What I did to my ZT at 8am this morning!

[Bob Walker]

After nearly 4 years of ownership/toil/struggle I decided after the hot spell to see if I could get my air con working. On cold it felt like the heater was turned up full blast and if I opened the windows and drove fast it spoilt my comb-over! Rang up one of my former students who's dad runs a garage and asked whether he could re-gas it. The answer came back yes and for £35.
Drove into Harrogate early this morning (its Yorkshire Show week!) parked up and his colleague plugged their very expensive machine into my car. It had no refrigerant whatsoever left in the system and he sarcastically said its an MGRover so it will have a leak! Secretly, I was thinking the same thing! Ran the 30 min vacuum test, no leak and it promptly filled it full of refrigerant!!
How cold is cold-ICE COLD!! Only trouble is that is has been raining all morning in Yorkshire! Despite this I drove back to Ripon with the air con full on just for the novelty value! Needless to say, I was freezing when I arrived back in Ripon but my comb-over was perfectly in place!
It means when I take my 95 year old mother in law for her hospital appointment on Monday she wont get heat stroke!
Best wishes to all,
Bob

[edwardmk]

Originally Posted by Bob Walker

After nearly 4 years of ownership/toil/struggle I decided after the hot spell to see if I could get my air con working. On cold it felt like the heater was turned up full blast and if I opened the windows and drove fast it spoilt my comb-over! Rang up one of my former students who's dad runs a garage and asked whether he could re-gas it. The answer came back yes and for £35.
Drove into Harrogate early this morning (its Yorkshire Show week!) parked up and his colleague plugged their very expensive machine into my car. It had no refrigerant whatsoever left in the system and he sarcastically said its an MGRover so it will have a leak! Secretly, I was thinking the same thing! Ran the 30 min vacuum test, no leak and it promptly filled it full of refrigerant!!
How cold is cold-ICE COLD!! Only trouble is that is has been raining all morning in Yorkshire! Despite this I drove back to Ripon with the air con full on just for the novelty value! Needless to say, I was freezing when I arrived back in Ripon but my comb-over was perfectly in place!
It means when I take my 95 year old mother in law for her hospital appointment on Monday she wont get heat stroke!
Best wishes to all,
Bob

Congratulations on your success.
Dumb question, but how does air con refrigerant escape from a system which tests as having no leaks?

[roverbarmy]

Originally Posted by edwardmk

Congratulations on your success.
Dumb question, but how does air con refrigerant escape from a system which tests as having no leaks?

There's no such thing as "no leaks"! It's just a question of how much and how fast! No leaks over a vacuum test period means no drop in vacuum over a specified period. This will usually give a reasonable "in service" period, hence the "recommended" air con service intervals. The refrigerant usually contains additives for lubrication and seal enhancing properties, so if you haven't had any coolant in for a long period, it can harm the system. The filter/dryer may also need replacing.

[Bob Walker]

Dear Edward and Roverbarmey
Thank you for the information, lets see how long it will keep cool. I am presuming the filter is the tube on the side of the condensor?
Edwardmk has a good point, were does the refrigerant go? Does it leak even thought the 30 min vacumm test stated no leaks??

Bob

[DMGRS]

The A/C system in these cars is quite robust - but as with anything, as it ages you'll find new issues crop up.
£35 is a bargain - the gas is currently very expensive. I would advise that if you did lose pressure in future a UV dye is added to help pinpoint the source of the leak.

The filter/dryer is part of the condenser, and is changed with it (most designs now integrate the two together).
Our offering is here, and comes with this part: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/75-...models-inc-260

I would leave it until if / when the gas escapes - then work out where the leak is and change the condenser if this is the culprit.
By now a lot of condensers need changing anyway, as the metal fins rot out (leaving just the channels, which aren't as good at getting rid of heat).

[Rogue]

Mine has never worked since i bought the car nearly 6yrs ago but I recently took mine in to be checked and regassed and they also found no refrigerant and suspected a leak but it also passed the vaccuum check. So they regassed it and added UV dye and once again nothing showing so fingers crossed it'll be ok for a while.. I paid £70 just down the road from me as it was convenient

[Bob Walker]

Thank you for all the advice and information. I was expecting the air con not to work (as a MG owner for over 40 years I have become more cynical as I get older!!) and was ready to put an order in for a new condensor and seals!! As long as it keep my 95 year old mother in law cool when I take her to her medical appointment next week-I will be pleased!
The next thing is to stop the engine rattles, one is probably the cat, having that checked out at Tony Bank's garage on Wednesday and the engine rattle which disppears when warm. Trikey reckons an engine flush and slightly thinner oil should do the trick!! Fingers and everthing else crossed!!
Then its onto a new rear bumper with parking sensors and contacting the very busy and very talented Mr Hobbs to sort out my sills!!
If I keep going at this rate I will have a new car!!! I will have to keep busking in York to pay for all the parts and repair bills!!
I still have to sort out the embarrarsing creaks on Jackie's TF (all four corners of the car!) before its MOT.
Guess what I will be doing in my 'holidays'!!!
Best wishes to all and keep cool over the next few days,
Bob

[suzublu]

May I ask why you need a new rear bumper for reverse sensors Bob? You can fit aftermarket sensors from Cisbo, very easy and your bumper is already marked on the inside for the holes 😎

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk

[Bob Walker]

I have a new one in primer in the garage, and I have a OEM sensor kit and cutter. Had it for four years, since I bought the car!! The rear bumper has a big split in it and has been whacked by the previous owner!!
I have fitted the Cisco ones to my wife's TF and they are very effective and even match the xpower colour!!
Bob

[suzublu]

Originally Posted by Bob Walker

I have a new one in primer in the garage, and I have a OEM sensor kit and cutter. Had it for four years, since I bought the car!! The rear bumper has a big split in it and has been whacked by the previous owner!!
I have fitted the Cisco ones to my wife's TF and they are very effective and even match the xpower colour!!
Bob

Ah right, well done 👍

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk