AC Recharge Kits

BMW Dom

BMW Dom

Joined
Oct 6, 2020
Messages
2,234
I think my BMW X3 needs the refrigerant recharged. I'm not quite sure what tools I need to buy to do it. Would something like this work, or is it just a gimmick?
1627391805400.jpg
 
They're pretty gimmicky. The correct way to recharge your refrigerant is to have a shop evacuate the system and recharge with the exact weighed amount.

These DIY systems can get it back up and running, but you're risking undercharging or overcharging the system.

I would recommend calling around or hopping on groupon to find an a/c service deal in your area.
 
That would work but you need to know the pressure for your system because IIRC the BMW system is finnicky with regards to under/overfilling. The gouge with that product may not be precise enough.
 
mrlawnguy said:
How do I know where it is leaking from?
Click to expand...

They make a can of refrigerant with dye in it. After the AC runs, the dye will be visible with a UV light. However, the dye molecules are actually larger than the 134a molecules, so some small leaks might not be detectable.
 
Probably seals that are getting old and drying up? The shop that does the vacuum and refill can also add a dye detectable with UV light. That should pinpoint the leak.
 
I've used them as a bandaid with good results. The proper way is of course an evac/recharge at a shop but I just used this on my Passat and it got me up and running (cooling) in 10 minutes - worth it. I know I have a leaking condenser but that isn't getting fixed right now so why pay more than I need to?
 
It'll work in a pinch, but it's a great way to ruin an AC system. As mentioned the proper way is to evacuate/recover the refrigerant in the system. Fix the leaks, pull a vacuum and make sure the leaks are fixed, then charge it by weight. Any other way is a crap shoot.
 
mrlawnguy said:
I think my BMW X3 needs the refrigerant recharged. I'm not quite sure what tools I need to buy to do it. Would something like this work, or is it just a gimmick?
Click to expand...
For those that have actually used them they are DIY fool prof.
I personally have used them a few times for myself and *customers that were on limited funds and could not afford a proper AC Service.



Scenario: You take it to a shop for a basic AC Service. average cost 100 +how much Freon extra is used. The shop tests and checks the Ac system and find a leak. To fix the leak will cost an additional 100-1000 dollars or more? So you say forget that and you are still charged the basic fee of 100 and feel like you got ripped off by the shop. This during summer months happens almost every day during the hot summer days someone brings a car into the shop because their AC is not working well.
The DIY self in a can to which is proven safe to use correctly for even DIY

* a disclaimer is required signed by the customer that indicates the problem with the AC was not fixed and no guarantee of how long the temporary added Freon will keep the AC function well This is also accompanied be a detail work estimate of cost to repair the AC problem correctly
 
That's a lot of refrigerant for just a top-off. It seems excessively pricey and wasteful when you need only a few ounces. What is your system doing that makes you think it needs a top-off?
 
NitroM3 said:
For those that have actually used them they are DIY fool prof.
I personally have used them a few times for myself and *customers that were on limited funds and could not afford a proper AC Service.



Scenario: You take it to a shop for a basic AC Service. average cost 100 +how much Freon extra is used. The shop tests and checks the Ac system and find a leak. To fix the leak will cost an additional 100-1000 dollars or more? So you say forget that and you are still charged the basic fee of 100 and feel like you got ripped off by the shop. This during summer months happens almost every day during the hot summer days someone brings a car into the shop because their AC is not working well.
The DIY self in a can to which is proven safe to use correctly for even DIY

* a disclaimer is required signed by the customer that indicates the problem with the AC was not fixed and no guarantee of how long the temporary added Freon will keep the AC function well This is also accompanied be a detail work estimate of cost to repair the AC problem correctly
Click to expand...
I went through a similar scenario with my gf's civic earlier this month. The shop evacuated the system, notified me that there was a compressor leak and charged us for half the total cost of the a/c service. I R&R'ed the compressor and associated components and returned the car to the shop. They pulled a vacuum on the system to confirm that the leak was repaired, charged the system, charged us the other half of the a/c service, and sent us out the door.
 
I just went thru this scenario with my wife's 2011 Equinox. She got in it one day and no AC. My neighbor had a can of the 134 Freon it needed and dumped it in. The ac worked for about 2 1/2 weeks then went dead again. I then bought a can of Freon with some sort of sealer in it. We put that in 5 days ago, and as of yesterday it's still makes cold air. Don't know for how long tho. The compressor kicked on,as we added the Freon, but we couldn't hear or see and obvious leaks like it spraying out. I'll post back on how or if, it's still working in a couple of weeks.,,
 
BigCahuna said:
I just went thru this scenario with my wife's 2011 Equinox. She got in it one day and no AC. My neighbor had a can of the 134 Freon it needed and dumped it in. The ac worked for about 2 1/2 weeks then went dead again. I then bought a can of Freon with some sort of sealer in it. We put that in 5 days ago, and as of yesterday it's still makes cold air. Don't know for how long tho. The compressor kicked on,as we added the Freon, but we couldn't hear or see and obvious leaks like it spraying out. I'll post back on how or if, it's still working in a couple of weeks.,,
Click to expand...
Unless its a beater you are selling tomorrow, I would avoid any sealer. Most shops will refuse to work on any vehicle with a sealer as it clogs up expensive filters in their A/C service machine.

UV leak detector is fine.
 
Yes, if you know a little bit about how your system works and use the pure r134a or r1234yf refrigerant and a low pressure charging hose along with a probe digital thermometer you can do a pretty decent job of recharging the system. I've done this and gotten good results, if you keep the leaking system pressurized with refrigerant even a very slow leak won't do any damage to speak of over the short term.

True about shops ripping people off and taking advantage for AC repairs, and they do generally cost a fortune at any legit shop.

I was quoted
 
I couldn't even guess what expense you're going to be looking at it if you damage the AC system by trying something like this yourself.

Do yourself a favor and find a qualified shop to properly diagnose and repair your system. Don't even try this yourself.

Ed
 
NitroM3 said:
For those that have actually used them they are DIY fool prof.
I personally have used them a few times for myself and *customers that were on limited funds and could not afford a proper AC Service.

Scenario: You take it to a shop for a basic AC Service. average cost 100 +how much Freon extra is used. The shop tests and checks the Ac system and find a leak. To fix the leak will cost an additional 100-1000 dollars or more? So you say forget that and you are still charged the basic fee of 100 and feel like you got ripped off by the shop. This during summer months happens almost every day during the hot summer days someone brings a car into the shop because their AC is not working well.
The DIY self in a can to which is proven safe to use correctly for even DIY

* a disclaimer is required signed by the customer that indicates the problem with the AC was not fixed and no guarantee of how long the temporary added Freon will keep the AC function well This is also accompanied be a detail work estimate of cost to repair the AC problem correctly
Click to expand...
With sealer?
 
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