As per the title.Should I wait for the aircon gas to run out and then have it replenished!Or is it a similar principle to dive tanks where you should really keep some positive pressure in the system to prevent the ingress of moisture, dirt etc!And how do I know how much aircon gas is still in the system!Commodore VS.
a.woodrow,
Apr 27, 11:21am
If the AC still works, the pressure is most likely ok. The compressor usually cuts out if gas pressure is too low. I would only have serviced if you have a drop in cooling performance or it's not going at all
kazbanz,
Apr 27, 11:28am
OP--does the AC work properly--ie get the car cold! If so its just fine. I ALWAYS recommend that you keep the AC in fully operational condition because there are seals etc that dry out when there is no coolant in the ac. Incidently (please don't quote me) but I think in your car the compressor oil can be fairly easilly changed
leighfrancesca,
Apr 27, 11:34am
Yeah the aircon works completely fine, I'm just trying to get a handle on whether to use the aircon till the gas runs out and run the risk or seals drying etc or just top it up every couple of years to keep it good.As for compressor oil, I'm not sure - I'ld have to look into that one.
kazbanz,
Apr 27, 11:44am
Eeeep- Your overthinking things. If the ac performance starts to drop off THEN get the AC serviced. Do it before its gone completely and there will be still gas to keep seals ok
tonyrockyhorror,
Apr 27, 11:46am
If it 'runs out' the leak needs addressing before regassing.
tonyrockyhorror,
Apr 27, 11:48am
There is a pressure switch that prevents operation of the compressor when the pressure is low. The A/C doesn't USE the refrigerant. Only a leak does that.
leighfrancesca,
Apr 27, 1:05pm
Thank you all, questions answered.Much appreciated.
kazbanz,
Apr 27, 1:10pm
sorry tony I don't agree.Over time refrigerantdoes leak it minute quantities. Don't get me wrong -if pressure drops fairly quickly I do agree but over say 10 years it can just be age
elect70,
Apr 27, 3:08pm
Leave it alone , if it startsshort cycling on hot day then should be checked . At that age shouldnt needregassing . older systems had a sight glasscouldsee if it was low ashad bubbles in it but nowmostput a fixed amount of gasfromempty . Realfridge enginneers can go by thepressure/ ambientto addgas
tonyrockyhorror,
Apr 27, 3:31pm
Yes, generally due to lack of use.
The point was that it doesn't get 'used up'.
kazbanz,
Apr 27, 3:40pm
mate--we are just arguing semantics here- old systems will have lost refrigerant and more often than not if still working just need a top up
tonyrockyhorror,
Apr 27, 3:44pm
You cross that bridge when you come to it.
Clearly the OP is not there yet.
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