Aircon Condensor Replaced, a question

Datatek · Jun 28, 2009

I have just replaced the condensor on my P38 diesel, the old one was leaking like a collander.

Living a long way from anywhere, I have, as a temporary measure, I recharged the system using an EZChill cannister, primarily as a test for more leaks before a proper evac & recharge. The cannister comes with a guage so I can keep an eye on the pressure.

To my surprise, the aircon works fine. The question is will it be doing any damage as there must be a small amount of air in the system?

The new condensor came pre-charged with PAG oil and tracer dye as did the cannister.

gavbriggs · Jun 28, 2009

its only 45 quid to have aircon done properly by kwikfit, i had mine done and the fix i did on the front condensor is spot on!!! no leaks and the fella said its worked a treat!! just got to get blendies done to feel the benefit!!!

Irishrover · Jun 28, 2009

Air locks don't happen because the compressor will compress whatever gas is in there and will not run if the system pressure is low.
What is more important is that the atmosphere contains moisture and this can cause problems if excessve as it can rust up components or emulsify when mixed with oil. Before an empty system is regassed, especially if opened up to the atmosphere, say following a replacement part being fitted, they will always vacuum the system out to remove all air/gas before refilling with refrigerant..this is to ensure that the refrigerant is going into a "Clean" system. The "Cans" of gas available at accessory shops for d.i.y. use are fine for topping up a system and as you have working aircon, use it as a temporary measure and get the system refilled a.s.a.p.
For the supplier to put a charge of oil in the new condenser, together with leak dye is a bit strange because it will be drawn out when the system is vacuumed down, as it should be..they would have been better supplying it separately in a bottle. Normally, aircon systems run for years without topping up it's just a poor design on the P38 with the condensers only lasting a couple of years, the bends on the tubes are too severe and the tube wall at the bends, especially the top l.h. corner are paper thin.

Datatek · Jun 28, 2009

Irishrover said:
Air locks don't happen because the compressor will compress whatever gas is in there and will not run if the system pressure is low.
What is more important is that the atmosphere contains moisture and this can cause problems if excessve as it can rust up components or emulsify when mixed with oil. Before an empty system is regassed, especially if opened up to the atmosphere, say following a replacement part being fitted, they will always vacuum the system out to remove all air/gas before refilling with refrigerant..this is to ensure that the refrigerant is going into a "Clean" system. The "Cans" of gas available at accessory shops for d.i.y. use are fine for topping up a system and as you have working aircon, use it as a temporary measure and get the system refilled a.s.a.p.
For the supplier to put a charge of oil in the new condenser, together with leak dye is a bit strange because it will be drawn out when the system is vacuumed down, as it should be..they would have been better supplying it separately in a bottle. Normally, aircon systems run for years without topping up it's just a poor design on the P38 with the condensers only lasting a couple of years, the bends on the tubes are too severe and the tube wall at the bends, especially the top l.h. corner are paper thin.

OK thanks for that Irish, I didn't want to go to the nearest garage (50 mile round trip) that will do an evac and refill until I was sure the system was leak free. Now I know all is OK I will go ASAP. I do know the correct procedure as it's detailed in RAVE, just was not sure of the possible ill effects of atmospheric contamination.

Gav, the nearest Kwik Fit to me is about 300 miles and £150 return on the ferry LOL

gavbriggs · Jun 28, 2009

but can be repaired successfully with liquid metal to avoid the cost of replacement every 2 years, i'm tempted to do the whole set of corners!! it might just strengthen em enough!!(i prolly wont cos i'm and idle get!!!

nathan5346 · Jun 28, 2009

Irishrover said:
Air locks don't happen because the compressor will compress whatever gas is in there and will not run if the system pressure is low.
What is more important is that the atmosphere contains moisture and this can cause problems if excessve as it can rust up components or emulsify when mixed with oil. Before an empty system is regassed, especially if opened up to the atmosphere, say following a replacement part being fitted, they will always vacuum the system out to remove all air/gas before refilling with refrigerant..this is to ensure that the refrigerant is going into a "Clean" system. The "Cans" of gas available at accessory shops for d.i.y. use are fine for topping up a system and as you have working aircon, use it as a temporary measure and get the system refilled a.s.a.p.
For the supplier to put a charge of oil in the new condenser, together with leak dye is a bit strange because it will be drawn out when the system is vacuumed down, as it should be..they would have been better supplying it separately in a bottle. Normally, aircon systems run for years without topping up it's just a poor design on the P38 with the condensers only lasting a couple of years, the bends on the tubes are too severe and the tube wall at the bends, especially the top l.h. corner are paper thin.

Well said, you know ur stuff

Datatek · Jun 28, 2009

gavbriggs said:
but can be repaired successfully with liquid metal to avoid the cost of replacement every 2 years, i'm tempted to do the whole set of corners!! it might just strengthen em enough!!(i prolly wont cos i'm and idle get!!!

You would not have repaired mine

the tracer dye was ****ing out all over the place including the straight runs:doh::doh::doh:

£73 for a new one with a 2 year warranty seemed the only option

rangiegal · Jun 28, 2009

Datatek said:
You would not have repaired mine the tracer dye was ****ing out all over the place including the straight runs:doh::doh::doh:

£73 for a new one with a 2 year warranty seemed the only option

I've just had the second one installed since I purchased the Rangie 5 years ago, last one lasted 2 years :doh: corroded down the front where some leaves got stuck...lousy design and positioning of condensor. On the good side, the aircon now blasts as icy as a freezer now that the blends are done as well....

I paid £200 for the condensor to be done at home by the local aircon mobile mech whom I've known for years, which included the purging and regassing; I guess the extra payment for the convenience of not having to do it myself (not able-bodied enough at present) wasn't too much of a premium to have a great aircon!

Datatek · Jun 28, 2009

rangiegal said:
I've just had the second one installed since I purchased the Rangie 5 years ago, last one lasted 2 years :doh: corroded down the front where some leaves got stuck...lousy design and positioning of condensor. On the good side, the aircon now blasts as icy as a freezer now that the blends are done as well.... I paid £200 for the condensor to be done at home by the local aircon mobile mech whom I've known for years, which included the purging and regassing; I guess the extra payment for the convenience of not having to do it myself (not able-bodied enough at present) wasn't too much of a premium to have a great aircon!

Looking at the external corrosion on the old condensor, I'm beginning to wish I had sprayed it with conformal coating that I use on electronics

rangiegal · Jun 28, 2009

Datatek said:
Looking at the external corrosion on the old condensor, I'm beginning to wish I had sprayed it with conformal coating that I use on electronics

I wonder if there is something like that which one could use as a coating....it seems pretty dire that a Rangie condensor only has about a 2 year lifespan.

We've got an ancient Hyundai Sonata which is 2 years older than my '99 Rangie and its condensor has never been changed, aircon has stayed working all those years and so has everything else for that matter :doh: Wonder why I ever bothered with the P38.......although I do love it when most things are working and there's nothing like the V8 burble

Aircon Condensor Replaced, a question

Datatek

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gavbriggs

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Irishrover

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Datatek

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gavbriggs

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nathan5346

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Datatek

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rangiegal

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Datatek

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rangiegal

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