Aircon top up cans

[KevofCov]

2010 3.5t RWD 2.4 LWB 240,000 miles

As me dad always says – some days the Pigeon, somedays the Statue.
Today I am a lucky lucky Pigeon with air con. It is working but poor. Never been touched since leaving the factory. Has anybody tried the DIY top up kits on fleabay. If so any advice?
Cheers Kev

[v8dave]

I've done some limited research, about 10 minutes.

It looks like the gas in the cans is butane or propane, or possibly a mix. This is based on the fact they describe the product as a hydrocarbon and say it is four times more effective than R134a.

I can not find anything to confirm that the use of hydrocarbons in the a/c system is permitted - where's a proper expert when you need one !

[ned]

How much does a garage charge for a re-gas 30 - 40 sovs?

[installer]

2010 3.5t RWD 2.4 LWB 240,000 miles

As me dad always says – some days the Pigeon, somedays the Statue.
Today I am a lucky lucky Pigeon with air con.

Are you on drugs?

[Altransit]

How much does a garage charge for a re-gas 30 - 40 sovs?

I just had a local guy come to my house, check the system for leaks, de-gas, clean, lube, and re-gas, and all for £35
Beats hanging around whilst the garage do it

[ned]

How much does a garage charge for a re-gas 30 - 40 sovs?

I just had a local guy come to my house, check the system for leaks, de-gas, clean, lube, and re-gas, and all for £35
Beats hanging around whilst the garage do it

That was my point, why bother messing around with cans when its cheap enough to get someone to do it. N

[ake]

The eBay cans are crap, as said, full of butane, which is highly flammable and shouldn't be in an air con system.

Find a friendly garage to do it for you.

My local Ford dealer only charges £59 for this service

[KevofCov]

Cheers

Not on drugs, just like pigeons..

Will see if I can get a mobile guy...

[Altransit]

Cheers

Not on drugs, just like pigeons..

Will see if I can get a mobile guy...

Whatever you do, do NOT use Kwik ***, there are loads of other people with these machines, so are vying for business to keep the machine busy

[bigjohnthomas]

Machines ? Am I correct in saying , fill it up with nitrogen then spray washing up liquid round the bits you can see to check for leaks. Then, Vac it out for a bit then a splash of oil in then,, weigh your gas bottle put it on some scales look how much weight of gas should be in it. Turn gas on ,gas runs out before its full , get another bottle of gas out, can't remember how much has already gone in, so gives it a good "drink " and say all good thats sixty quid smallcock

[Altransit]

Machines ? Am I correct in saying , fill it up with nitrogen then spray washing up liquid round the bits you can see to check for leaks. Then, Vac it out for a bit then a splash of oil in then,, weigh your gas bottle put it on some scales look how much weight of gas should be in it. Turn gas on ,gas runs out before its full , get another bottle of gas out, can't remember how much has already gone in, so gives it a good "drink " and say all good thats sixty quid smallcock

That may be the case over in Lincolnshire where you have no electricity, but here in civilisation they use proper aircon machines (with dials and knobs, and everything!) that do the lot in one handy sized container


But they do need mains electricity

[motorman116]

Machines ? Am I correct in saying , fill it up with nitrogen then spray washing up liquid round the bits you can see to check for leaks. Then, Vac it out for a bit then a splash of oil in then,, weigh your gas bottle put it on some scales look how much weight of gas should be in it. Turn gas on ,gas runs out before its full , get another bottle of gas out, can't remember how much has already gone in, so gives it a good "drink " and say all good thats sixty quid smallcock

That may be the case over in Lincolnshire where you have no electricity, but here in civilisation they use proper aircon machines (with dials and knobs, and everything!) that do the lot in one handy sized container


But they do need mains electricity

Those type are old units, our Aircon machine is all computerized

[bigjohnthomas]

he did have a digital thermometer that worked of batteries
Probably got that from down south somewhere

[blue estate]

Got mine done yesterday as the fitter had them coming to do his ex mrs car
So left him my keys so I could have mine done £40

[Llewelyn]

You can get proper R134a refills in Hal Frauds, 40 quid for 500+ml - but you get 10 quid back on the empty bottle, so 30 quid. If it needs more than 1 bottle to top it up, you've got too much leakage.

You have to get a trigger/hose/gauge thing, but you keep that and re-use it, 's about 20 quid and lets you see what pressure is in it as you fill it.

STP EZ cool or some such name. I used 'em on mine, after fixing the damaged pipe.