Removing Air Con Pipes

[Daston]

Hi guys,

I am currently doing a headgasket change on a 1999 Tigra 1.4. The Aircon runs right infront of the Exhaust manifold making it very hard to get to the bolts. Also if I were to lift the head off with the manifold in place the pipes will get in the way.

Can I remove the pipes or will it be ill advised with a gassed up system.

This may seem a silly question but not had to deal with aircon units before

[The Black Flash]

It's illegal to let the gas out into the air, you are supposed to get a specialist in to empty the system. But since they all leak anyway, I don't really see how that helps.

So, absolutely do not just disconnect one of the rubber hoses, perhaps wearing gloves so you don't get cold burns, and let the gas out. Kittens will die and everything.

[Old Merc]

I cracked an AC pipe by mistake when working on an engine,it scares the !*"!* out of you.Goes off like a bomb and fills the workshop in fog,could not work for hrs.Take care or get it de-gassed and then re-gassed when the jobs done,its good to have it re-gassed every two years any way.

[Justin S]

Cant see why having it 're-gassed' every 2 yrs should make any difference.............. do you do that to you fridge at home?
The 'correct' procedure is to have the system decanted of refrigerant and then open the fittings and remove. Remember to cover all open ends of pipework to prevent ingress of dirt as the system is precision and grit and particles can damage the compressor and expansion device. If you do open a system, it is good practice to replace the drier to absorb moisture.
Car systems are made utilising rubber hose and also the compressor has an 'open' mechanical seal. These dont usually make the system particulary sealed . Refrigeration 'only' amounts to approximately 5% of greenhouse gases, so choice is wether you think it wise to go to atmosphere or carry out a safe and considerate way of dealing with this. You dont put used oil down your drains.................
Yes, I work in air conditioning.
Also, it is wise to run your a/c in the car for 5 mins a week, so keeping the mechanical seal on the compressor oiled and this will help to keep the charge in the system better.

[Old Merc]

All manufacturers recommend having the AC system vacuumed and re-charged every two - three years,its part of servicing.If they thought it was a fridge they would not fit re-gas connectors under the bonnet.A vehicle system will gradually drop in pressure over a few years and when it gets to a certain low pressure it cuts the pump off.I have found in most cases where the AC is not working all it needed was a re-gas.