W124 recharge A/C with R134a?

[LoveMercs]

I've had a '93 E320 coupe for a couple of years and the A/C has never chilled air much (if at all). The label on the radiator says it takes R134a.

I'm not desperate to get it going (I mean, how often do we experience hot summers like this here in the UK?) but if I could do so for < £100 it would be worth it.

Any advice welcome! Halfords offer a £60 "recharge and clean" service... opinions?

 

[John Laidlaw]

If it’s been unused for several years the seals could be dried out and cracked and other issues. Like most machines they need to be used and lubricated...
So it might be worth a punt at £60 but don’t be surprised if it’s fubared
Nowadays I wouldn’t be without AC personally

 

[Botus]

on a car that age.... if in serviceable condition (working) with the engine started, set temp dial to max cooling and with the interior fan running, you should hear a massive clunk under the bonnet when the AC compressor cuts in (note the interior AC on off switch: on big cars light on = off, small cars light on = on). If this clunk isn't happening then you could be low on gas / broken for another reason. If you always had the clunk and used it regularly you might be OK re John's points.

R134a is normal AC gas for last 20 years (just being phased out on brand new stuff). Other places could do it better but not so easy to come by.

If you have the clunk I'd get it filled up, using is good for the system, leaving it off is bad news

 

[Tomkinsm]

It's worthing having it re-gassed. I had mine done by Kwikfit a few weeks ago - they offer a service for about £60 with a guarantee that they only charge you if it's working afterwards. So you have nothing to lose...

 

[Chrishazle]

Groupon have an offer from ATS Euromaster for £34 ATM.

https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/ats-euromaster-ltd-11

 

[LoveMercs]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I opted to buy an ATS Euromaster Groupon voucher recharge and clean (as per Chishazle's recommendation) which I shall redeem next week. They test the seals and if they fail they don't charge for the service.

I'll let you know how it went.

 

[fabes]

The replacement gas is causing a few headaches (figuratively speaking)

To avoid ozone depleting properties it is propane based....
A tad explosive
Also, it doesn't have the lubricating properties of the current, gas (which will led to leaks of combustible / flammable gas)

As I said, a few headaches

(including for retailers of air-conditioning units and fridges which now have to use this gas, albeit with seals designed for this gas - unlike cars a few years older or more - due to DSEAR and other H&S accumulation regs)

Pass the aspirin...

 

[Botus]

ummmm, we don't need an other fridge in a block of flats igniting !

 

[LoveMercs]

Took the old girl in to ATS Euromaster and they seem to have got the Aircon up and running. Need some more hot weather to really test it.

Thanks for all the replies!