Air conditioning recharge 8

Air conditioning recharge (R12) 8

(17) Increase the engine speed to 2000 rpm and check that the refrigerant passing the sight glass is clear of bubbles. If a continuous stream of bubbles still persists, the refrigerant charge should be increased until the bubbles are no longer present.

(18) If the refrigerant foams and settles away from the sight glass in less than 45 seconds after switching off, then the system is correctly charged.

(19) If the refrigerant in the sight glass remains clear for more than 45 seconds after switching off before foaming and settling away from the glass then the system is overcharged. Depressing one of the Schrader valves will discharge refrigerant to the atmosphere and R12 refrigerant contains CFCs that are harmful to the environment. Therefore, any excess refrigerant should be recovered and safely disposed of.

(20) Once you are done, replace the relay cover in the front boot and the dust cap for the service Schrader valve on the air con compressor.

All science is either physics or stamp collecting.

(Ernest Rutherford)

Verdict:

I’m delighted to have freezing cold air con again!

This is an easy job and although the refrigerant used is expensive (around £50) Esprit owners can get a discount at Autokool and you should have enough left over to top up your system several times.