Recharging Air-Con

[muckypup]

Normally the air-con on Harlequin (a westerbeke 17,000btu unit) doesn't get that much use, but a couple of weekends ago it was nearly 35degc inside and I decided to run it for a while.

It started up fine, plenty of cooling water peeing out the back of the boat, plenty of air being blown around the craft... all of it at room temperature.

After leafing though the manual, the only suggestion it had was that the refrigerant needed recharging.

Is this something I could do, or would I need to get someone in to get it sorted out?

Steve

 

[spannerman]

To recharge a system you have to first evacuate it as there is no way of knowing how much gas is left in the system, and if it has lost any of the oil that lubes the compressor.
Then when it has been evacuated by vacuum pump, the system is checked for leaks by seeing if it holds the vacuum.
If it does then a measured amount of refrigerant is allowed to flow in along with a measured amount of oil.
This all requires specialist equipment and knowledge of the system as if you get it wrong , too much gas or too little oil, it will knacker the compressor

 

[rob2]

Perhaps Spannerman is being over cautious - but he's right. A new compressor will cost you dear, so get an expert with the proper charging manifold to check out and recharge the system!

 

[reeac]

[ QUOTE ]
Normally the air-con on Harlequin (a westerbeke 17,000btu unit) doesn't get that much use, but a couple of weekends ago it was nearly 35degc inside and I decided to run it for a while.

It started up fine, plenty of cooling water peeing out the back of the boat, plenty of air being blown around the craft... all of it at room temperature.

After leafing though the manual, the only suggestion it had was that the refrigerant needed recharging.

Is this something I could do, or would I need to get someone in to get it sorted out?

Steve

[/ QUOTE ]

A former colleague spent a few years in Washington D.C. and told me that he once recharged an A/C system in an old car using an aerosol can of the right stuff which was sold for just that purpose. I've never heard of anything like this being available in the UK.

 

[Drascomber]

[ QUOTE ]
. . told me that he once recharged an A/C system in an old car using an aerosol can of the right stuff which was sold for just that purpose. I've never heard of anything like this being available in the UK.

[/ QUOTE ]

I found such cans in a large branch of Halfords. Look like big aerosols with a dial on top. Haven't used one though as the car was professionally recharged last year.

 

[savageseadog]

I don't think it's too technical for someone with a bit of engineering know how and the ability to lash up vacuum pumps etc. Most of what you need to know is online but you will need to filter the wheat from the chaff. One issue would be the class of refrigerant, yes Halfords do something DIY other source of stuff is ebay.

 

[toad]

If you want to use the aerosol type get them now as they are in the processes of banning non refillable containers and anyone handling refrigerant must be licensed .

 

[scarlett]

I did a leaking fridge once. I bought the cylinder and fittings from a firm with a name like HCL. If it is like the compressor pump on my car if it is left unused, even in winter, the seal on the shaft gives up and you will lose the gas again.

If you do put some in, do it 25 grams a day at a time until it is working ok but don't overdo it.

Best of luck.

 

[muckypup]

hmm... I will have a look out for the aerosol cans and have a look at the manual (luckly when the previous owner installed the aircon he left the full manual set on board) and see what the connections etc are like.

Thanks
S.

 

[FullCircle]

AS a tip, ensure that you run the AC every time you get on the boat, just to keep the seals lubricated on the shaft, which will prolong the charge in the system as it wont leak out if the seals are kept pliable and working.
In the interests of the planet, please have a mobile pro bring his recovery unit down and get a full proper charge. If you dont vacuum down the system properly it will bugger the seals as the air in the system will condense, and the unit wont reach full operating power.
The recharge should be no more than a hundred quid tops, and if you system is any good, and you keep it worked, you should get a good 2 years out of it before recharge. Suggest you call in the mobile car a/c bloke in the winter when the boat is on the hard.

Not much need for a/c this year!

 

[Avocet]

Before you do anything else, look on the system components to see what the refrigerant is. It is often on a plate attached to the compressor and also painted on the receiver / dryer unit.

If it is an older system, it might use "R12" as a refrigerant which is now banned. Current cars use R134a and that's what ypu'll get if you buy one of the top-up kits from Halfrauds. THE TWO ARE NOT COMPATIBLE and you'll do your system a lot of damage if you mix the two!

IF you find that your system's refrigerant is on the banned list, you need to think hard about whether the system is worth doing anything with. Some refrigerants attack the seals used in others so everything must be changed. There are various substitute refrigerants available but not everyone likes them. Some have reputations for not working very well (at best) and others are reputed to trash your system for you!

 

[muckypup]

Gonna go with the advice on this one and check out the unit and docs in detail before I do or buy anything.

Thanks everyone for the advice on this, I know next to nothing about aircon units.

S.

 

[William_H]

The obvious first thing to check is whether the compressor has power to it. Is it a sealed unit like a domestic fridge or a/c running on AC mains? or is it mechanically driven by the main engine or another external motor.
The seal warnings are more relevan to the external motor type car a/c compressors which should be run a little often. You will be able to tell if the compressor is being driven fairly easily.
The sealed unit types are not so prone to refrigerant loss but of course you have additional plumbing which can be asource of leaks. The sealed unit types will vibrate and make a noise if they are powered up.
Yes your best bet is to get professional help with the evacuation, checking for leaks and recharge.

By comparison I had my son's car aircon recharged recently. The guy evacuated and it seemed to hold the vaccuum so he recharged it. It only lasted for a few weeks. He only charged around 50 squid but any further investigation or replacement will be alot more expensive so now no A/C. good luck to you olewill