Goodbye Fresh Air

[SolihullBeast]

Searched around a bit to see if there are any topics on here about getting rid of air conditioning but to no avail!

I'm interested to know what the process is for completely removing all air conditioning components from a '93 200tdi disco, I have been given various bits of advice ranging from;

"drive somewhere quiet and undo the main bolt into the compressor!"

to "take it to a specialist and let them get rid of the refrigerant."

I know for a fact it hasn't been recharged for years so probably has no refrigerant fluid left in it, would it be safe to let any remaining stuff out? would I have to remove the fan and compressor wiring looms?

I have also heard it is possible to leave the compressor on and use it as a tyre pump? is this possible? is it difficult to do?

Cheers

Sam

[ThreeSheds]

IMHO:

1. Leave the compressor in place for future use in an on-board air project (there are several good threads on here describing how to do it).

2. I think it may be illegal (and is definitely immoral in these green times) to release the refrigerant to atmosphere.

3. I think that the refrigerant is not harmful to life except by suffocation, but if you get a leak, try not to breath it.

4. If you remove the pipework but leave the compressor, remember to seal it well - they corrode internally if they get wet and will seize solid.

HTH

Roger

[rovernut]

IMHO:

1. Leave the compressor in place for future use in an on-board air project (there are several good threads on here describing how to do it).

2. I think it may be illegal (and is definitely immoral in these green times) to release the refrigerant to atmosphere.

3. I think that the refrigerant is not harmful to life except by suffocation, but if you get a leak, try not to breath it.

4. If you remove the pipework but leave the compressor, remember to seal it well - they corrode internally if they get wet and will seize solid.

HTH

Roger

It is illegal to discharge the contents of an A/C system to atmosphere. However, having said that, a lot of supposed pro fridge engineers don't know how to use the recovery gear they have.

If the system has not worked for some time, the chances are that it is already discharged.

At rest the pressure should be equal on both suction and discharge sides of the compressor. Remove either cap and very gently press in the centre stem of the valve (like a tyre valve), if it hisses there is gas present and should be dealt with according to your concience. If it is a very old system originally charged with R12 you will find it difficult to get anyone to recover it (it contaminates the equipment) 134a, the more likely, is less difficult as it is still current.

[SolihullBeast]

ah I'll see if it hisses, if it does i'll use a specialist to keep up with the green agenda! thanks for the advice

[doda456]

Ad as ann added bonus, if you remove the fans from behind the passenger side dash panel. A standard glovebox will drop straight in.

My disco came with the aircon removed and its just makes it that bit easy to work the engine bay.

Also dont forget to plate up the whole on the bulkhead.

and one final thing, the aircon fans rremoval are technically a dash out job, but with a hammer and a junior hacksaw you can remove them from the dash without damaging the dash.

Dan