BMW Air Conditioning - Do Top-Up Kits Work?

Рет қаралды 10,544

4 жыл бұрын

As we are currently in lock-down and unable to get our air-conditioning systems serviced, can you use a DIY Lit to get it working again? Air-conditioning experts hate these kits and probably with good reason.
I will take you through the whole procedure, what gas and meter to purchase and how a cars air-conditioning system works.
This procedure is for post 1993 cars which have R134a systems fitted. R12 systems can be re-gassed but required conversion first.
Gas: amzn.to/3bFFaj9
Gauge: amzn.to/2KD1ZYI
P.S. You may have seen an earlier video from me on this subject - unfortunately there was an editing error - this video is the replacement.

Пікірлер: 68

@m2kev789 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Timm - The best physics lesson my Wife has ever had over our porridge 🤣👍

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Phase changes - a much forgotten physics lesson from the 1970's......

@TonyTheNerd Жыл бұрын

Great explanation and talk through 😀

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@mihai-danut6955 4 жыл бұрын

I've just done it on my E38 728 this saturday with 2 cans+ the hose bought it from ebay for just 37£ and boooom,a/c works very well.Great video Sir👍👍👍👍👍

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Nice work!

@mihai-danut6955 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sir

@b4tm4nrubin33 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I have bought a diy kit and filling my Audi A6 and Suzuki Swift. I’m filling the system in the Audi slowly as the ac is hit and Miss inside the car when driving it

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

Just done the E64 again a couple of years later and thank goodness, we were stuck on the M25 in 32C heat

@edbroom75 Жыл бұрын

Great video .I have bought the charging hose only to confirm the level of charge in my cars system. I will buy the gas later . I do live in Yorkshire!! At the risk of teaching my granny to suck eggs !! Have you got the condenser in the right place in your drawing ? I thought the condenser was before the expansion valve to change the state/phase of the high pressure gas from the compressor to a liquid for the expansion valve to change back to a gas. Really useful video picked up lost of good tips . Your work much appreciated. EdT

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

Yes, you are right - I noticed my mistake as soon as I had uploaded the video!

@ghhffffgxgnj8721 Жыл бұрын

Timm, there was a older US study done when R12 was being phased out in the early 90s... Basically, the issue was that all the legacy meat packing trucks in the USA ran R12 and wouldn't keep cool with the then new R134a. A University experimented with mixing gasses and found that a 20% R220 mix and 80% R134a mix gave the same performance as R12 in a R12 system.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

That's great info, thanks!

@TheKwaze 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative thanks. I fell at the first hurdle when I tried exactly the same kit. The nozzle would not fit on the low pressure pipe. Then I found out there is a newer refrigerant called R1234yf and my car has that, along with a fatter nozzle by the look of it. I will investigate further.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 2 жыл бұрын

First, make sure it was the low pressure and not the high pressure! Earlier models (pre '92) will have used R12 and has a different connector.

@lozzamanuk 3 жыл бұрын

Good explanation. One note though - the condenser is on the high pressure side. It condenses the superheated gas from the compressor into a subcooled liquid prior to the expansion valve. The compressor on the suction should just be drawing in a gas (all the liquid should boil off in the evaporator)

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! And thanks for putting me right!

@adrianreale7190 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Timm, I have a "93 850ci. The sunroof was dismantled as well as the front bumper airflow system. I'm wondering if you could do a video on the installation of one. It would save me tons! keep up the good work and stay safe.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

If I ever need to repair either of those I will do a video!

@jamesrimmer9002 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Time, great video. Ill be looking at working on my 650 in the coming weeks as it seems low/non existent. (coldness) Im thinking put it in for a free check at a garage to see if its working and just in need to a top up, then getting them to refill if it is, then topping up as needed in future. That way i know I'm starting from a good known point. Only concern is that i could lose out if it leaks out over night... I assume the only way to check the system is airtight / working is to risk a loss of refrigerant..

