Re-gassing Aircon in '92 model

[steviestainz]

Hi All,

New to the forum, but it looks like there are a lot of regular posters so I hope i'm in luck.. I have a '92 2.4 Surf but the aircon doesn't appear to do anything other that just blow warm air. I enquired with a local mobile gasser but he said that he didn't have the appropriate connectors to refill, and also that it was a CFC based unit (R34?)

So, does anyone have any *cool* ideas on how to solve the problem? Perhaps a replacement unit, or rather a conversion to a new CFC free fill?

Many thanks in advance..

Steve

[TonyN]

Theres a guy here called aircondoc, who's been sorting Surf air con out for people, do a search for his name, and shoot him an e-mail or PM.

[steviestainz]

Theres a guy here called aircondoc, who's been sorting Surf air con out for people, do a search for his name, and shoot him an e-mail or PM.

Excellent, thanks Tony! If anyone else is aware of any pitfalls I'd love to hear from them. Cheers!

[codlord]

I have used these people before (not for surf though):
http://www.serckintertruck.co.uk/

They have branches all over but not all of them have air-con facilities.

Please post back with any results so others can see what you did to sort etc.

[aircondoc]

Basically, you have 2 choices:-
1) find someone who carries a gas called RS24, it's a direct replacement for R12
2) Get someone to fit a retro kit, I use "Retropro" which I get from Javac uk in Middlesborough, it converts an R12 system to R134a. I've fitted at least a dozen over the past couple of years and no client has come back with any complaints. This will be more expensive, but does mean that any air-con specialist can service your system in future.

[steviestainz]

Basically, you have 2 choices:-
1) find someone who carries a gas called RS24, it's a direct replacement for R12
2) Get someone to fit a retro kit, I use "Retropro" which I get from Javac uk in Middlesborough, it converts an R12 system to R134a. I've fitted at least a dozen over the past couple of years and no client has come back with any complaints. This will be more expensive, but does mean that any air-con specialist can service your system in future.

Thanks ..Doc

I checked and I have R12 written on a yellow label affixed to the underneath of the bonnet, I'll check out the RS24 route first and if not post how I get on with sourcing the retro kit. Thanks again all..

Steve

[steviestainz]

Thanks ..Doc

I checked and I have R12 written on a yellow label affixed to the underneath of the bonnet, I'll check out the RS24 route first and if not post how I get on with sourcing the retro kit. Thanks again all..

Steve

Updated information as per my research:

Found a company called Vax who have a workshop conversion service from R12 to the new format. Cost £200 ex VAT, including a full check of the integrity of the existing system. This way you can decide whether or not to commence with the upgrade depending upon whether your existing system holds pressure etc. before hand. No cost for the integrity check, otherwise the upgrade will be £200 all in. Will take one full day out of your busy schedule!!

They are based in Byfleet, Surrey. 01932 411 358 - spoke to Derek who was very helpful - I'll let you know how I get on..

VAX
Unit 8 Wintersells Road
Byfleet
KT14 7LF

[Rob]

Basically, you have 2 choices:-
1) find someone who carries a gas called RS24, it's a direct replacement for R12
2) Get someone to fit a retro kit, I use "Retropro" which I get from Javac uk in Middlesborough, it converts an R12 system to R134a. I've fitted at least a dozen over the past couple of years and no client has come back with any complaints. This will be more expensive, but does mean that any air-con specialist can service your system in future.

So is RS24 rare then - how easy is it to find someone with it?
The air con on my 1984 1st gen doesn't work (no gas i think) and I've been thinking about getting it fixed. I'm assuming its an R12 system but I don't know if its been converted - can tell by looking at it?
If its not, and a conversion to R134a is gonna be £200 + then I won't bother. If RS24 is less than £100 for a re-gas and check for leaks then I might sort it out sometime, probably next summer.

[s2-wolf]

Another company you might contact is
Berkshire Radiators and Air Conditioning Specialists in Reading. When I spoke to them about converting my Surf they were cheaper than £200 + VAT.
They have supplied radiators to me in the past and have re-gassed two of our cars and I have always found them to be very helpful.
Call Ray or Steve on 0118 947 3501

[dave.j.robbo]

My a/c didn't work on my 1992 surf. I took it to a local air con specialist, who looked at it, and said it was the 'old' type of gas (can't remember numbers). They upgraded it to the modern stuff, and it basically involved changing over the fittings used to fill/vent the gas. Apparently, a different valve ensures no cross contamination.

And, I got the garage I bought the car from to pay for it!!
(Would have been £85 otherwise)

[Darren]

Another company you might contact is
Berkshire Radiators and Air Conditioning Specialists in Reading. When I spoke to them about converting my Surf they were cheaper than £200 + VAT.
They have supplied radiators to me in the past and have re-gassed two of our cars and I have always found them to be very helpful.
Call Ray or Steve on 0118 947 3501

I would also recommend Berkshire radiators, they converted mine to the new valves and regassed it for (i think) £100 last summer, great service and it's still working strong.
Darren

[Rob]

oh, bit cheaper then, cool. Might do that then when i win the lottery or something