DIY Re-Gas Air Con

[WULLIE4567]

Guy's
You might already know this but you can buy a re-gas kit from Halfords, I thought I already put a post in about this ( must be loosing it ) . anyway it's called " EZ CHILL AUTO AIR CONDITIONING RECHARGE " it's easy to use and works a treat, freezing cold. Some of the benifits include ;
Restores refrigerant and oil
Seals leaks in hoses, gaskets & O rings
Cleans system deposits
Improves efficiency
Advanced leak sealant
Acid & moisture sealant & eliminator extends the life of you're A/C

A year before I used this kit I had my car re-charged by my local tyre company, it was great at first but within 3 months it was blowing warm again. The Halfords EZ gas has sealed the small leak I may have had and now two yr's later still blowing cold. Having worked with cars most of my life I know that the air con system's rubber o rings shrink/harden and tend to leak EZ lubricates and seals them, it won't seal any condenser leaks though.

Hope this helps some of you.

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year To All Forum Members

Wullie.

[mike020150]

Hi Wullie,

Thanks for a useful tip.

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our readers! Mike.

[doug424]

Greetings both et al.

A couple of thoughts about diy re-gassing.
1) I thought the vacuuming out part of the professional re-gas was essential to remove moisture from the system (we've all seen the school boy trick of water boiling at room temperature in a vacuum).
2) The aircon label on all cars I've seen refers to a weight of refridgerant required, not a pressure.

Any opinions?

Doug Barrass,
Ashford, Kent.

[mike020150]

Hi Doug,

You are, of course, absolutely right about doing the job correctly, by the book. The advantage of DIY cans is that they can be used to determine if a system already in trouble will hold pressure with the addition of sealant. This can be done relatively cheaply as a DIY test. Then, further decisions about the necessity and affordability of expensive repairs can be taken. With XK8s for sale at as little as £2k these days and aircon repairs invariably being expensive, it can be handy to have a very basic DIY option even if it does come with the downside risk of getting it wrong and shortening component lives. Mike.

[poprivet]

I've used this stuff in my Citroen and it certainly has done well, I recommend it. Obviously it won't help a serious A/C problem, but it will boost a system that has lost a bit of gas over time. If there is air in the system then a full professional vac out and refill will be required.

They also sell the aerosol cans that disinfect the system and make everything smell nice again, sometimes they have a special offer on to include the aerosol free with the gas.

Its no use for my XJ-S which is still on R12 and just about working, and is certainly on borrowed time for some professional attention.

[WULLIE4567]

Guy's
In my post I said I had my car re-gassed by a local tyre company so it was done professionally, I used the DIY re-gas to top up my system, It took less than one canister to make it blow nice cold air & seal my small leak.
Doug; The gauge is designed to Measure A/C pressure/refrigerant level so the gauge knows what level/weight is in your system, It's not some old tyre pressure gauge. It also has a Moisture & acid eliminator in it so it's safe for us DIY dummy's to use.

Please go to http://www.interdynamics-europe.co.uk for full details. I just thought it may be useful to us Jag owners to top up our air con systems.

Wullie

[ionod]

How can I test if my A/C compressor is working/running?

Thanks

[mike020150]

The simplest of checks is to watch the aircon pulley whilst someone else switches the aircon on and off with the temp setting on its coldest. The pulley contains a clutch which engages to drive the pump internals. You should be able to see and hear the pump engaging and disengaging. Mike.

[PrideofLyons]

Also, with the engine running and aircon switched on, the shiny pipe at the back of the engine bay (feed pipe to the blower in the car) should feel icy cold.

[ionod]

Hi,
Bought a re gas kit from Halfords and followed instructions. It did exactly what it said on the tin. They are currently running a three for two offer and you get £10 refund on returned gas canister.

A/C now icy cold.

Thanks all for tips and advise.