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

I would take the car to one of the garages that have an automatic A/C servicing machine, that would give you a good idea if anything was leaking.

@wernerdanler2742 4 жыл бұрын

Funny that they have actually lowered the amount of gas these things hold. My 85 300 MB held 4 pounds, a hair under 2 kilos, but my 2001 e320 only holds about 1.8 pounds, under 1 kilo. These newer systems actually don't cool as well. The vent temp should be about 4°c, 40°f. I don't know if mine gets there since I don't have a stick thermometer but it seems slow to get cold. I had it checked and replaced the low side inlet about a year ago and recharged with no leaks. I am in a much hotter climate than you so that makes a difference. It is supposed to get over 100°f middle of this week.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Proper A/C on the old cars!

@DoubbleAgent 9 ай бұрын

Hi Tim. Great video like always. I replaced my ac compressor on my 94 840 Ci. I started the car without refilling the with the Freon R134 to see if the ac clutch kicked on. It did not. Do I have to fill the system to engage the clutch???

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 9 ай бұрын

It will not engage the clutch unless there is refrigerant pressure as it would also mean that there is no PAG oil!

@DoubbleAgent 9 ай бұрын

Always a wealth of knowledge Tim. Thank you @@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

@zackborris2349 Жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, I live in California, I have a 1995 840Ci with 85K original miles on it, I rarely ever drive it. I just recently developed a coolant leak issue that comes from a unit next to the firewall (left, driver side) right next to the fuse box. the plastic unit that a hose goes in has broken off and i need to fix it. First i dont know what the unit is called, second it is very challenging to access that unit to take it off. could i send you a picture of it to identify it for me? any recommendations?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

Here's how to sort it: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/E31_Heater_Valves_Replacement.htm

@andrewyear81 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video that covered the fundamentals very nicely. My e39 onlg holds 1.65 lbs (750 grams). Looking at that beautiful picture of a Spitfire, the David Bowie poster and your bass guitar (I'm more a lead guitar), I see we share a few more interests. Thanks for helping me brush up.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! And guitarist as well - more info here: www.meeknet.co.uk/chase/

@RomeoGoesRetro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! What are your thoughts on the STP super seal for a slow leak?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! STP has a good reputation in the UK, so I would give it a go!

@F666black 4 жыл бұрын

good informative video :) can I use same stuff for 635d? thanks

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes you can!

@alvintobe5566 11 ай бұрын

Hi Timm this is Alvin your number one fan. Im very concerned about you my friend. I sent you 2 messages and you haven't replied. Are you and your family ok? I pray that all is well. 😊

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 11 ай бұрын

Hello Alvin, good to hear from you! Yes, we are fine, just a bit miffed about fighting insurance companies - it just uses up so much time - and I still don't get anywhere! Hope you are good and your mission is going well - all the best from Tim

@kevinabalo 4 жыл бұрын

Uncanny. You must have read my little mind, I'm doing mine today after having found and cured a leak.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I am also a mind-reader......

@lozzamanuk 3 жыл бұрын

The reason for charging as a liquid with these cans is because its probably a blend of R600a (isobutane) and R290 (propane) They boil at different temperatures so charging as a liquid will ensure the blend is correct. You should bleed back to the can before puncturing as otherwise you're introducing air and moisture into the system every time. Not good.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

That's great information - thanks!

@lozzamanuk 3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation One thing I worry is that I'd think the two refrigerants in the blend (I only assume that's what the hydrocarbon blend is, they don't specify) escape at different rates as their molar mass is different. That could be a pain come a couple of recharges later as the system would get out of whack and probably would need a full recover and recharge. A recharge with the blend would be fine but how many of us have the equipment to do that? (At least you can dump hydrocarbon refrigerants to atmosphere legally) As a drop in get you up and running again it definitely does work well. I topped up an old car with the same can only last week on a car that was 7 years old. I'm gonna see if I can stick a proper manifold guage on and see if I can get some temp sensors on to see what the head pressure is doing and the superheat and subcool are but the air certainly matches what I expect it to be given the low side pressure. Probably a bit out of scope of a KZfaq video though 😂

