Vehicle aircon

[WynandJean]

I could do with some advice on this. Between the three vehicles I have to keep having one or another re-gassed. Occasional running in the winter months doesn't seem to keep them efficiently. At least one of them is the newer (and of course more expensive!) r1234yf type gas. Presumably they cannot be mixed? How feasible would it be to DIY all three and would it be financially viable?

Wyn

 

[Richard n Ann]

The refrigerants aren't mixable. The oil is the same but the evaporating temperatures are different.

Eg R134a 28psi = 0°c
R1234 17psi = 0°c

Dont get me wrong, I've pulled some similar stunts over the years to get supermarket systems going again but it's not recommended. The gauge point is of a different type anyway.

You can buy R134a recharge kits from Halfords but they aren't cheap plus it's very easy to overcharge a vehicle system, and that's very bad

 

[Richard n Ann]

Occasional running in the winter months doesn't seem to keep them efficiently

no it never does... It's a myth a leak is a leak I'm afraid.

 

[tacr2man]

when you next top up get them to put in dye tracer , so you can find the leak point .

 

[EuroTrotters]

when you next top up get them to put in dye tracer , so you can find the leak point .

Or, pressure test with OFN on the first place.

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[pappajohn]

when you next top up get them to put in dye tracer , so you can find the leak point .

A good garage will check for leaks as part of the evacuation and recharge procedure.
If all they're doing is bunging more gas in then go somewhere reputable.

 

[joka250]

Recharging a known leaking system is an offence.