Air Con Condenser

[ghr]

Can anyone tell me if the attached is the receiver/dryer cap where early Mk2 are subject to leaking demonstrated by the water test?

 

Cheers

AC_CAP.bmp

[mikej]

Yes it is :rolleyes:

[Mirez]

Yes - "DO NOT REMOVE" is a bit protective though, there's nothing nasty going to happen if you remove the cap.

[ghr]

Yes - "DO NOT REMOVE" is a bit protective though, there's nothing nasty going to happen if you remove the cap.

 

Thank you Mike, Mirez. Another job for the weekend. The Halford's lad checked the pressure at about 3 psi(?). Is this enough to generate bubbles if I try the water test? Does this equate to much in terms of frostbite or damage to the ozone layer or the law? Also he said that the gas they use will fix the leak. Is this likely?

[Mirez]

Yes - "DO NOT REMOVE" is a bit protective though, there's nothing nasty going to happen if you remove the cap.

 

Thank you Mike, Mirez. Another job for the weekend. The Halford's lad checked the pressure at about 3 psi(?). Is this enough to generate bubbles if I try the water test? Does this equate to much in terms of frostbite or damage to the ozone layer or the law? Also he said that the gas they use will fix the leak. Is this likely?

 

Unlikely, they shouldn't be using anything with leak sealing properties in an A/C system anyway! 3Psi, you should just about have the odd bubble there but after removing the cap you should be able to see what condition things are in. Modern refrigerent isn't harmfull to the atmostphere but typically the law is one step behind so you still have to have it vac'd out rather then discharge it.

[mikej]

I used a liitle light oil when checking for bubbles on mine (which just happened to be knackered) you should see a little crust around the circlip which is inside the tube top, this crust is also a good indicator that's it's been leaking at some stage. If you do have to replace the drier beware some will sell the drier and condensor seperate but there are those that sell a condensor with the drier already fitted for little difference in price. I purchased one a few years back and it was less thabn a

[Barlidge]

I had a steady stream of bubbles from mine with only 2/3 psi in.

[ggobin]

I have the same problem (and low pressure on vagcom). Looked at getting a replacement condenser and fitting myself then getting it regased.

 

Is this a DIY job ?

 

Thanks

Gary

[Barlidge]

If you are handy with a spanner then I think it is, I've just done mine and its all good so far, although time will be the biggest test to see if I have any other slow leaks, you can see my thread Thead

[ghr]

Removed the cap; very crusty inside but I don't know if this just dirt although with the cap on I wuld bank on the cap keeping dirt out. Put in water with a touch of washing up liquid using a syringe. After a while a rim of very very bubbles appeared. These could be air trapped in the dirt and crust and I think in hindsight I would have been better to leave out the washing up liquid. I think the pressure may be too low to generate bubbles but as others have found the crust may be the clue. Off to Kwik Fit to get a free leak test (hope they find a leak!).

 

 

 

Cheers