AC system leaking gas

[john 05141]

I used to re-charge my AC every 2 years. Temperatures are not so hot here so I do not use the AC all that often. But I do turn it on every now and them, even during a condition / battery charge-winter drive. I now need to recharge again after one year, obviously she's leaking AC gas. The system was updated by the previous owner, but I think the tubing is still original. The AC worked very well all the time, still does now, but she needs a recharge. (fans and relay react every 3 seconds) Costs 100€ here in Belgium to recharge the AC, so I think I should do something about that.

It is not the type of work I'd do myself and I was told this is costly because the frame needs to be separated for this job. Is that true? I guess it is best to just replace the whole tubing, any have an idea how much this costs, or how much time is required to do this?

John

[David T]

The hoses should be replaced. SpecialT sells "split" hoses so you can do it easily without removing the body. You should also replace the accumulator/dryer and drain and refill the compressor with fresh oil.
David Teitelbaum

[john 05141]

Thanks David.
I assume the draining of oil in the compressor is part of maintenance and has nothing to do with leakage. Replacing the accumulator, why does it need to be replaced?
Are these part of necessary services for the AC, or health issues? I always assumed a regular recharge would be all that's necessary. I'm learning...

John

[Bitsyncmaster]

It all depends how long you leave the system open to the air if you should change the accumulator. Also depends on how good of a vacuum pump you have and how long you e vac it.

But since your pulling the hose, I would change the orifice just for good measure. It has a screen on it and always good to replace since it's a cheap part.

[David T]

I do not recommend replacing the orifice tube unless you can see the insides of the system are contaminated. Too easy to damage the tube to the evap coil and now you have to remove the dash to get the heater box out. A BIG job. You do the oil because as you lose refrigerant you also lose oil. Typically when you get topped off with more refrigerant they never add any oil to make up for what is lost. After a couple of times you are low on oil. The accumulator/dryer gets replaced because it is like a filter and it absorbs moisture. Eventually it gets "overloaded" and cannot function anymore so it has to be replaced. It also holds some oil and if the oil is contaminated you cannot get it out so it is just best to replace it.
David Teitelbaum