refilling evaporator with gas & coolant bleeding

[Colin H F]

When the compressor is engaged the A/C system also uses oil in the refrigerant gas to lubricate the bearings etc: .. so do not turn the A/C on until it as been re gassed ..

The A/C engineers usually have all the relevant info stored in there computer .. but there maybe a specification label under your bonnet with the information similar to this ...



refrigeration (HFC 134A) and the oil viscosity (Nippon Desno grade eight)

I posted on one of my other posts that the gas has change in 2006 to comply with the co2s

[Colin H F]

Had A really good look around under the bonnet inside the doors down in the matrix well cant see any notice re gas type, where do they fill it from by that I mean on the system not the location

[mikeWalsall]

They vacuum out / refill the refrigerant via the Schrader valve .. on my V6 it's in front of the radiator by the horn ..

[rita]

Hi mikeWalsall,

I always thought the (L) low pressure side was used to refill the system not the (H) high pressure side.?

Cheers.

[mikeWalsall]

To be honest my V6 was re gassed at the time of the rear conversion, and I was going along relevant info when I had my similar system Toyota gassed at Kwikfit ..



.. this is the only similar valve I can find on the Bongo .. so do you reckon this is the filler valve is then ..??



http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 1of02.html

[rita]

Hi Mike,

The one with the L on the cap,that will be the low pressure Service valve.

Cheers.

[mikeWalsall]

Yes ... I noticed after that the one at the top (by the horn) is marked 'H' ..

The lower one (by the steering rack) is marked 'L' ..!!

Although refill kits are readily available, personally I would leave it to the pros. and not mess about with the air con system myself ...

But here is a googled procedure ..

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_high_pres ... onditioner

[Simon Jones]

definitely go to an expert as they will pressure test it first. The DIY kits are designed for topping up and you'd end up spending more on cans of gas than it will cost to do it properly. Last two times I've had it done it cost under £50. Factsheet in members area is worth printing off and taking to the garage as it will tell them how much to put in.

[steveyd]

Hi,

Definitely get it pressure checked by a known good outlet - I replaced my rear matrix with one off ebay and got some new o-rings from Bongo-HQ. I asked the garage to pressure check the integrity of the system and they said they had. Nevertheless, it had all escaped with 3-4 hours and that was £80 down the drain. The garage guy said they only leak when the engine is running.. but as the system is under pressure even with the engine off I would have that was a load of bullspit (pardon my French).

So definitely worth going to someone who knows what they are doing - aircon specialist the best. Its also a warning on secondhand aircon bits.. would be good to get an assurance the bits came off a Bongo with working aircon. I'm not sure also how long you can leave the system open... (though in my case I had the system open for quite a while before I fitted the rear matrix after taking the old one out...). Still a proper pressure test should have picked up something that lost all gas in a matter of hours.

cheers,

Steve

[Colin H F]

Cheers for that my used one that I ordered has just this minute been delivered as we speak so as soon as I get time I will get it pressure tested then fit it and and get it re -gassed, got all the relevant info from Hadyn re amount and type,

[Colin H F]

Just a question would it be advisable to put a little bit of Vaseline on the holes or the connector pipes just before the O rings

[Coradia63]

Hi Colin,

Its not recommended to use a petroleum based grease on the 'o' rings as it can cause them to degrade normally you would use the same oil that is in the a/c system but as you probably wouldnt have that you can use silicon based grease no problems just dont put to much on just enough to lightly coat.

[Colin H F]

cheers for that. I am ready to fill up my coolant now due to loosing some when removing my matrix remembering mine is the 2.0 litre petrol, any particular brand of antifreeze I should be using and any tips re bleeding

[jaylee]

Just a question would it be advisable to put a little bit of Vaseline on the holes or the connector pipes just before the O rings

Just make sure the "mating area" is clean & free from any debris before fitting the new O rings that's what i did when fitting a compressor pump... Same plumbing..! There is a sensor in the system, if no gas is present the pump wont engage... 61-503 http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 1of02.html

[Colin H F]

re adding anti freeze, read on the fact sheet that hard water is not good for you van I have a large rain water container that I use to top up my pond in summer, would this be better than tap water [merseyside]