DIY A/C Recharge Question

[mclasser]

So I made a thread recently about my buddy's 00 Accord needing an A/C recharge. We finally have time this weekend and he wants to use a DIY kit. Most of the kits in the auto stores have a gauge attached to a refrigerant can containing stop leak, oil and supposed conditioners. I told him it would be best to forego all those additives and just add pure R134a. Walmart sells a stand-alone gauge (below). Does anyone know if this can be attached to any refrigerant can? If we can attach it to a pure R134a can, that'd be great. Thanks for the help.

 

[dishdude]

Don't waste your money, you need a set of manifold gauges that connect to the high and low side to get an accurate reading. That thing won't even get you in the ballpark. If it's an old hooptie that has a leak and you don't want to fix it correctly, just get a can of R-134a and a straight hose and add until it gets cold.

 

[SatinSilver]

This guy has some good tips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_em9lm69HQ

This one abt cleaning the coils. He has other vids as well that may help.

 

[Silverado12]

I'm with dishdude on this. I got one of those gauges last year (A/C Pro) and it didn't seem very accurate. I kept adding and adding, then all of the sudden it was overcharged. Ended up getting it done right at a shop this year. It will set you back about $125.00.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Get a harbor freight manifold set. It doesn't cost that much more than that cheesy thing and is with far greater accuracy.

Don't forget to charge the system at 1500 engine rpm with good airflow over the condenser. Use a blower or large industrial syle fan (preferably the blower), or you may end up with a false charge.

If the system then appears overcharged at idle, make sure your cooling fans and/or fan clutch is working correctly. If they are, use a spray head on a garden hose and mist water onto the condenser. If the pressures go back to normal, your condenser is clogged. Remove the radiator and flush using water with good pressure from the back. If that doesn't work, your condenser needs to go.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I bought a low cost gauge more than 10 years ago from a local auto-parts store for less than $8-10.

It is fairly accurate in measuring the low side while the A/C is running. I had been using it once every 2-3 years for at least 1 of my 3-4 cars and it is working good so far.

I need to look for it in my garage, I will post the brand and model when I find it.

 

[NHGUY]

AC PRO is made by the Interdynamics bunch,the company once known for making add on overflow jugs for coolant and those stick on rear window defrosters.Not top shelf,but those AC PRO ads with the 2 dudes in the nearly new Nissan that's sweating their butts off,those have been highly effective.

 

[901Memphis]

Yes that ac pro gauge will work with any standard R134A can although it's pretty cheap it either works right or doesn't, keep the receipt it can break.

My car has a slow leak by the time it starts blowing warm I know it needs one small full can and it's good another year.

Try not to over do it and you may get lucky and not over charge it.

Cleaning everything around the radiator makes a big difference, if you can get some foaming condenser cleaner and a water hose, it will reduce system pressure overall with cleaner components

 

[JHZR2]

If the car is leaking, you're legally obliged to find the leak first...

Then use proper manifold gauges.

 

[mclasser]

Update: My buddy found a local garage running an A/C special. He just got back and says the car's like an ice box now.

 

[901Memphis]

Good to hear