I still have a pressure gauge which came with a DIY top up kit, I connect the pressure gauge once in a while if I suspect the AC of being “off colour”.......not sure if the HP connectors are the same fitting as the older gas (R134a).

Thinking about it they should be a different fitting to prevent accidental filling of the wrong gas, but then again that would be too logical!  David

Please let me know if my comments upset you, I may wish to upset you again.

martinf wrote:

I just arranged a service for my L405 as it will be 3 years old shortly.

The dealer suggested that I have the AirCon serviced which involves replacing all the refrigerant at a cost of £250! Apparently the refrigerant in the L405 is much more expensive than in older vehicles.

This is not something that Porsche have suggested on my Boxster or BMW on my Cooper S so my question is whether it has any advantages and, also, do JLR include it in their service schedule?

Getting back to the OP, my experience was that the cooling on the drivers side of the car was not as effective as the passenger side. I have seen other threads on here stating the same issue when the Aircon is due a re-charge.

I've just had mine done by Halfords using the newer gas (R1234YF) and both sides of the car are now ice cool £120.

Reading online and trying to avoid the sales BS, it would appear the pipes used in car Aircon systems are very slightly porous, hence a gradual loss of gas over time.

So advice would be, if it's working don't touch it and if it needs a re-gas, shop around the Interweb for the best price  SDV8 AB MY 2019
SDV8 VSE MY 2015 - Gone
5.0 S/C AB MY 2010 - Gone
4.2 S/C VSE MY 2006 - Gone

How would you know if it is not working Andy?

In my case, the recent hot weather highlighted that the drivers side would blow only moderately coldish air even when the 'max A/C' button was activated. SDV8 AB MY 2019
SDV8 VSE MY 2015 - Gone
5.0 S/C AB MY 2010 - Gone
4.2 S/C VSE MY 2006 - Gone

Ours might be due a re-charge then. Everything seems a little slow. Thanks.

Please guys, don't buy it, unless there is a problem the car ac shouldn't need a recharge.

As said before, a drier is fitted because its near on impossible to remove all moisture. A very very good vac pump will pull 2 torr, 0 torr is impossible. In order for air to get in gas has to come out, the system would need to run on a vacuum and the pressure switches ensure this wouldn't happen.

Gas change is a load of bull. You remind me of a young me, not much younger mind, perhaps even a little older!

pld118 wrote:

Ours might be due a re-charge then. Everything seems a little slow. Thanks.

A pleasure Ryan, I am cool and happy now!  SDV8 AB MY 2019
SDV8 VSE MY 2015 - Gone
5.0 S/C AB MY 2010 - Gone
4.2 S/C VSE MY 2006 - Gone

sasdiscos wrote:

Please guys, don't buy it, unless there is a problem the car ac shouldn't need a recharge.

As said before, a drier is fitted because its near on impossible to remove all moisture. A very very good vac pump will pull 2 torr, 0 torr is impossible. In order for air to get in gas has to come out, the system would need to run on a vacuum and the pressure switches ensure this wouldn't happen.

Gas change is a load of bull.

Thats why i said unless some thing is wrong. Gas shouldn't leak out, the only point of exit is the shaft seal on the compressor. And that shouldn't leak either. All other components should be gas tight. There is no porus pipes etc, they may become porus after 15 to 20 years but not within the first few thats for sure.

If you want to waste your money feel free, unless its broke don't touch it. FACT!

Steve You remind me of a young me, not much younger mind, perhaps even a little older!

By law, the R134a systems can legally (and by design) lose upto 10% of its gas content

I have never found a system that is 100% completely sealed, and does not deplete...

A system that does not have a leak generally needs done every 4/5years to maintain maximum efficiency

Had mine done on Monday at an approved L R shop they carried out all the L R tests and reported it all within L R tolerances but nowhere as cold as my old L355

cheezels's posts on this thread about the drier are 100% correct.

I also have worked on large air con and large fridge room plants for many years, I have NEVER EVER heard of changing gas due to length of time in use. This is pure and utter B/S.

Once a system is initialised and working correctly, the ONLY ways you can get moisture in the system are -
Introducing contaminated gas/liquid to the system.
Introduction of air into the system via incorrect maintenance
Air being allowed into system through a failed component ( ie holed pipe, damaged seal ) after all gas has been lost and pressure equals atmospheric pressure.

It is possible to lose oil from within the system and reduce lubrication, BUT if you are losing oil then you will be losing gas and end up with no gas!

If a system is working correctly then leave it alone.

if that is all true why is it that a re-gas improves the 'coldness' of the AC.. ... - .- -.




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Because you have lost some of the gas through the compressor seals....