I've got a 2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT with a very obvious leak in the AC condenser (from my own previous repair!)
The AC no longer cools, and if the refrigerant has already leaked into the atmosphere should I bother paying for an evacuation before replacing the condenser?
I intend to do what's right for the environment, is it likely that there is gas remaining in the system?
This is what I had done last time I did the repair myself, but thought I'd double check here before trying again.
If the system has a leak, the refrigerant will certainly disperse, as you know. Additionally, outside air, along with humidity will then invade. Part of evacuating an air conditioner involves removing moisture. I spoke recently with a tech from a local national dealership who told me they typically run the evacuation process as long as overnight to ensure the ambient moisture has been removed. I believe he described part of the process as involving a desiccant material once the pump has been turned off. This prevents the requirement of running a vacuum pump for many hours.
This would indicate that it is advisable to have your system evacuated.
