GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

How easy is it to replace the aircon pump?

Mine needs replacing and whilst I have a spare, I don't intend doing it myself but wondering if it can be trusted to the local garage as opposed to dealer.

Obviously, refrigerant needs removing and replacing so also wondering if it's worth getting an aircon specialist to look at it.

I should add it's on a Spec D (Hawkeye STI)

Infected by sti

iTrader: (6)

Literally a bit of pěss. Any decent garage will be able change the pump for you, wether they can refill the system is another question but should be easy to source a place.

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Update on this. It turns out my local garage has its own air con facilities so I took it there. Invoice said a leak detection dye had been added to the gas and included for operation and checking for leaks.

Problem was, a week or so later, I couldn't detect whether my air con was working - neither could I hear the relay click in and out.

Took it back and was told, on picking it up, that the gas had leaked from a dodgy seal which, apparently, they replaced when installing the pump and then tried to charge me Ł125. After some discussion, when I pointed out that I didn't expect to pay anything other than if the pump was faulty, it was agreed that I didn't have to pay.

Now, within a week, it isn't working again and I'm loathe to take it back because, whilst I left on speaking terms albeit a little fraught, I'm a touch nervous as to what could "happen" to my car.

Obviously, if they have replaced a seal and are meant to have checked all is OK then I know they are liable - I'm not after advice on this.

Anyway, onto my question. If the gas had a leak detection dye added, how obvious are leaks and does the dye leave a residue around the leak or do you rely on seeing the actual gas leaking?

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Anyone please?

cornishscoob

iTrader: (1)

The dye they put in should be seen with uv glasses which they should have, and if it's bad enough it will be easy to see anyway, I would go back and get them to source the leak as around 700g of r134a refrigant leaking out in a week is not good.
Ask them if they have a sniffer, a brilliant bit of kit if you are working with air con on a regular basis.