fieldwanderer Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 I've got a very slow leak on the aircon of my car ('06 vauxhall signum 1.9 cdti), it lasts a summer roughly, maybe 6 months, and then needs filling. Well, it's due another fill and I'm going to replace the condenser, drier/receiver (comes with condenser), associated seals and would also like to replace the filler valves (service valves I think they're called) before I get it filled. I'm an ex-mechanic so none of it's any trouble really but I'm struggling to find the valves and seals, I can get the low pressure schrader valve but can't find the other and I won't know what size O rings to get until I do the job (I know they need to be the right sort). Can anyone help at all please? I'd rather have all the parts to hand before I start the job so I can just crack on with no headaches. Also, I'd normally at least lubricate O rings before fitting, what do you use on aircon - or just fit them without any lube/sealant? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twistedsanity Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Before you go mad replacing stuff get it refilled and ask them to add a UV tracer when they do it , it could just be a simple seal for a few pennies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted July 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 It's already got u.v. in it, the only place it's visible (with uv light) is inside where it's filled - so I decided to take the plunge and replace the usual suspects (comes to about £100 plus regas). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodo123 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 How are you going to reclaim the remaining gas from the system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the pigeon man Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Hit it with a hammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickh Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Seals should be available from Vauxhall or any independent air con specialist. Fit seals dry with no lubrication and when you get it re-gassed make sure they vacuum the system for at least 10 minutes then hold it for the same time to check for any leaks. Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted July 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 Thanks mick, I'd decided vauxhall would likely be the easiest option. Going to see them when I get home tomorrow. Hit it with a hammer - though it's often the answer, I don't think it'll help much this time around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northeastshooter Posted July 2, 2013 Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 i dont work on car aircons so but do work on bigger stuff cooling systems for fighter jets and radars. my advice would be to take it to an aircon engineer as leak finding can take weeks. its adviced to run you aircon in the winter too just for abit to get oil around you system. can you still buy r134a with out a f-gas cert? i heard that was ban i know when i buy any from hrp i have to show it. if you want any advice on a aircon system drop me apm ill help anyway i can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budice Posted July 2, 2013 Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 R134a still available without F-Gas cert at the moment, but for how much longer who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twistedsanity Posted July 3, 2013 Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 Halfrauds sell a universal o-ring kit for car air con Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedster Posted July 3, 2013 Report Share Posted July 3, 2013 You need to positive pressure test it with nitrogen really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northeastshooter Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 And avacume test at least 500u Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodo123 Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 You need to positive pressure test it with nitrogen really. I would of thought so too, tripple vac with ofn. But I still haven't heard how he's going to reclaim the refrigerant. I was under the impression it was illegal to de-gas into the atmosphere. I haven't had f gas tho (don't need it for my job) so could be wrong. Also how are you going to measure the correct amount of charge (gas) without the corre ct gear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northeastshooter Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 I would of thought so too, tripple vac with ofn. But I still haven't heard how he's going to reclaim the refrigerant. I was under the impression it was illegal to de-gas into the atmosphere. I haven't had f gas tho (don't need it for my job) so could be wrong. Also how are you going to measure the correct amount of charge (gas) without the corre ct gear? you are correct the wilful release of f gas in to the atmosphere is illegal hence why I thought you had to show a cert to buy gas. Current Status EC F Gas Regulation Most aspects of the EC F gas regulation came into force in July 2007. The regulation imposes new obligations on operators of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that use F gas refrigerants (such as R134a, R404A, R407C and R410A). These are summarised as follows: A general obligation to prevent leakage Regular leak checking of equipment containing 3 kg or more of an F gas refrigerant The frequency depends on the refrigerant charge Maintaining records for systems with 3 kg or more of F gas refrigerant Fit automatic leak detection on systems containing 300 kg or more of an F gas refrigerant Recovery of F gas refrigerants during maintenance and plant decommissioning Use of adequately qualified personnel for leak testing and maintenance activities Companies employing qualified personnel need to hold a company certificate Labelling of new equipment stating the type and quantity of refrigerant used A ban on the use on non-refillable containers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karpman Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 It's a vauxhall the air con is always **** Karpman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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