Hey folks the air con in my sti version 3 isnt blowing out ice cold air, am i right in saying that it might need regassing, if it is that which im 99% sure it is where abouts on the car do i regas?

many thanx den.

 

re gass think the kit is 40 from halfords or just go quick fit think its 50

i need to do mine

 

You may want to have it leak tested if it's empty where has it gone? Get it tested before regassing as you don't want it going off in you face!!!

 

I was told the AC systems are porous, and will lose their charge over time.

 

It's a very minimal loss that's why the system should be serviced every few years. As far as I know shop now shouldn't sell re gas kits as your supposed to be certified to re gas air con, like me

 

Does the cannister have an 'inspection window'?

If so, 2 or 3 'big' bubbles normally indicates all okay, no leaks.

Nothing at all or lots of tiny bubbles, leaking.

 

how do you regas the air con yourself then?

 

The correct way, I'm not sure how the mickey mouse can will tell you, is firstly you need to recover the old gas out, you the have to pull the system into a vaccum to remove any trapped air/moisture this is very important as R132a gas becomes a volitile substance when compressed with air. You then have to add the CORRECT amount of oil so not to hydraulic the commpressor, a little leak detection dye and regas with the correct amount of gas. This is usually on a sticker under the bonnet which will tell you which type of gas is used. Being an early jap car this could be R12 or usually R132a. Do not use the wrong gas. Do not smoke. Beware of any leaks while refilling as contact WILL cause bad frostbite. You should wear goggles and nitrile gloves. Beware of this operation yourself
it is highly dangerous if untrained do at your own risk!!!! Good luck

 

sod that then, ill take it to a garage to get ripped off, and the idea of not having a *** while i work

 

Have a look round mate I'm not trying to put you off, A/C is a specialist thing, like gas for your house, would you fit your own boiler?

 

Assuming everything else is in A-okay condition, then just a regas is upwards of c.£70, I think.

 

kwik fit regas your aircon and if its not colder than before you dont pay and also they can see if you have a leak also.

 

How cool is that! (sorry for the tiresome pun btw )

 

They can measure before and after, it will always be colder cos they have added gas, don't mean it will be any good a week later!