Question about aircon re-gas

[russgt]

Should I ideally drain the remaining refrgerant from the aircon system just because it needs a top up? Is there a certain life of the gas? afterall its just gas
I realise the R134a refrigerant should contain a lubricant to prolong the life of the compressor internals, so therefore would this item sold on ebay be ok http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INTERDYNAMICS-R134a-DIY-CAR-AIR-CONDITIONING-REFILL_W0QQitemZ290128835832QQihZ019QQcategoryZ108798QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem providing I have no leaks and fill to the correct pressure?
I have attempted to phone around local companys/garages for the re-gas, however, they want around £90 of my hard earned dosh for this simple task
Thanks all

 

[AndyMac]

You can get it done properly for around £65 at an AC specialist, so is it really worth £30 to risk a DIY job? Damage to any of the AC components (compressor/dryer etc) means big money at around £400 to replace each item.
The gas lasts forever, just like a fridge, but in a car it will eventually bleed through the mechanics so needs regassing every 4-5 years.
Regassing is not just topping the system up.

 

[b19rak]

Don't risk it. I had mine done last Sunday by a mobile specialist for £50. ****** cold now.
He says it needs to be emptied with the exact amount according to spec replacing it. Look in your local paper or something alot more people then you think are doing it now.

 

[arthurfuxake]

Mine also needs doing, the cars not even 4 years old yet. My wife's 99 ford fiesta 1.25 zetec is blowing freezing cold, and it's never been regassed!

 

[AndyMac]

All down to number of hours used, not age of car. 4-5 years is estimate based on 12k miles per year with CC on all the time. Actually turning the CC off for long periods shortens the life as well.

 

[colinra]

unfortunately you cant empty all the gas and refill. the system is like any other in a fridge/freezer etc and if the gas is removed/leaks untill nothing is left, the system would need put on a vaccum pump to remove all moisture/air in there. If you have already bought a top up can, give it a bash and see how it goes.

A specialist would remove all the gas, put the system on a vac pump, then weigh IN the correct amount of 134a along with some lube and probably a dye to make it easyer to find any leaks under a UV light in the future. Thats where your ££'s go. Everyone has to make a living!

 

[arthurfuxake]

That does concern me. I've heard that the aircon should be run once in a while during winter so that it lubes all the seals etc. Is it the same with climate control? During winter when the outside temp is say 0, how would you turn the air-con on? The climate control will just pump the cold air in from outside because it is cold enough to drop the temp inside the car, so the air-con is not needed.

 

[Caesium]

The compressor will still run as it removes the moisture from the air, even when its set on hot

 

[AndyMac]

Yes with CC it's on all the time regardles of temp. Only way to switch it off is to press ECON or the snowflake (depending on model). Which is why you never get steamed up windows in winter.