D I Y Re Gass?

[sparkyaj]

Has anyone here ever done a re gass on their a/c system them selves?

I have found this on e-bay ..........item no. 8034780882...any notes?

Also, in my searching.....what is a receiver dryer? A few people suggest replacing it.........?!?!?!?!?

[internetsurfer]

seems like a good buy , dont think you need the conversion though , my 95 surf is on r134a gas from stock , if 1 can is ample for the surf HALFORDS sell single tins for around 25 to 30 quid . also the gauge for £ 25 ish .If you have no leaks , i see no reason why it wont work

the receiver dryer is at the front right neaR the radiator , a long black metal tube with a view lens in the top . i don't think it can be changed without sucking out the systems gasses first , change it then reinsert the gas. if you look into the lens with aircon running it lets you see that you have gas in the system flowing around

[sparkyaj]

But at the mo I have the r12, doesn't that need to be converted first?

[internetsurfer]

the r134a gas is said to not be kind to air con compressor/condensor rubbers not sure which, therefore these need changing before using the r134a gas , you're best bet is to see an air con specialist , or use that ebay stuff when your gas runs out completely , the 1 tin on ebay is suposed to lubricate the rubber seals so the r134a gas dont harm them .

[sparkyaj]

The A/C hasn't worked in it since I've had it. We are going south in France later this year and I want it nice and cold for the long drive.

I'm a little worried about doing a half job and causing damage.

I've telephoned a few local garages but still waiting for a reply as usual.

Prices so far are around £50 for the re-gas, £8 for the pipes + replacement receiver dryer.what ever the hell that is.

I just thought you could pump one out and pump the new right in..........


DUNO

[internetsurfer]

have it done by the pros , you may have a leak and waste those tins . the quotes you had are good prices , the reciever dryer catches water particles from the systems gas , dont let out r12 into the air , its what kills the ozone layer , thats why r134a was used .


oh and i doubt you will get a dryer from toyota for less than £ 50

[andy]

The guy who runs this company is a member on this forum, so should know what he's talking about.

http://www.air-condoctor.co.uk/

[stormforce]

The guy who runs this company is a member on this forum, so should know what he's talking about.

http://www.air-condoctor.co.uk/

thats a handy link Andy especially being in redruth just up the road from me.

[Vultch]

My air con is working but its not ice cold..just cold would buying one of those Halfords cans improve things or would I be mixing gasses R132 and R143a ..is this a bad thing

[shokenore]

If I remember right your 96 truck should be on R134a.
There should be a tag on the compressor or perhaps on the firewall or underneath the bonnet stating what refrigerant is used.

I can do the work but you are slightly out of my comfort zone .

IMHO yes one of the cans would help but your are probably better off taking it into a garage and let them do it.

However if you are down Wiltshire way I wil do it for you😄

[Vultch]

She's a 94 vintage what do you think R132 ?

[shokenore]

She's a 94 vintage what do you think R132 ?

Sorry "generally" cars from 95 went to R134a.

One of the easiest ways to check and perhaps I should have mentioned this earlier but on R134a systems you normally have a quick connector for the gas side and not a threaded adaptor with a schraeder valve visible.

R12 isn't so clear cut .

Just a short explanation

R12 used mineral oil

R134a uses POE oil (polyolester oil)

"technically" POE and mineral don't mix.
The idea is to get as much of the oil out and to replace with POE or to use a mineral oil compatible with POE oil.


Until I removed the underslung condensor from my truck the R12 conversion had lasted about 6-7 years with the occasional top up.



If you wanted to you could use one of the top up cans
bear in mind it is a pressure system and freezer burns can be painfull.


Or sling it down the garage and let them worry about it ,if they want silly money you could try the cans ,some even have "special lubricants for o rings "

[BUSHWHACKER]

Sorry "generally" cars from 95 went to R134a.

One of the easiest ways to check and perhaps I should have mentioned this earlier but on R134a systems you normally have a quick connector for the gas side and not a threaded adaptor with a schraeder valve visible.

R12 isn't so clear cut .

Just a short explanation

R12 used mineral oil

R134a uses POE oil (polyolester oil)

"technically" POE and mineral don't mix.
The idea is to get as much of the oil out and to replace with POE or to use a mineral oil compatible with POE oil.


Until I removed the underslung condensor from my truck the R12 conversion had lasted about 6-7 years with the occasional top up.



If you wanted to you could use one of the top up cans
bear in mind it is a pressure system and freezer burns can be painfull.


Or sling it down the garage and let them worry about it ,if they want silly money you could try the cans ,some even have "special lubricants for o rings "

Our 3rd gen needs 'topping up', when are you down this way next?

[Vultch]

Thanks Shokenore...useful info

[shokenore]

Thanks Shokenore...useful info

It can be confusing but happy to help