Air conditioning re-gassing???

[Ant]

Nissan Safari A/C is not working, i think it just needs re-gassing as it blows cold if i bypass the pressure witch. I realize that re-gassing might only work for a short time depending on leaks... Where is a good (Cheap ) place to get re-gassed? can i do it myself? How do i know what type of gas it uses? Its a 93 Safari which i think is about the time they phased out the old gas and introduced the new/safer gas so could be either?

[shortylux]

Look at the charge ports. If it is a 1/4" flare fitting (you can see a taper and a male thread) then you have R12 gas, which is the old one and in theory no one can regas it for you with out converting to the new gas. Converting basically involves reclaiming the old gas, changing the oil and then vac and charge with new gas.

If the charge ports look more like a male air hose fitting you have the new gas, R134a. Which any AC person will have.

While you can buy the gas, you can't do the job yourself as it requires several special tools. Gauges and a good vac pump at the very least. (Also you would have to buy 13kg of gas and you only need 600-800 grams)

You may be able to find someone to do you a cheap deal, ie just topping it up, but there is a chance that is a waste of your money. A pressure test would be fairly cheap (reclaim what is left of your gas, then pressure test with nitrogen). This will let you know what kind of, if any, leak you have. Given your truck is 20 years old, it's possible it has lost the gas with out really having a leak (like a balloon losses air). If nothing or tiny leak then you can get it evacuated and re-gassed (with a trace die if there is evidence of a leak). If someone is doing a proper job, expect somewhere around $200 for a basic regas.

[on2it]

It's been awhile, but I had the old system, so had to get a mobile guy to visit convert and regas. It cost 160 from memory. If I can find his card tomorrow I'll post up.

[Ant]

bugger, looks like I have the old one. it looks like a slightly over sized tyre valve. on2it if you can or if anyone else has a contact for a reliable AC guy. if its gonna be expensive ill just roll the window down. its just nice on those gravel roads in the middle of summer

[on2it]

Can't find the business card but I'm sure it was one of these guys (I called a few and they visited my truck when it was in the shop for something else)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/services/trade ... 921814.htm
http://www.mobileautoelectrician.co.nz
http://paylessauto.co.nz

I would call all of them up for a quote anyway to get the best one.

[Ant]

Thanks for that, much appriciated

[rodeorunach]

Any reson why the small top up
Tins are not in nz was looking at them
At walmart in the usa

[kbushnz]

Any reson why the small top up
Tins are not in nz was looking at them
At walmart in the usa

I think you need to be licensed to buy the gas... Not for sale to the general public...Something like that...
But it doesn't stop the odd one turning up on Trademe...

[rodeorunach]

About $34.00 us

[shortylux]

No licence required to buy the gas in Nz YET. It's coming though.
Not sure on the top up canisters. Probably becuase it reinforces the idea that topping up a leaking system is ok (which is basically the same as knowingly releasing it to atmosphere) which is just not a real environmentally friendly line of thought.