AC On Van Not Used For Five Years - Will It Still Work?

[Whitespirit66]

When I bought my 2.0 Scudo Jtd van 5 years ago, the a/c worked. Soon after, the on/off switch for it jammed, so I wasn't able to use it. I have left it off and unused all this time.

I realise it would probably need a re-gas, but would being unused for such a period cause other problems? I believe the seals in the system may probably be a problem if not used.

 

[Peter.N.]

If it hasn't been run regularly, which it obviously hasn't, its likely that the seal on the compressor shaft has failed but its worth a try. You will probably be able to get a secondhand one from the breakers if necessary.

Peter

 

[Burnerman]

The only thing you can really do is to give it a try, but my guess is that there will be nothing doing.
However, the likes of Kwik Fit tend to offer a gassing system that they only charge for if it works......if the gas disappears quickly then its free.
Usually its compressor seals that tend to let the gas escape - and if there's no gas, the compressor can't cut in anyway.
John

 

[Peter.N.]

That sounds good John, I never normally worry about aircon as it rarely gets hot enough for me to need it, but it does improve demisting. Neither of mine work.

Peter

 

[feynman]

That sounds good John, I never normally worry about aircon as it rarely gets hot enough for me to need it, but it does improve demisting. Neither of mine work.

Peter

I am not being facetious, but have you cleaned the inside surfaces of your cars windows?

Often a light film of invisible dust/grim will cause mist to form, but a clean glass surface will not.

 

[Peter.N.]

No, I probably haven't

 

[Whitespirit66]

Thanks to all. I have now fixed the air con switch on dash. It wasn't the microswitch underneath that was the problem, but the button that's pressed which then pushes down on the m/switch. It was jamming. Don't know why I didn't investigate years ago.

If the compressor seals are gone, is it possible to get them replaced? A used unit is a gamble, as it may have been sitting years unused like mine and have the same problems.

Also, has anyone successfully tried to DIY the gas repressurisation, or is it best to take it to Kwikfitup, etc?

 

[Whitespirit66]

Also, just noticed that the compressor isn't kicking in, presumably as there's no gas left in system. Will places like Kwik Fiit still re-gas or not?