what gas to recharge my air con???

[ballmysta23]

well my air con no longer puts out cold air, and in this weather, i really need it (no t bar on my motor!!)

so i asked my mate who fits air con if he could sort it, but he said he needs to know what type of gas my car takes, a code or something???

can anyone help?? [-o<

[waelwulfas]

You're 'mate' can only fill R134a, or face some serious penalties for even storing the older gases. He can check the fill valves to see if will straight fill; if it's an older system I undestand the valves can be changed easily, R134a and an additive will then go okay.

[Stef Derner]

It's not true that you can only fit R134a. There is available a gas called Isceon 49 which is a drop in replacement for the older gases. It contains a lubricant and other additives that will mean you don't have to replace the seals.
It isn't quite as efficient as R134a but in the UK I doubt you'll notice the difference. When you get your car regassed, make sure you run the aircon at least once a month for ten minutes, even through the winter, to keep the seals working, if they dry out, all your gas will leak away and you'll have to have another regas.

[sadako]

Someone from the states was telling me about a new gas for aircon.

Apparently the code for it is 12a, and is supposedly a friendlier replacement than the old R-12 CFC refrigerant they are not allowed to use anymore but is more efficient and less toxic than 134a.

Dont know if this applies over here tho

[mr2daz]

Just to add to the other posts here. I had mine re-gassed a while ago because it wasn't as cold as it should be. Cost me £50 but it still should be colder. I know now I would have been better off with a full air-con service which at the garage I used would have cost me £90 which includes a top-up but there is a new part needed (Sorry forgot what it's called) even though there is no leakage. The part costs no more than £100 including fitting and it's not uncommon for it to wear out every 2 or 3 years depending on usage.
In other words I wasted £50 on just having a top-up!!