I'm looking to replace a broken AC rad/condenser on my Focus. Long story short I crashed the car and the condenser is quite bent. When I got out of the car I could hear a gas escaping from somewhere, and a helpful guy who stopped to check I was OK said it was the AC system.

What I want to know is whether the system has been vented, meaning I can remove it, and if an air con recharge place can completely refill the system.

I've sheepishly opened a valve to the top nearside with a rag over, and nothing came out. Does this mean it is empty? Here's a picture of the valve -


Thanks

 

Yes it's empty, no one will refill it without fixing the damage first, they should use a inert gas to check for any potential leaks first, but some cheat and use a vacuum to check but this often helps to seal things like joins etc that are leaking, so not good, don't even think it's legal now.
You need a new condenser, and receiver dryer, then refill, make sure they put in the proper PAG(poly alpha glycolene) oil as well as tracer dye, easier to find leaks that may crop up in future, make sure you use the AC at least 30 mins per month even in winter.
tabetha

 

Excellent, cheers Tabetha - clear and concise advice as always

 

Just been and had a look, the receiver/dryer is a separate unit (ally pipes screw onto condenser). What was the reason for replacing this?
I'm not going to do this job myself btw, I understand AC systems require specialist knowledge and tools which I obviously don't have I'd just like to know.

 

Anywhere that has any air in it will also have moisture in it, the receiver dryer is full of dessicant gel, the tiny packets you get with some new electrical items, this absorbs any moisture to protect the system from corrosion esp the pump, these ideally should be replaced every 2 years or so, which of course means opening the system so just a re pressure every 2 years will keep it in tip top condition, with a new receiver drier.
The reason why all cars need repressurising is because the atoms that make up the refrigerant(gas)R134, are smaller than the molecules that the flexy rubber pipes are made from that go from body to engine/pump, that's the same reason why fridges never need topping up, they don't have a controlled leak all the time as all pipes etc are metal.
tabetha

 

Great, thanks Tabetha.