Rear Aircon problem

[Bad-Trol]

Hi all! Been awhile since I've been here, but been a bit busy in the bush!

So the other day, came back from a great day out at Cape Kraudren, and as I'm unpacking the Trol, I see green liquid on the ground near rear left wheel. Upon closer inspection, it LOOKS like coolant (like radiator coolant) coming out of one of the pipes going from the front of the car to the rear Aircon unit (I have a GU3 ST-L). Now it appears the pipe was slightly 'squished' when my Long Range tank was installed (over 2 years ago!) and I suspect that is what caused the issue.

But WHY is there coolant in those pipes? I always thought it was Aircon GAS from the front system.

I haven't had time to play with it, but I've been driving to and from work without the air or heat on since and there is no more leak.

Thoughts? Easy fix? Can I 'just' cut out the bad section and replace with flex hose??? My mate (cruiser driver) swears I must have heat in the back too, but I can only run the rear system when the front Air is on.

Thanks all,

[schanmala]

mine only runs if the front AC is on. Fan or heat doesn't work. GU8

Would be handy if heat and fan did work. Possibly there's a way to re-wire it?

[Dazzalco]

Mine also only works with a/c on possibly it is air con gas with dye in it does the front a/c work

[Bad-Trol]

Haven't tried yet. I will tonight and get back to you.

[rubber]

Aircon 'gas' is a green oil like substance at atmospheric pressure.

It wasn't that?

[Bad-Trol]

Ok, so ran AC last night, no go. :(
Rubber: yes, I think you're right. There is still an 'oily' residue left on the foam insulation wrapped around the pipes. So the pipes need to be fixed or replaced, AND I'll need a complete re-gas :(
So, is it possible to cut out the bad section and somehow fit a new piece in? I heard the replacement pipes are quite expensive from Nissan (as are most things). I know the re-gas alone will put a big hole in my back pocket, but hell, I live in the NorthWest, so I'll need my AC back SOON.

Any thoughts?
Cheers

[big_fletch]

I know exactly what you mean.. There are special joins you can use to fix a broken pipe however depending on where it is a new pipe may be required. The front and rear a/c use the same piping teed off just in front of the firewall. All a/c systems are filled with a green fluorescent dye these days and that's what you will have on the ground, electrically you need the front a/c on too use the back however the gas is all linked unfortunately :(

[Bad-Trol]

Thanks mate! I'll hit up a couple connection places this week and see what they can do. I hope it's as simple as a new join at the back and then a re-gas. Anyone know how much pressure is in an AC system?

[big_fletch]

Thanks mate! I'll hit up a couple connection places this week and see what they can do. I hope it's as simple as a new join at the back and then a re-gas. Anyone know how much pressure is in an AC system?

Yer mate a Nissan patrol with duel a/c has 1kg of R134A refrigerant in the system

Fletcha

[Bad-Trol]

Thanks for that! Shouldn't cost too much then.

[happygu]

Thanks for that! Shouldn't cost too much then.

The front and rear AC Systems are connected together, and if you lose gas out of the rear, then you lose everything ..... I put a stick through mine in the front wheel well.

Oil is green coloured to help pinpoint the place of the leak, but the oil is required in the system to lubricate the compressor too.

Mine didn't cost that much to fix, and we had to make up a custom rubber hose to replace the broken aluminium pipe.

Mic

[Bad-Trol]

Perfect! That's what i wanted to hear!