$300 for an aircon re-gas?

[Spider]

Hi, I got my aircon regassed yesterday.

It was going to cost $120 for just a re-gas but the guy said I should probably have the O-ring in the compressor replaced and the filter at the front of the car replaced. I said ok to these extras because I didn't want to waste $120 if I was just going to lose the gas anyway.

My question is: Does $300 sound right,or is that a bit steep?

[skidmarx]

Yeah about right. Not sure on the price of the drier he replaced, but genuine ones are not cheap. Labour etc. Yeah, I'd cop $300 on the chin :)

[seedyrom]

Whilst the receiver drier is a $12 part from Repco (I know, i've bought one), and the o-rings themselves are basically free for an auto-elec, I know that the sparky will charge you $40-60 for the receiver drier as a part.
The labour is obviously the killer as its a prick to replace the o ring seals. Piss easy job with the engine removed, but not so fun with the engine in.
Not impossible, just fiddly.

They haven't gouged you too much on the re-gas side of things.
My most expensive re-gas was $160, have also paid $140, $110 and most recently $100.

I've just had a hell of a time playing find the fault with my air con.
Absolute expensive nightmare.

Anyway, I don't think you should be walking with too much of a limp afterwards.

$120 regas +
$40 receiver drier +
$10 o-rings
= $170

$300 - $170 = $130 (an hour and a half labour @ $85/hour)


EDIT: they probably put dye in as well. They usually charge $40 for that as part of the sucker tax)

[Spider]

Yeah about right. Not sure on the price of the drier he replaced, but genuine ones are not cheap. Labour etc. Yeah, I'd cop $300 on the chin :)

He didn't replace the whole unit,just an O-ring.

[seedyrom]

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=112275

My issue ended up being a compressor which was leaking where the two halves are press fitted together.
What a nightmare. So many re-gasses from so many places. All gas would disappear in hours. Very expensive.
All testing would show the system holding pressure and acting normally.

Finally found a place (i've actually recommended them before and funnily enough got free o-rings from in that linked thread, but didnt go back there, cause I didn't think they were good enough). They use nitrogen to extreme pressure test the system whilst the engine is running. Everyone else previously just had a simple pressure gauage and pump which is done with the car turned off.
Anyway, with the car running, you could see nitrogen pouring out the compressor.
So yeah, air con ... what a nightmare

[macca_779]

He didn't replace the whole unit,just an O-ring.

The drier is the component at the front. Not a filter as you put it.

Got my gas topped up just over a month ago. $50. Car has never had any A/C work done to it prior so I was lucky it only needed gas


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

[macca_779]

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=112275

My issue ended up being a compressor which was leaking where the two halves are press fitted together.
What a nightmare. So many re-gasses from so many places. All gas would disappear in hours. Very expensive.
All testing would show the system holding pressure and acting normally.

Finally found a place (i've actually recommended them before and funnily enough got free o-rings from in that linked thread, but didnt go back there, cause I didn't think they were good enough). They use nitrogen to extreme pressure test the system whilst the engine is running. Everyone else previously just had a simple pressure gauage and pump which is done with the car turned off.
Anyway, with the car running, you could see nitrogen pouring out the compressor.
So yeah, air con ... what a nightmare

Odd thy didn't try re gas it with the car running in the first place. That's how they did mine. I'm getting on a fridgee course next year. Good ticket to have.


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

[seedyrom]

I think also to do with the pressure difference. Apparently (and I dont know for sure), they can pump serious psi in with nitrogen testing, or the gas escapes easier than the r154a refrigerant. I dunno, you'll know soon.

$50 for regas?
****, must have some serious competition and in and outs up there to only charge that much. I can picture it obviously, ut I thought you'd have a huge NT location tax for that.

[Spider]

The drier is the component at the front. Not a filter as you put it.

Got my gas topped up just over a month ago. $50. Car has never had any A/C work done to it prior so I was lucky it only needed gas


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Oh ok,the dude called it a filter.

Thanks everyone,I feel better now.

[abrowne70]

The drier is the filter of the AC system.
$50 for regas is bloody cheap.
We pressure test cars that we cant find the leak with nitrogen and if its leaking you dont need much pressure and it will just leak out and you can easily hear it.

Also the drier should be replaced whenever you get a regas, and im pretty sure its illegal to "top up" and AC system

[Micks]

Few here seem unaware you cannot just top up a car air system!!
The refrigerant R134a is a controlled substance & doesn't just leak for no reason! So yes other parts & equipment will be required to guarantee a leak free system. Do you really wanna keep going back & back to the repairer?

Cheers
VYT

[Spider]

Few here seem unaware you cannot just top up a car air system!!
The refrigerant R134a is a controlled substance & doesn't just leak for no reason! So yes other parts & equipment will be required to guarantee a leak free system. Do you really wanna keep going back & back to the repairer?

Cheers
VYT

Not me. That's why I agreed to the seal and dryer change.

