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[Glenn]

Hi and a happy new year to everyone.

To start my new year off the A/C has stopped working again, fitted a new condenser last year and all has been fine until now. The compressor has disengaged but I need to know if there's a way of checking whether it's just low on gas or if there's another problem, any ideas ?

Thanks
Glenn

[Tony H]

If it's low on gas it has a the compressor will be disabled. A visual check of the compressor drive pully will confirm this.

[Glenn]

Thanks Tony, I can see that the compressor is disabled. What I'd like to do is establish whether it's just low on gas or if there's another problem. Don't want to get it re-gassed and find it doesn't fix the problem.

cheers

[Mike Collins]

Mine too lost gas at the end of last year, I found a site where you can buy a simple pressure gauge and yellow goggles. I think it is the people who are linked on the parts for sale page.

The gauge looks like the pen type tyre pressure, that confirmed mine was low.

The yellow goggles and UV pen are supposed to show up leaks, the later systems should have had a dye introduced when new.

Needless to say I could find no trace of a leak, nor did any leakage show when vacuumed out and refilled.

I'll have to see how long it lasts.

[Glenn]

Thanks Mike, very interesting. I'll go look for one of these gauges.

Cheers

[Mike Collins]

Just spotted the paperwork, company is Autokool.

[Glenn]

Thanks again Mike, looks like just the job.

[N2STY]

hi i have used this a few times a works well on low gas on aircon
i now use the gauge to test all my services and you the cheaper can to top gas's

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_201507_langId_-1_categoryId_35126

and this pen is cheap

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_254069_langId_-1_categoryId_35126

[sassanach]

in the USA they call these kits "death kits"due to the sealer in them.basically they seal on contact with the air, which is great as lomg as you dont have to open the system for any reason.you will find that any reputable ac specialist will check for the presence of these sealers and if present, tell you to f@@k off

[N2STY]

this stuff is not the same as the stopleak it has an oil in it that keeps the o rings soft and not the old type of sealer

[Glenn]

Thanks N2STY, also very interesting, could see how much discount I get with my Halfords trade card  

[Mike Collins]

When I looked in Halfords, the only refrigerant cans had small print saying they contained a leak stopper.

It frightened me off, I am however, no A/C expert.

[Tony H]

A/C isn't really for diy repair as overcharging can be as bad as undercharging . I've just checked and kwik fit are still running the offer of a recharge for £ 45. If they don't drop the temp on recharge by 10% there is no charge. Obviously there are some conditions. Might be worth a go.