged and two weeks later she is pumping very cold air continuously. Happy Days, even if my wallet does not agree. Not he condenser as everyone suspects at the first sign of trouble. Tony D

[andypryce]

Good result, well done! My brother has been quoted £1600 by main dealer to replace the condenser on his 7 year old Freelander !! I told him to open the windows....

[Andy P]

Hi Tony,
I have my fingers crossed for you.
It is so nice when the air con is working properly in these cars.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy