Aircon DIY Service

FL630 · 24 May 2015 at 19:44

Hi,

I'm an owner of a 2000 X reg BMW 320ci, she's getting on in years but I do rather like the car. Try do all my own maintenance on it but never gone near an A/C system.

Day's are due to get hotter hopefully, so would like to get my aircon recharged.

However, due to the fact the vents are devoid of cool air I'm worried there is a leak, making it pointless to recharge.

Anyone know of a method to find and fix leaks? I've seen Halfrauds sell this: http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...superseal-air-conditioning-leak-sealant-mrl-3 but is this a good solution, or some crap for pretend mechanics like me to waste our money on?

If not, any advice would be appreciated

Cheers,
Ian

NoNameNoNumber · 24 May 2015 at 19:50

When you go to get it gassed they do a leak test.

FL630 · 24 May 2015 at 20:17

Then charge me for the repairs. I assume you need specialist kit to find the leaks in the first place?

pepsilol · 24 May 2015 at 20:27

Go around with a UV torch. When it was full it would have had some dye in it. So that dye is probably still hanging around on the pipes or joints.

If you can't find any then it's prob the condenser.

Thebug · 24 May 2015 at 20:30

Just get it done properly then if there are any leaks they can help find and fix them.

Groupon deal for ats £32.95

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/dealbank_en_gb/ats-euromaster/62021292

RJC · 24 May 2015 at 20:34

I would look at a independent ac specialist, they should do a proper pressure test to determine where the leak is and then advise on the best course of action.

Majority of the time its the condenser which gets done, my Vectra went through 3, 3rd one I did myself. The odd occasion can be a pipe which has failed.

Duke · 24 May 2015 at 20:42

Sounds like you don't normally have the AC on? Best to leave it on I think, as its meant to help stop leaks.

FL630 · 24 May 2015 at 20:52

Duke said:
Sounds like you don't normally have the AC on? Best to leave it on I think, as its meant to help stop leaks.

If I'm honest I bought the car last year and knew it was faulty, I just wound the windows down last year and dealt with it that way. However now I do many more motorway miles and the wind buffet gets annoying.

I've got to replace a camshaft sensor this weekend so I'll take a good look with a UV lamp. Failing that, I'll take it to a local garage to see if they can help out.

Cheers,
Ian