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[vauxsull]

Had heater issues with this miggy going on 18 months now and I'm finally going to sort it once and for all due to me being able to source a part off Rob G... Thing is though the aircon hasn't worked in all this time so before I go and have it re gassed is there a potential problem with it? Would something have seized ect?

[Kevin Wood]

You can't really tell what state it's in until you try to fill it. Go to an aircon outfit and ask them to test it and re-gas if OK.

You can visually inspect the system, of course. Tell tale signs of failure are PAG oil leakage below the compressor (bright greenish/yellow fluid similar to old fashioned antifreeze) also, remove the engine undertray and have a look at the bottom of the condenser. They tend to corrode from the bottom, so if you can see the cooling fins flaking off or any signs of leakage it might be on borrowed time.

But.. a competent specialist should vacuum down the system and ensure it holds a vacuum before filling it. They may also pressure test it with a fill of nitrogen and UV sensitive dye tracer before charging it with the proper refrigerant and PAG oil mix.

[Kevin Wood]

To be frank, though, the best time to get an air con system recharged is on a hot, sunny day, as this results in the system giving up more moisture and contaminants when it's vac'ed down, so if you're not desperate for it to demist the car, then leave it until the weather improves.

[vauxsull]

What would a rough cost be to have someone test it and re-gas?

[Jimbob]

Youre looking at £50 ish for a regas and test.

Ive used Chester MOT Centre (Crane Bank at Sealand Road) with good results in the past..
Paid for a regas - faulty valve found,
they ordered valve, vacced down to refit next day, wrong valve.no charge
They then said dealer said no other valve available, only whole pipe, I said yes there is, Ill get one.
So I did, and a week later another vac down, fitted my valve, regassed, still no further charge.

Thats fair service in my book.  I trust them to MOT and be fair too.

[vauxsull]

Well you cant argue with that service can you James? Cost ain't too bad either

[Andy B]

....
They then said dealer said no other valve available, only whole pipe,  ...

Is this just laziness by the dealers that can't be arsed, or do they genuinely believe the valve isn't available on its own? 

[05omegav6]

....
They then said dealer said no other valve available, only whole pipe,  ...

Is this just laziness by the dealers that can't be arsed, or do they genuinely believe the valve isn't available on its own? 

I find it tends to be the latter reinforced by the former and a hefty dose of no imagination

[Elite Pete]

Why waste £50 on having you air con regassed when your heater matrix is cogged full of radweld 

[vauxsull]

Well Pete me ole flower... I flushed out the matrix and it all ran clear... Nothing in there...