Turned the AC on the other day for the first time in a while as in Northern Ireland it's rare I need it.  And could hear a hissing sound coming from behind the vents.

 

Took it to a fella who deals with AC and he told me the condenser is leaking. and my options were

1. regas and hope it lasts

2. replace the condenser with a non manufacturers one, costing around £150-£250 including regas.

3. or to get a skoda/vw one would cost the best part of £400.

 

I know it would need regassed anyway.  But just wondering has anyone experience in replacing these themselves, is it a big job, difficulty wise and time wise?  The car is a mk2 octavia.

And any suggestions for where to get one myself?

Would consider a breakers yard if it was in good enough condition.

 

(apologies if there's similar topics already)

 

thanks

He can't regass the systems if it's leaking as that's against the law. I have a Nissens condenser fitted on mine cost me £70 delivered. Fitting is roughly 2 to 3 hours as quite involved.

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thanks, found a few varying from £78 to £140. 

 

says it has been because of corrosion over time.  What about bleeding/degassing the system, does that need to be done by a specialist?

 

and if it is against the law, I wouldn't see any point in paying £50 anyway for it to lose the gas again.

 

says it has been because of corrosion over time.  What about bleeding/degassing the system, does that need to be done by a specialist.

Yes, hence illegal venting to atmosphere (however unlikely it is that you would be caught and prosecuted).

Yes, hence illegal venting to atmosphere (however unlikely it is that you would be caught and prosecuted).

 

well most off it has already leaked anyway I'm guessing.....

well most off it has already leaked anyway I'm guessing.....

Well it would be unless someone was going to refill it to see how long you get.

Best just get is repaired before the lack of circulation has a knock on effect.

Well it would be unless someone was going to refill it to see how long you get.

Best just get is repaired before the lack of circulation has a knock on effect.

What are the typical "Knock on effects"?

Compressor failure/seizure, leaks, odour.