A/C Condenser Explosion (my fault)

[PeterTorbet]

Despite reading and watching lots of tutorials around changing A/C Condenser, I seemed to have missed the bit about depressurising the system (I know, I know). 

Step 1) I started to unbolt the top pipe on the condenser - which had welded itself to the unit and sheared off

Step 2) I started to unbolt the bottom pipe when BOOM!!!!

Hell of a bang, green fluid everywhere and the missus coming running out the house to see what had happened. Needless to say, I washed everything up, and called it a day. Left ear (which was closest to the BOOM) is still ringing and I feel a right idiot. 

Ouch.

 

 

[Herbie]

Oh well, we all make mistakes so don't beat yourself up about it. I know I've made a few doozies in my time.

However, it does beg the question as to why you thought it a good idea to work on the AC when it needs specialist skills and equipment?

The refridgerant gas, for instance, should be recovered and not just vented to air; you need equipment to pull a vaccuum and so on. Air conditioning systems really aren't for the average home mechanic.

[PeterTorbet]

6 minutes ago, Herbie said:

Oh well, we all make mistakes so don't beat yourself up about it. I know I've made a few doozies in my time.

However, it does beg the question as to why you thought it a good idea to work on the AC when it needs specialist skills and equipment?

The refridgerant gas, for instance, should be recovered and not just vented to air; you need equipment to pull a vaccuum and so on. Air conditioning systems really aren't for the average home mechanic.

Thanks, and yup - I'm definitely in the 'average home mech' with a bit of 'it'll be fine naivety' for good/bad measure. I'll get the new one fitted and then take it to a garage to get it all checked, filled etc etc. A/C seems to be my 'bogey' I've had 11 cars, and the only one it really worked in was my little 1 Series. New fangled A/C - it'll never take off 😉