[macca_779]

Few here seem unaware you cannot just top up a car air system!!
The refrigerant R134a is a controlled substance & doesn't just leak for no reason! So yes other parts & equipment will be required to guarantee a leak free system. Do you really wanna keep going back & back to the repairer?

Cheers
VYT

Your right. Loose schrader valve in my case. Cost nothing for me to fix that.

[HSV590]

Few here seem unaware you cannot just top up a car air system!!
The refrigerant R134a is a controlled substance & doesn't just leak for no reason! So yes other parts & equipment will be required to guarantee a leak free system. Do you really wanna keep going back & back to the repairer?

Cheers
VYT

True, I work in the auto parts industry and I often have guys telling me they go to their usual AC guy to do the annual "top up" for summer. There's a pretty good reason why they need more gas, they have a leak, and yes, it's illegal for the repairer to throw gas into a vehicle and not actually "fix" the leak.
When people tell me they need a gas top up I often use the example of the home refrigerator and ask them how often they need the appliance guy to come to their home and top the gas up in their fridge...
To the OP, $300 sounds around the mark for what you've had done..

[VXSS346]

From this, I guess the its safe to assume that if the A/C works there is no need to touch it.

I've always thought annual A/C servicing :lmao: is a waste of money.

A VP commodore I owned from 3 years old, is now almost 20 years old and is still in the family. The A/C has never been touched and still works today. :)

I've had my SS since new, it is now approaching 11 years old and I've never touched the A/C, still works today. :)

I've always run it weekly. I guess I must be doing something right? Or maybe I'm just lucky?

[Micks]

Absolutely spot on, a quick turn on each week will save the shaft seal in the comp. This is why the old Nissan Pulsars use to engage the clutch on the comp every time you put em in reverse for that reason.

Cheers
VYT

[abrowne70]

From this, I guess the its safe to assume that if the A/C works there is no need to touch it.

I've always thought annual A/C servicing :lmao: is a waste of money.

A VP commodore I owned from 3 years old, is now almost 20 years old and is still in the family. The A/C has never been touched and still works today. :)

I've had my SS since new, it is now approaching 11 years old and I've never touched the A/C, still works today. :)

I've always run it weekly. I guess I must be doing something right? Or maybe I'm just lucky?

5minutes a week prolongs the life extremely

[Mick1]

From this, I guess the its safe to assume that if the A/C works there is no need to touch it.

How about if the AC is just 'cool', not ice-cold, would it need a regas?

[***VX*R8***]

5minutes a week prolongs the life extremely
That'd probably explain why after not using my car for 6 months the aircon suddenly blows hot air.

[VXSS346]

How about if the AC is just 'cool', not ice-cold, would it need a regas?

I'd say it probably has a leak then.

[LSavvy]

Few here seem unaware you cannot just top up a car air system!!
The refrigerant R134a is a controlled substance & doesn't just leak for no reason! So yes other parts & equipment will be required to guarantee a leak free system. Do you really wanna keep going back & back to the repairer?

Cheers
VYT

While yes it is controlled, the gas doesn't last forever in a auto system, Most systems can run for 5-7+ years without issue, jap systems even longer. However over time the R134a leaks (or disappears) out at a greater rate than the R12 did,. R134a is "thinner" and requires more frequent service. I often use the example of tyres needing a top up every now and then that don't have a "leak", if theres no leak where is the air going?

Comparing auto A/C and domestic/commercial or kitchen fridges is not the same, commercial/residential tend to use copper piping and not put through conditions that an auto A/C gets on the road using flexible hoses, alloy pipes, engine heat and vibration etc.


True, I work in the auto parts industry and I often have guys telling me they go to their usual AC guy to do the annual "top up" for summer. There's a pretty good reason why they need more gas, they have a leak, and yes, it's illegal for the repairer to throw gas into a vehicle and not actually "fix" the leak.
When people tell me they need a gas top up I often use the example of the home refrigerator and ask them how often they need the appliance guy to come to their home and top the gas up in their fridge...
To the OP, $300 sounds around the mark for what you've had done..


So if a guy brings his never been A/C serviced 2000 camry or Accord in and tells you it doesn't cool like it did when it was new when it is 35deg, but is still cold but not crispy. You can definetly tell me theres a leak if it needs 100-150gms over it's 11yo life? Yes it's a good opportunity to change the dryer and the two orings now and tell him you fixed his leak and send him on his way for another 10yrs.

A car needing a "top up" yearly has a leak no doubt about it and topping it up is dodgy practice.....

[abrowne70]

You shouldn't know that it only needs 100-150 grams over 11 yrs, while im not disagreeing with you but if its not as crispy as it was then it needs an A/C service, new drier, o rings and a complete change of gas.

[HSV590]

While yes it is controlled, the gas doesn't last forever in a auto system, Most systems can run for 5-7+ years without issue, jap systems even longer. However over time the R134a leaks (or disappears) out at a greater rate than the R12 did,. R134a is "thinner" and requires more frequent service. I often use the example of tyres needing a top up every now and then that don't have a "leak", if theres no leak where is the air going?

