Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: humbucker on 01 November 2010, 22:05:20

Title: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: humbucker on 01 November 2010, 22:05:20
faced with removing an engine from a v6 with air conditioning i wonder if anyone can advise on the practicalities of depressurising the air con system.

i *think* i'm right in saying you should get a specialist in to do that job for you, soooo instead of awaiting the replies of 'you have to get a specialist in' let me ask the question in other words...

if you got a specialist in to depressurise your air con system because you were removing a v6 engine with air con from an omega, what would that specialist have to do, and how would that specialist advise you to do it, if you were qualified. am i making sense? you can read between the lines i'm sure.

 ;D :y
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 22:09:34
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: dbug on 01 November 2010, 22:09:34
You would need a vacuum pump with an empty gas bottle to take the refrigerant - vacuum out system into bottle until none left in system.  Easy or not?

Note most scrap yards have this gear!!
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: dbug on 01 November 2010, 22:10:16
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: vauxfan2k on 01 November 2010, 22:13:40
simply letting the gas escape is utter laziness and also illegal/harmful to the environment, the gas is reusable so no need to waste it.

 :)
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 22:18:52
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: humbucker on 01 November 2010, 22:19:33
i'm right in thinking that the air con system needs depressurising before the engine can be removed?
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 22:20:08
Quote
i'm right in thinking that the air con system needs depressurising before the engine can be removed?

Yup.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 01 November 2010, 22:21:13
Quote
i'm right in thinking that the air con system needs depressurising before the engine can be removed?


Lets put it this way ;) with the air con pipe removed at the joint near the bulkhead and at the join to the condensor it makes it far easier ;) ;) :-*
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Andy H on 01 November 2010, 22:31:23
After I had my A/C system depressurised I was told that it was possible to unbolt the compressor and swing it to one side to get the engine out.

I haven't tried it myself but I would think if anyone knew the answer then Darth Vader would :-/
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 01 November 2010, 22:33:04
Quote
After I had my A/C system depressurised I was told that it was possible to unbolt the compressor and swing it to one side to get the engine out.

I haven't tried it myself but I would think if anyone knew the answer then Darth Vader would :-/


I would suggest leaving the air con pump in place :y but its up to you ;)
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: dbug on 01 November 2010, 22:41:55
Quote
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)

Maybe but the Op has asked for advice and to give him advice thats illegal is i feel not what OOFs about.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 22:44:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)

Maybe but the Op has asked for advice and to give him advice thats illegal is i feel not what OOFs about.

OK, I appreciate what you are saying.

The wording of the OP's question speaks volumes, but as you evidently missed it, I'll look like the bad guy  ::)


BY THE WAY KIDS, SNIFFING GLUE IS BAD!  NOBODY DRINK, NOBODY SMOKE, NOBODY PULL LEGS OFF SPIDERS.  IT'S NAUGHTY!
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: dbug on 01 November 2010, 22:48:46
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Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)

Maybe but the Op has asked for advice and to give him advice thats illegal is i feel not what OOFs about.

OK, I appreciate what you are saying.

The wording of the OP's question speaks volumes, but as you evidently missed it, I'll look like the bad guy  ::)

BY THE WAY KIDS, SNIFFING GLUE IS BAD!  NOBODY DRINK, NOBODY SMOKE, NOBODY PULL LEGS OFF SPIDERS.  IT'S NAUGHTY!

No I didn't mate - thats why I mentioned using a scrap yard.

There's also no need to shout and throw your toys out of the pram!!
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 22:50:32
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)

Maybe but the Op has asked for advice and to give him advice thats illegal is i feel not what OOFs about.

OK, I appreciate what you are saying.

The wording of the OP's question speaks volumes, but as you evidently missed it, I'll look like the bad guy  ::)

BY THE WAY KIDS, SNIFFING GLUE IS BAD!  NOBODY DRINK, NOBODY SMOKE, NOBODY PULL LEGS OFF SPIDERS.  IT'S NAUGHTY!

No I didn't mate - thats why I mentioned using a scrap yard.

There's also no need to shout and throw your toys out of the pram!!

 ::) When offering good advice like not sniffing glue, it's good to shout.  :y
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: mrgreen on 01 November 2010, 22:52:50
o.k in all honesty if you call someone they may come and depressurise the system for you free of charge as they get your gas, if not well the choice is then your's but in general a cars air con in one year will lose upto 8percent of its fill through seepage which the government wants nothing to do with so if you wait 12 yrs you're good to go!!!
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 01 November 2010, 22:55:07
Gentlemen Please.... carry it on after school behind the bike sheds  :-*

Cheers :y
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: dbug on 01 November 2010, 23:01:56
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Undo the shreader (sp?) valve slightly until you can hear the gas escape then make yourself a cup of tea.

Dont inhale the gas and dont let it touch your skin.

Obviously it is not advised, and obviously harmful to the planet, just like most Air-Con systems which leak anyway.

Thats the way I always do it.

Thats illegal mate  >:( and not helpful advice to the Op on an open forum.

