Air Con

[bigjeeze]

My Air con developed a slow leak last year. I had a close look but couldn't find the leak.  When re charged it would take a round a week to leak out. I checked the usual sites but couldn't see anything. I had a look today at the usual suspect - the bung for the Receiver dryer. It looked dry there was no green crusty stuff.  I pressurised the system ( low side) with my air line and the display stops flashing and the compressor comes on as do the fans etc ( It has oil in it).  Still no obvious leak. I then filled in the depression over the RD with the oil and lo & behold once the compressor starts bubbles ( albeit very small) start to appear.   My question is: If I replace the RD and the accompanying seals  - do you think this will work or should I go the whole hog and replace the entire condenser?

[Mirez]

Normally the corrosion on the seal damages the condenser at the same time so when you put the new cap on those seals get damaged. You could try smoothing off the inside but you have to avoid the crap falling down into the hole else it will clog the expansion vessel.

I would replace the whole assembly however first, and because its going to be replaced, you could fill the depression with hot glue - I did that on a 2001 Mk2 as a temporary repair to check it was the cause but it lasted for 4 years so never got replaced The RD is on the low pressure side so as long as you clean the area first then you can just pour in the glue and it should set and seal - technically silicone sealant would work just as well if not better.

[bigjeeze]

Thanks for that - I'll try the glue trick for starters.

[blue metal]

How did the repair go then?

Blue metal

[bigjeeze]

Haven't done it yet! I have been too busy. I'll probably try and do it today - then I'll leave it for a couple of weeks to see if it leaks - if not then I will have it gassed.

[Chrispb]

Hi BJ
While I can see why you wanted to pressurise your system using compressed air is not a good idea as you will have now introduced moisture into the system, and now your going to leave it for a few weeks may do more harm than good

[bigjeeze]

I agree but the car is 10 years old has 185k on the clock and as it needs a new condenser I don't think it matters overmuch. I will be looking to replace the car once it goes over the 250k mark anyway (assuming it reaches it!) The problem is that getting anything done on aircon is an arm and a leg with no guarantees.  Kwikfit will regas again and again if there is no improvement but they usually cock it up because of lack of knowledge. Just one of the conundrums of life I suppose!

[blue metal]

How cold does the older manual aircon get?

get mine running cool at present and
think it should be colder


Blue metal

[bigjeeze]

My MK1 manual air con gets pretty cold - around 6c i think. The MK2 has the dual system and is climate control - but when working it itoo is pretty good - Put it this way - I really miss it now that it isn't working!

[blue metal]

the climate control is a great system

easy control and simple temp set

also eco setting is good

Blue metal

[gregers]

when i had to replace my aircon clutch plate(mk2 ghiatdi),we then tested the temp of the system using only the centre vent,at that registered 6 degrees,so i assumed that was the correct temp for the galaxy aircon.?

[Mirez]

Most A/C systems should get to around 4*c but 6 does seem to be the "norm" for the Galaxy... still its cool enough when its working lol

[bigjeeze]

Update:
I pressurised the system on 28th May and so far it has held up fine. I will now use the hot glue to seal the condenser and then once dried I wll get it charged up. I'll be back!