Comparing auto A/C and domestic/commercial or kitchen fridges is not the same, commercial/residential tend to use copper piping and not put through conditions that an auto A/C gets on the road using flexible hoses, alloy pipes, engine heat and vibration etc.




So if a guy brings his never been A/C serviced 2000 camry or Accord in and tells you it doesn't cool like it did when it was new when it is 35deg, but is still cold but not crispy. You can definetly tell me theres a leak if it needs 100-150gms over it's 11yo life? Yes it's a good opportunity to change the dryer and the two orings now and tell him you fixed his leak and send him on his way for another 10yrs.

A car needing a "top up" yearly has a leak no doubt about it and topping it up is dodgy practice.....

An A/C system, refrigeration or automotive is a "sealed system", for it to be down on gas it "must" have a leak, simple as that. It may be the smallest of leaks like from a valve or something similar that may take years to reduce that gas level, but guaranteed, if it's down on performance beacuse it's low on gas, it has a leak!!

[feistl]

An A/C system, refrigeration or automotive is a "sealed system", for it to be down on gas it "must" have a leak, simple as that. It may be the smallest of leaks like from a valve or something similar that may take years to reduce that gas level, but guaranteed, if it's down on performance beacuse it's low on gas, it has a leak!!

On that basis, then EVERY SINGLE CAR every made technically has a "leak". While it is a sealed system, it is not 100% perfectly sealed and i would expect some loss of pressure over a long enough time frame. Mostly because of the rubber hoses...

[the big fist]

Correct,
We had a very annoying leak in some brand new plant at work.
The Good Year Galaxy AC hose was actually allowing the gas to leak out through the hose. The hose had tiny pin holes all along it.
Lucky the supplier took all the hose back !

[HSV590]

Correct,
We had a very annoying leak in some brand new plant at work.
The Good Year Galaxy AC hose was actually allowing the gas to leak out through the hose. The hose had tiny pin holes all along it.
Lucky the supplier took all the hose back !

Interesting to hear your experience with the Goodyear hose, had the same issues with it leaking out the "weep" holes too...

[the big fist]

We were using it for it's reduced OD. Made it a nice fit, smaller fittings etc.
Switched back to the normal size hose and no more problems.
I believe a lot of it was recalled.

[exwrx]

Good info guys.

Can anyone recommend an aircon specialist in Melbourne?

[nate698]

On that basis, then EVERY SINGLE CAR every made technically has a "leak". While it is a sealed system, it is not 100% perfectly sealed and i would expect some loss of pressure over a long enough time frame. Mostly because of the rubber hoses...

That's completely incorrect every car from production has to be pressure tested evacuated to below 500 microns then gased up . If it does not pass one or either of these tests it has a leak or moisture in the system and can not legally be commissioned until repaired no car out of factors would be released without this done it would be 100% sealed system leaving factory . However I do agree that in most cases rubber hoses are to blame for loss of refrigerant . In any case if a system is short it must be pressure tested leak found evacuated to below 500 then charged . To charge without repairing a leak is completely illegal with huge fines . Although I do take some issue to one week wonder courses that allows a mechanic or electrician to do something that has taken me 4 years to be accredited to do every one who does this course is well aware of the rules and penalties but none seem to find it much of an issue and we continue to see threads about ac being topped up . I commend all those who leak detect properly and fix the issue .

If your told your ac needed a gas top up ask the question !!! "where was the leak?" otherwise you will be back there in a month or 6 months guaranteed . If they say no leak just needed gas it's bull .

Don't mean to rant and like I said Thankyou to those doing the right thing by our industry

[Hi Octane]

It will contine unless its policed.. No ones going to worry about A/c in the Auto industry when you have douches pink slipping drag cars with Number plates, rotarys pumping raw fuel out the exhaust.

[Micks]

We were using it for it's reduced OD. Made it a nice fit, smaller fittings etc.
Switched back to the normal size hose and no more problems.
I believe a lot of it was recalled.

Trouble with modern refrigerants they run @ much higher pressures. Leaks can happen @ any joint as these gasses permeate. When R134a was first released would basically eat through normal Orings & gaskets. Mostly the green nitrile ones are used. Certainly all rubber hoses used must be suitable for the application.

Cheers
VYT

[the big fist]

Yeah, but the hose we were using was proper ac hose meeting SAE J2064.
It was just dodgy !

[aussiemuscle308]

Apparently (and I dont know for sure), they can pump serious psi in with nitrogen testing, or the gas escapes easier than the r154a refrigerant. I dunno

i don't know what the primary component of r154a is, but the nitrogen atom is probably a lot smaller and will escape through smaller cracks. hydrogen atom is the smallest and it can escape from airtight containers as a result.

[ratter]

i don't know what the primary component of r154a is, but the nitrogen atom is probably a lot smaller and will escape through smaller cracks.

Air con gas will leach through the rubber hoses