Suspected Aircon Evaporator Failure

[Ladiesman 217]

Hi out there. I have a manual 2002 1.9 TDi with climate control. Climate control has never worked for very long - on regassing it is fine for about 2 weeks, with performance gradually tailing off. Was talking to an ex VAG trained vehicle electrician guy who had since gone into business on his own who came and fixed an electrical fault [very good by the way - in Hertfordshire area if you need one], he said that it was fairly common for the aircon system to leak at the evaporator and for it not to be detected as a leak by the fluorescent dye used to trace leaks. He also said that it is about a 5 hour job to get at the evaporator due to taking the dashboard etc off to get access. Has anyone done this job themselves, or have any hints (apart from not tackling it yourself)? Thanks

[chrispb123456]

Hi there

Although it's not unheard of evaporator leaks are less common than leaks from condenser and drier and even fractured pipes, common bad experiences of members using Kwik fit pop in places, your best action would be to find a specialist auto air-con company most are mobile and will come to you and are very reasonable on their pricing, they will also explain how it all works if you want to know.

[Ladiesman 217]

Hi there

Although it's not unheard of evaporator leaks are less common than leaks from condenser and drier and even fractured pipes, common bad experiences of members using Kwik fit pop in places, your best action would be to find a specialist auto air-con company most are mobile and will come to you and are very reasonable on their pricing, they will also explain how it all works if you want to know.

 

OK, many thanks

[Mirez]

As above, its HIGHLY unlikely to be the evaporator and much much much more likely to be the condensor.

[sparky Paul]

Yes, condensor leak is favourite spot on the mk.2 - there's a cap over the leakage point which hides the dye. There's a very useful thread on here somewhere with pics.

[Bigjeeze]

Hi there

Although it's not unheard of evaporator leaks are less common than leaks from condenser and drier and even fractured pipes, common bad experiences of members using Kwik fit pop in places, your best action would be to find a specialist auto air-con company most are mobile and will come to you and are very reasonable on their pricing, they will also explain how it all works if you want to know.

 

Hi Chris

 

This is a purely personal to me question.

 

I have to ask this question as you seem to be constantly suggesting that people go to an Air Con specialist. The question is - Do you work for or are you an Air Con Specialist?

 

The main point of this forum is for members and others to suggest DIY solutions to issues and problems that Ford Garages don't seem able to correct or do so via suck it and see methods with consequent high bills. I am always grateful for any advice posted on here and even if I don't have that problem I file it away for future use. I appreciate that you may have had issues with Air Con at Kwik Fit - but I have used them twice ( under close scrutiny!) and have no issue although I know they are not well rated for Air Con problems. In most cases repairing and refitting Air Con components is no more challenging than any other parts - and providing you ensure a proper evacuation and pressure test etc there should be no problems.

 

NB I don't work for Kwik Fit - I don't even work in the Motor Trade.

 

Please continue to contribute but maybe ease up on the reccomendations for associated trades.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

 

BJ

[chrispb123456]

Hi BJ

Will try and answer best I can, no I do not work for A/C specialist check my profile about me.

I had the issues with my local garage who I have used for 30 years doing my MOT tests and still do.

They got a new all singing bells and whistles fully automatic machine for servicing the A/C system, just about the same time I got my galaxy so I said I best have mine done at a cost of

[Mirez]

I will happily slate Shitfit, having had my A/C overcharged by them which destroyed the compressor. I have never taken a personally owned car to them since, however I am compelled to take the Golf as its a company car - I've used Bath, Trowbridge and Devizes depots. Bath let me drive off with just two wheel nuts on each rear wheel, the result was one wheel sheared the bolts and fell off at a roundabout - they paid compensation and repair charges but that could have been at 70 and not 30... The trowbridge one have had the golf back 4 times - each time they are unable to balance the tyres they fitted properly, its finally been sorted by the devizes branch which I have to be fair are nice, knowledgeable chaps. I now drive the extra 20miles to go see them rather then use either of the other two and, as said, I still wouldn't take a privately owned vehicle to them.

[Bigjeeze]

Chris/Mirez

 

I am not advocating Kwikfit(shitfit) as a quality supplier - The point I wanted to get a cross is that Air Con is not a mystery it is a mechanical system just like many others on cars that a reasonably capable person can repair/fault find replace. That's all!!

 

Regards

 

BJ

[chrispb123456]

Hi BJ

Sorry mate I cant agree with you on that, you have only to read the warnings on any air-con systems, I think we can say without doubt that leaks in the system account for most of the problems associated with the A/C system, but unless it's blatently obvious where the leak is the system will need pressurising which then involves the use of specialist tools and equipment,

 

even changing a simple thing like one of the pipes you have spring lock couplings to release, yes a reasonably capable person may be able to remove/replace certain components but they will still need someone to at least regas the system, and I wouldn't advise another member to do something that may compromise safety.

Leave it to the expert thats got all the gear + you get a gaurantee on their work

[Bigjeeze]

Hi BJ

Sorry mate I cant agree with you on that, you have only to read the warnings on any air-con systems, I think we can say without doubt that leaks in the system account for most of the problems associated with the A/C system, but unless it's blatently obvious where the leak is the system will need pressurising which then involves the use of specialist tools and equipment,

 

even changing a simple thing like one of the pipes you have spring lock couplings to release, yes a reasonably capable person may be able to remove/replace certain components but they will still need someone to at least regas the system, and I wouldn't advise another member to do something that may compromise safety.

Leave it to the expert thats got all the gear + you get a gaurantee on their work

 

I don't want this to turn into an epic battle - but again I reiterate - anyone capable can do this. I have the spring clip tool (it cost

[sparky Paul]

I would have to agree with BJ here, many members here are usually looking for DIY solutions, as far as is reasonably possible, including the OP. A lot of repairs to aircon systems can be performed by someone with reasonable competence.

 

In most cases the discharging, gassing and to some extent leak detection would be entrusted to a specialist - whether that 'specialist' is a local aircon specialist, or KwikFit, is up to the individual. Whilst a proper aircon engineer is always going to be preferable, don't write KwikFit off completely - the regassing stations they use are very good, and so long as the correct vehicle is selected from the machine's database, they are pretty idiot-proof. All that is required is to show an interest and keep an eye on what they are doing, anyone who is not confident doing that, or doesn't fully understand the process, should really go to a specialist.

Edited August 6, 2010 by sparky Paul