What happens if ...........

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 25 Sep 2009, 21:23

the aircon system has been left without gas for 3 years or so and is then recharged ? Will anything have suffered or been damaged ?

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 25 Sep 2009, 22:05

Depends if there is a leak, and if it has been used i would guess!
If you go to kwik fit, they will not charge you if it does not work!

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 25 Sep 2009, 22:16

I think the system was left discharged after a suspected engine change.
I have not used it since realising it was empty.
Thanks for the tip about Kwik Fit , I'll drop over tomorrow.

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 25 Sep 2009, 22:46

MAke sure you get them to test teh temperature before and after, and i always watch them do it, they will do a leak test first. THe say there is no charge if they cant get a 10% drop in temperature.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 25 Sep 2009, 22:55

I'd imagine that in addition to the gas you'll need a new drier at the very least

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 26 Sep 2009, 09:59

Good point, when i did my air con, i replaced the drier bottle, I think it cost about £28 from the net, ill see if i can dig out the site.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 26 Sep 2009, 10:20

AC is something I don't know much about. Is the drier the cylinder with the inspection window at the top ?

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 26 Sep 2009, 10:33

It is, and its easy to replace (provided no gas in system) the new one i bought did not have inspection windoe. Ill get link tonight if i can!

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 26 Sep 2009, 19:41

I believe this is where I got mine from

http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/receiv ... -1129.html

Not a bad price!

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 26 Sep 2009, 19:59

Big cheers for that mate !!

Post by **Paul-R** » 26 Sep 2009, 21:55

Could someone explain why it is deemed necessary to replace the drier if the A/C system is emptied for whatever reason? Surely the replacement willl be just as likely to have atmospheric moisture in - or am I missing something?

Does this apply to every vehicle with A/C such as my Xsara and C5?

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 26 Sep 2009, 22:33

I believe that over time the dryer loses the ability to absorb moisture so well, so perhaps the system would be fine without a change, but any moisture is dangerous so as it is relatively inexpensive its worth doing!

To my knowledge it would apply to any system any car. (saying that my knowledge is limited)

xmexclusive · Post by **xmexclusive** » 27 Sep 2009, 09:51

Hi All

New aircon rads and dryers etc are supplied under vacuum with plugs on the connections to keep moisture out of the system until you are ready to couple up and charge with gas. A dryer is a one way process to mop up small amounts of residual moisture from the system. If left open to the atmosphere for a period of time then it will have used up much if not all of its drying capability.

John

Post by **Paul-R** » 27 Sep 2009, 18:40

xmexclusive wrote:A dryer is a one way process to mop up small amounts of residual moisture from the system. If left open to the atmosphere for a period of time then it will have used up much if not all of its drying capability.

Now that makes a lot of sense. Any idea what the drying agent is? If it's silica gel (like in the dessicating jar in the school labs of old) then surely it can be regenerated in an oven. If it's a chemically reactive agent then it probably can't.

xmexclusive · Post by **xmexclusive** » 27 Sep 2009, 22:53

Never sectioned one but rumor has it that the dryer contains silica gel and when it gets saturated the containing bag bursts and the resultant mess gets spread all round the system. This then overloads the compressor and burns it out. Chances are the system is then inadequately flushed and the residual debris slowly works round the system then takes out the replacement compressor the day after the warranty ends. All crap spread by aircon specialist to fleece you or is it?

John