Vr statesman a/c problem unknown

[Torkytowel]

Hi guys, I have checked other posts and am trying trouble trying to find a problem closely related.
In Dec last year I had to get my air con regassed as it wasn't blowing cold air.
This at the time fixed the problem and the mechanic said there didn't seem to be any leaks. This worked well on numerous occaisions until last Friday night on the way home from work when it was 31 degrees - just blew ambient air.
When I got home I checked all the fuses etc which seem fine and then noticed when I put the A/C on that the compressor doesn't seem to be kicking in. Is it possible that the gas escaped from a leak that quickly?
Is there something I can check or test to try and eliminate the problem?
Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

[Brett_jjj]

Yes it is possible to loose the AC gas that fast.I had the same thing happen,lost its gas in about 8 weeks.I had a regas done,the AC had stopped working, it turned out one of the AC hoses was leaking,which I replaced then got another regas + dye.Its now been over 12 months and its still working fine.The AC specialist can put this special dye in the system with the new gas,this will make it easier to find a leak if the system gets a leak.Im not sure how to tell if the gas is gone though,I just took mine back to where they did the regas after it stopped working again, and they found the leaking AC hose.

[Torkytowel]

Thanks Brett, I'll get that dye test done for sure. Do you think there could be any other problems with the compressor or evap?

[Brett_jjj]

Get the AC specialist to check it out while your there,they should be able to give you an idea on the general condition of the different AC system parts and tell you if anything needs replacing.

[Torkytowel]

Apart from Brett JJJ's good comment, what does anyone else think?
Anyone else had this problem??

[descentia]

I don't have a statesman, just a common vs exec, but same prob and was the compressor. Everything else replaced and car re-gassed twice before they figured it out... Second hand compressor pretty cheap to pick up though.

[Torkytowel]

Thanks. What about fitting? Does it take long and difficulty level? I'd like to have a crack myself....

[hako]

There is a very easy way to find out if the A/C has any gas left - just locate the Schrader valve fitting on the A/C pressure line above the A/C compressor - press the tit briefly with a match or similar and if you hear a healthy hiss it's got gas....if nothing then it's empty. The pix indicates the fitting on my Exec - I've removed the black plastic cap to show the valve.

[Torkytowel]

Thanks Hako, will give this a try this arvo and let you know how I go. Cheers

[5ltvsstaty]

G'day it is possible for the low pressure switch to shut down the comp and still have gas in it as they don't let the pressure get too low. If when they regassed your system and they used the dye get a UV light and check around all your fittings and the front of the comp but i would say a crook hose or compressor seal if it is comp be wary of s/hand units if they sit around too long the seals are usually stuffed in them and be ultra careful of not getting even the tiniest speck of dirt in the system

[Brett_jjj]

The system can still have some gas in it,but if its pressure has dropped from a leak in the system,the HI/LOW pressure switch will stop the compressor from coming on so the AC wont work.The system has to have the gas above a certain pressure otherwise it wont turn on.

[Torkytowel]

Thanks guys. It's good it's a long weekend, hopefully not all problem solving though...

[Torkytowel]

That was a good test to do. Thanks Hako. It had no gas as there was no hiss when I pressed in the valve. So does this mean it JUST a leak from o-rings etc or could there be still probs with the main components like evap or compressor?
Cheers

[Torkytowel]

Does anyone know?? Please??

[jay_wr8]

i dont really know anything about a.c's but sounds like it could be leaking from anywhere, probably be worth getting the die test done before you go fixing stuff that isn't broke

[hako]

It means the system is empty - they must find the leak before they can refil. If you are lucky it may just be an "O" ring leaking somewhere but if it's the evaporator in the cabin be prepared for a bill over $1000.
If you take it to an A/C bloke, they will fill it with some gas with a dye in it to locate the leak. Then you can decide if you want them to fix it or, if it's the evaporator, you can do it yourself and save 8hrs labour to remove/replace the unit. You will still ne a refill so at a guess you are up for a minimum of $300 to a max of over $1000 but those figures are rubbery.
Good Luck and I hope it's something simple.