Air con servicing
Discussion
Thinking of getting a stand at Pistonfest and offering an air con servicing service. I would be able to do around 15 services over the weekend. It would include a leak check, evacuation and recharge, top up of oil and injection of u/v dye for any possible future leak detection. Would cost £65.00 fully inclusive. Would anyone be interested? I'm trying to figure out if it would be worth my while taking up a stand.
Cheers
Mike
Cheers
Mike
broadcasting.DustyC said:
How often should air con be re charged? is it just when it starts to feel crap?
You can be very lucky and never need a re-charge. You could also have an leak at an "acceptable" limit, meaning about 7-10 yrs before re-gas required. If you have more of a problem then - every year! If it's just an o-ring seal problem this can be fixed at the same time. How do you tell? - when it starts to feel crap!
Most manufacturers recommend that the system is serviced every 2 years now.
this service includes draining the system and pulling a vacuum to detect leaks, then a uv dye is injected for future leak detection before the system is recharged to the correct weight.
I take it the service will only be open to the newer cars with R134a refrigerent and not the old school cars which are probably still on R12
this service includes draining the system and pulling a vacuum to detect leaks, then a uv dye is injected for future leak detection before the system is recharged to the correct weight.
I take it the service will only be open to the newer cars with R134a refrigerent and not the old school cars which are probably still on R12
the dodger said:
DustyC said:
How often should air con be re charged? is it just when it starts to feel crap?
You can be very lucky and never need a re-charge. You could also have an leak at an "acceptable" limit, meaning about 7-10 yrs before re-gas required. If you have more of a problem then - every year! If it's just an o-ring seal problem this can be fixed at the same time. How do you tell? - when it starts to feel crap!
Sorry for the delay in answering guys, no-one had replied to the thread for ages so I thought it was a non starter.
You may never 'need' a recharge but your system should be serviced at least every 2 years for it to run efficiently. The refrigerant carries with it the oil that lubricates all the parts. If the refrigerant or oil is low then the parts arent getting lubed and 'o' rings start to leak, compressors wear etc etc. Also the system will have a drier in it that contains a dessicant which is pretty much knackered after a few years and also benefits from changing (not absolutely neccesary but recommended).
I can retrofit 99% of R12 systems to take R134 quite easily. But I couldnt do it at pistonfest unless it ws pre booked to allow me to order the parts.
I do have a computerised system which tell me all charge weights, oil capacities, parts prices etc from alfa to volvo.
The form is this.
I would leak check the system electronically prior to the service, and check all pressures and temperatures. Then the refrigerant would be recovered from the system and weighed, along with noting any oil recovered. The system would then be vacuumed for a min 40 mins to remove any moisture from the system this also helps to check for leaks, although not fool proof as sometimes as you can appreciatte a leak from a joint may seal when it is pulled together under vac and leak when under pressure from refrigerant. The sytem is then charged with the correct weight gas and any oil taken out replaced. Then UV dye is injected for any future leak detection. Again all pressures and temperature is noted. An voila provided all is well with your system away you go probably 1 or 2 degrees cooler or more if your system was empty. I must say though I cant knowingly charge refrigerant to a system I know has a leak (its illegal). So Any leaks must be fixed by me before I can recharge.
Also if you find your car smells musty inside I can sort that. It is usually from the evaparator which is basically a radiator under your dash. because it gets damp and warm it gets mouldy and starts to smell. See below for some more boring stuff. I can treat this for an additional £30.00 or just treat this if a service/recharge isnt required. Pollen filter changing also available provideing I get your car details prior to pistonfest as again the parts will need ordering.
Hope that helps. Like I said if I get enough interest I will probably take a stand. And sorry for my naff typing skills i'm knackered tonight
Cheers
Mike
Sick car syndrome Part 1
Is your air conditioning failing to provide its original freshness?
As your car air conditioning system ages, you may notice the freshness of the air provided deteriorating. Whenever your air conditioning is operating, moisture in the air condenses on the system's cold surfaces. Whilst most of this moisture drains harmlessly away, some of the moisture remains within the ventilation system after your A/C has been turned off.
This residual moisture provides the ideal living environment for naturally occurring airborne fungal micro-organisms, mildew and mould.
Recent national media attention has been focused on a new driving phenomenon named 'Sick Car Syndrome' which scientists believe is caused by the build-up of bacteria. Trapped within the ventilation system, these colonies can combine to produce unpleasant odours and potentially flu-like symptoms.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICING
By spending a small amount on an annual or bi-annual basis you are limiting the risk of having to find a major fault.
Gas leaks naturally from all systems at 10 - 15% per annum. If this is left untreated, fuel economy is affected when the system is run. The compressor (which uses fuel) has to work harder to generate the correct temperatures when the gas level is low. This costs you money as it uses more fuel. In addition, the lower the gas level, the greater the likelihood of component failure.
>> Edited by funkyboogalooo on Sunday 15th February 23:02
>> Edited by funkyboogalooo on Sunday 15th February 23:03
>> Edited by funkyboogalooo on Sunday 15th February 23:05
Gassing Station | Events & Meetings | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff