Do we have any proper mechanics here?

[Davyhoogy]

No useless DIY'ers like myself.

The Mrs' golf that we got recently doesnt blow cold AC. No big deal, bought a charge kit but there is no pressure in the system at all which leads to a leak.

The Coolant level in the car is also waaaayyy too low, filling that up today just waiting on the coolant.
My question being are the 2 related? I know they are the same system but is the coolant low because theres a leak, or is the AC not working because the coolant is low? Can the coolant be so low without a leak?

Etc etc haha

 

[t-tony]

No connection between the two. How do you know there is no pressure in the A/C system mate? Coolant level main suspect would be water pump. Is it a petrol or diesel? Is there still coolant in the expansion tank?
The A/C system has a pressure switch which cuts power to the compressor when pressure is too low. How much gas is in the recharge kit, ?, enough to re fill or just top up?

Tony.

 

[Davyhoogy]

No connection between the two. How do you know there is no pressure in the A/C system mate? Coolant level main suspect would be water pump. Is it a petrol or diesel? Is there still coolant in the expansion tank?
The A/C system has a pressure switch which cuts power to the compressor when pressure is too low. How much gas is in the recharge kit, ?, enough to re fill or just top up?

Tony.

I got one of those bottles from halfords and a pressure gauge, it should be enough to fill it up but it says when you connect to the low pressure line if it reads '0' then you have a leak and should seek professional help.
And it reads '0'.

Car is a petrol turbo. Theres a little bit left in the tank but way below the low line

 

[Davyhoogy]

I know the gauge works fine as my z3 shows pressure when I plug it in.

 

[t-tony]

Where I used to work they had a bottle of "pub" gas which they used to check for big leaks. If you can get hold of a portable UV light you should be able to see where the leak is due to a dye in the gas. It will show up green under UV light.
It may not have a major leak, it could be that it has been left for a long time. Only way to tell is put some pressure in or get it checked professionally. Be very careful of the refrigerant Davey it has a low boiling point and will boil on your skin giving awful burns.

Tony.

 

[FRANKIE]

No useless DIY'ers like myself.

The Mrs' golf that we got recently doesnt blow cold AC. No big deal, bought a charge kit but there is no pressure in the system at all which leads to a leak.

The Coolant level in the car is also waaaayyy too low, filling that up today just waiting on the coolant.
My question being are the 2 related? I know they are the same system but is the coolant low because theres a leak, or is the AC not working because the coolant is low? Can the coolant be so low without a leak?

Etc etc haha

Unfortunately, anyone who ever heard the words I sometimes used while working on my car would ever consider me as "proper"......Frankie

 

[Davyhoogy]

Where I used to work they had a bottle of "pub" gas which they used to check for big leaks. If you can get hold of a portable UV light you should be able to see where the leak is due to a dye in the gas. It will show up green under UV light.
It may not have a major leak, it could be that it has been left for a long time. Only way to tell is put some pressure in or get it checked professionally. Be very careful of the refrigerant Davey it has a low boiling point and will boil on your skin giving awful burns.

Tony.

I just didnt want to waste this 60quid shot of coolant if there is a leak. The car has stood and done barely any miles in 3 years. It's only just 25k in 10years from new! So was expecting it to need a top up.
Do you think as it's been so long there could just be no refrigerant left to make any pressure?

 

[t-tony]

That would be my best guess, but if the system left that long the “rubber” seals on the pipes could be dried and knackered. see if you can get it pressure tested with co2 an A/C place should be able to do it.

Tony.

 

[Davyhoogy]

That would be my best guess, but if the system left that long the “rubber” seals on the pipes could be dried and knackered. see if you can get it pressure tested with co2 an A/C place should be able to do it.

Tony.

Bit the bullet and recharged it. Nice and cold. See how long it lasts. My neighbour said his last car has a leak that would take 2 years to empty so not too bad if it's something like that