a/c unit can never run out, unless it has a fault, as it is a sealed unit. Is this so? I thought a/c just naturally ran its course and had to be recharged every so often. Any clues?
2007-08-17 10:38:16 · 24 answers · asked by Mandy R 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You need to go apologize to your father for posting this question here this way. He is 100% right. Any system that needs recharging does so because a leak has developed. If you recharge that system without fixing the leak, it will leak out again eventually. That is why so many vehicles need recharging every so often. The reason so many systems do leak is because of the fact that they are in a moving vehicle with frequent severe temperature changes. I expect to see a written apology here shortly after you apologize to your father. (though I doubt I'll ever see it)
2007-08-17 13:20:04 · answer #1 · answered by Ron B 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A car air conditioning unit is basically the same as a refrigerator except that air is passed over the cooling coil and then into the car. If you are lucky and no faults occur in the unit, it will last as long as the car.
However, it is possible that a fault will occur such as the compressor unit suffering mechanical breakdown or the gas circuit developing a leak. Both of these would require major repair.In this event, very often, replacement of the whole unit is the most cost effective solution.
2007-08-17 10:52:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the normal system in a car a/c is to have a compressor with the drive pulley connected by an electric clutch. The drive shaft of the compressor passes through a shaft seal that keeps the refrigerant inside. Since this seal allows rotation, it will leak a tiny bit. Also the flexible lines connecting the engine mounted compressor to the fixed pipes in the bodywork will be a tiny bit porous. Probably a 5 year old system will work ok (mine does) but perhaps not quite as well as a brand new system. the refrigerant carries the lubricant through the compressor, so if it is lost or low the compressor will will eventually fail.
2007-08-17 21:35:51 · answer #3 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In theory, Dad's right, in practice you're right.
Vehicle air con units do tend to lose a little gas over time and eventually will need recharging, some sooner than others. It is however pointless just recharging without having the system properly checked, otherwise if there is a leak you'll just lose the new gas.
The environment they live in is totally different from a refrigerator, they're subject to wide temperature swings, vibration, movement etc . . .
Now shake hands and agree with each other
2007-08-17 23:37:57 · answer #4 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The air-con is a sealed unit.
However, the sealing of the unit is not perfect, and the system can lose some charge over time, making it less efficient.
Most manufacturers in Europe recommend a re-charge every 3 or 4 years.
2007-08-19 21:03:16 · answer #5 · answered by Neil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A/c systems like brake systems are sealed and do function until something breaks or ruptures and allows the fliud or gases which cause them to function leak out...
in your case you either have rubber seals that have deteriorated due to age of the vehicle or a rubber hose that has developed little holes in it that allowed the cooling gas to escape into the atomosphere...
so hose(s) and or seals need replaced before recharging or recharge will last from 1 day to maybe 1 week before it only blows hot air again
2007-08-17 11:17:04 · answer #6 · answered by Ronk W 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
He is right, I know lots of people with 25 year old refrigerators in the garage, unless there is a leak the refrigerant does not have to be refilled. Cars are subject to more vibration and heat extremes but unless there is a leak you don't have to recharge anything, and if you do have to recharge it better fix the leak first.
2007-08-17 13:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by cimra 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Listen to Dad. Although in older systems freon could actually leach through the hoses, very slowly, newer units properly done should last a long time barring any leaks.
In 1997 I converted my 76 plymouth to R134, replaced the hoses, O rings, dryer and the seals on the old York 2 cyl piston compressor and haven't had to touch it since.
2007-08-17 11:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You father is right. The A/C is a sealed unit unless something has sprung a leak or left loose. The A/C will stay charged and will continue to cool and operate properly as long as all other parts are working as well. Good Luck and GOD Bless Dad
2007-08-17 10:47:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Your air conditioning system can lose up to 15% of its coolant every year, so a 3 year old car may have lost almost half its coolant, seriously impacting on the performance of the system and damaging the components involved. You should regularly have the air conditioning system serviced to reduce wear and tear on the components and help avoid potentially big repair bills. Also, it's worth pointing out that you should run your air conditioning at least once a week, especially in winter as the seals can seize up through non-use potentially costing you more in future in new parts and repair!!!
So, it would appear that you know more than your father - this time!
2007-08-17 10:51:24 · answer #10 · answered by sandydesert 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