I'm well aware of that  :y

Doesn't stop the likes of Kwik-Fit etc topping up your system just for it to leak into the atmosphere over the next few months, then further commit crime by charging £40 for the benefit.  ::)

Maybe but the Op has asked for advice and to give him advice thats illegal is i feel not what OOFs about.

OK, I appreciate what you are saying.

The wording of the OP's question speaks volumes, but as you evidently missed it, I'll look like the bad guy  ::)

BY THE WAY KIDS, SNIFFING GLUE IS BAD!  NOBODY DRINK, NOBODY SMOKE, NOBODY PULL LEGS OFF SPIDERS.  IT'S NAUGHTY!

No I didn't mate - thats why I mentioned using a scrap yard.

There's also no need to shout and throw your toys out of the pram!!

 ::) When offering good advice like not sniffing glue, it's good to shout.  :y

Yep agree with your comment re sniffing glue.  Regarding drinking, smoking and pulling legs off spiders, thats not illegal (yet thank god) -though what any of this has got to do with air con escapes me.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Broomies Mate on 01 November 2010, 23:21:39
OP - The ONLY way you can de-pressurize the system is to take it to a qualified Air-Con engineer who will safely remove the gas and not kill any ants, or something.

Never ever EVER remove the gas yourself else ants and things will die, and thats really really bad. Furthermore, you will receive a minimum of life in prison, sharing a cell with George Michael resulting in a poorly bum.

HTH
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: RobG on 01 November 2010, 23:26:23
Quote
OP - The ONLY way you can de-pressurize the system is to take it to a qualified Air-Con engineer who will safely remove the gas and not kill any ants, or something.

Never ever EVER remove the gas yourself else ants and things will die, and thats really really bad. Furthermore, you will receive a minimum of life in prison, sharing a cell with George Michael resulting in a poorly bum.

HTH
(http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/lol-045.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html)
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Peti on 14 November 2010, 07:30:14
Hi you guys
I'm wondering if I can take out the air distribution unit WITHOUT discharging the air con system.
I'd , of course , disconnect wiring connectors and vacuum hoses, and then unscrew retaining bolts.....but.... do I really have to open air con ,as it's written in Haynes ?

Quote
faced with removing an engine from a v6 with air conditioning i wonder if anyone can advise on the practicalities of depressurising the air con system.

i *think* i'm right in saying you should get a specialist in to do that job for you, soooo instead of awaiting the replies of 'you have to get a specialist in' let me ask the question in other words...

if you got a specialist in to depressurise your air con system because you were removing a v6 engine with air con from an omega, what would that specialist have to do, and how would that specialist advise you to do it, if you were qualified. am i making sense? you can read between the lines i'm sure.

 ;D :y
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: gsizoli on 14 November 2010, 08:07:39
In case of V6 no need to depressurising the system for engine removal/install. You can remove the engine if you have a helper who will move away the compressor carefully when you lift the engine. I've already done it.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Peti on 14 November 2010, 08:25:06
Sorry, but I only want to remove the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, under the facia....the whole thing as one single unit.
As far as I can see it's held in position by 3 bolts : 2 from behind, in the engine compartment and 1 inside, on the upper edge. 
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Peti on 17 November 2010, 07:45:59
...please help me....so can I take out the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit WITHOUT discharging the air con system.
Can it be simply pulled off with the air con parts left in their place ?


Quote
Sorry, but I only want to remove the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, under the facia....the whole thing as one single unit.
As far as I can see it's held in position by 3 bolts : 2 from behind, in the engine compartment and 1 inside, on the upper edge. 
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: mantahatch on 17 November 2010, 10:23:19
Quote
After I had my A/C system depressurised I was told that it was possible to unbolt the compressor and swing it to one side to get the engine out.

I haven't tried it myself but I would think if anyone knew the answer then Darth Vader would :-/


Indeed it is possible and even desirable to leave the air con pump and power steering pump in the car when removing the V6. That is exactly what I did when changing the engine on mum's car.
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Peti on 17 November 2010, 12:00:05
So....again....can anyone help me answer this :

Can can I take out the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, i.e. the big black plastic thing behind the radio WITHOUT discharging the air con system ?

Sorry for being so fanatic on this topic ....:)


Quote
...please help me....so can I take out the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit WITHOUT discharging the air con system.
Can it be simply pulled off with the air con parts left in their place ?


Quote
Sorry, but I only want to remove the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, under the facia....the whole thing as one single unit.
As far as I can see it's held in position by 3 bolts : 2 from behind, in the engine compartment and 1 inside, on the upper edge. 
Title: Re: depressurising air con system for engine removal
Post by: Peti on 17 November 2010, 16:32:38
Please.......


Quote
So....again....can anyone help me answer this :

Can can I take out the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, i.e. the big black plastic thing behind the radio WITHOUT discharging the air con system ?

Sorry for being so fanatic on this topic ....:)


Quote
...please help me....so can I take out the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit WITHOUT discharging the air con system.
Can it be simply pulled off with the air con parts left in their place ?


Quote
Sorry, but I only want to remove the AIR DISTRIBUTION unit, under the facia....the whole thing as one single unit.
As far as I can see it's held in position by 3 bolts : 2 from behind, in the engine compartment and 1 inside, on the upper edge.