@adrianocarlucci4029 Жыл бұрын

Hi Timm I do follow you weekly on any video of bmw you do Especially on E31 ( I’ve 840 ci1998) Got an issue with AC I did exactly what you did on the video It worked very well indeed However My AC unit starts 4/5 minute after I turn on the on/Off wheel !! No power goes into the unit, no LED no functionality at all. However if I wait ( WHEEL it’s ON) than it starts automatically It’s like the AC UNiT timing it’s not synchronised with the car --- but works perfectly once goes on Any suggestions- pls pls 🙏🏻

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

Check Fuse 21: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Timms_BMW_E31_Fuse_Finder.htm

@adrianocarlucci4029 Жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation ok will do and let you know !!🙏🏻

@adrianocarlucci4029 Жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation all the fuses are in order

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Жыл бұрын

@@adrianocarlucci4029 Whenever I hear 'all fuses are in order' it makes me think that you didn't try replacing Fuse 21! It is worth swapping because up next it's electronics all the way!

@adrianocarlucci4029 Жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation will change it tomorrow and let you know Thank you very much !! Happy to compensate for disturbing you You’re a Guru on BMW 🙏🏻

@jeffmee763 4 күн бұрын

You need to get the air out of the blue pipe first then put it on.

@alioral1358 4 жыл бұрын

I replaced most of seals and re filled the gas. But AC still doesnt cool perfect. Everything is good on paper.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Check that the compressor and auxiliary fan are actually running

@iainwallace2618 4 жыл бұрын

Good decision testing on the wife's car first... 👍

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, if it is a bit dodgy, start with the Mini!

@antster7 3 жыл бұрын

i got mine working for my i3

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

Good man!

@d.a.t.7723 3 жыл бұрын

1-Never turn the can up side down...liquid gas destroys the compressor...you're charging the system thru the low pressure side witch is the gas side of the system not the liquid 2-Always purge the air from the hose.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - but the instructions are to invert the can - something that wasn't done with the original refrigerant!

@d.a.t.7723 3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation OK friend, it's your car, but liquid gas it's on the high pressure side. Turning the can up side down you're sending liquid gas to the compressor, and compressors only compress gaseous not liquid. This is not a hydraulic system...the instructions are wrong. And always purge the air from the hose so that you don't send air and moisture to the system. Good luck and good videos.👍

@stephenjones9153 3 жыл бұрын

To understand why you turn the can upside down, try filling an almost full cigarette lighter with the refill can upright. You will find the lighter liquid gas will empty into the refill can. You would think that the refill can would still fill the system even when upright but it doesn't. Once the liquid is pushed into the low pressure side it immediately expands into a gas. Unless you completely over fill then as you say, you will lock up the compressor. HydroLock. Possible damaging the compressor.👍👍

@stephenjones9153 3 жыл бұрын

To remain a liquid refrigerant needs to be a lot higher pressure in the low side.

@andrewthompsonuk1 3 жыл бұрын

I cannot bring myself to use hydrocarbons in my AC..Mind you, I don't think it's incredibly dangerous. As for monitoring the quantity, you can judge by the feel of the return pipes and the sound of the compressor, gas sounds in the dash, and the performance of the system.. This whole AC thing is really a jack-up between the environmentalists and the motor trade. Any time I have had a car that's leaking AC gas they fill it up, charge me money and a while later all the gas is gone.. I am not convinced the DIYer is going to pollute more than the so-called professional.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 3 жыл бұрын

Yes Andrew, I agree!

@stephenjones9153 3 жыл бұрын

I have used butane gas for years without a problem. A lot cheaper and environmentally friendlier than CFC,s.

@fungames24 2 жыл бұрын

@@stephenjones9153 It's more to do with accidents. The stuff will leak then and potentially ignite. Same like it could be perfectly safe to have a grenade in your pocket for years. But one day you might pull the pin by accident.