Recharging AC, can I do it myself or do I need to

[mechtech2]

Of course you can do it!
But if you have to ask, of course you can't do it!
So do massive homework first.

Sometimes adding a can or two every year is much better than $1,500 in parts and labor to fix it 'right'.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I made a video a few years ago of recharging it on my Taurus (RIP) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBOTUXCan...mp;feature=plcp

For me, it depends on the vehicle. If the A/C dies on my Cherokee, I'm ripping out the compressor and either leaving that spot bank or moving the alternator up there. It was recharged when I bought it 2 years ago, the guy I bought it from said it leaked. I haven't recharged it yet. Just the other day I had to open the window while sitting in line for a car wash ... I was FREEZING in there!

 

[Bamaro]

Products now available like A/C Pro are simple to use and remove the guesswork.
http://acprocold.com/

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: Bamaro
Products now available like A/C Pro are simple to use and remove the guesswork.
http://acprocold.com/


Thanks! Looks simple enough but the video raises a question.

Starting at 2:45 they talk about gauge readings. The gauge being too low is simple enough to understand. But the part where they say a gauge in the red could mean "so low in refrigerant the compressor does not cycle on", followed by "don't overcharge" which would also be a gauge reading in the red.

This may be a dumb question but...How can I be sure the compressor is on vs an overfill?

 

[TallPaul]

Very important how you hold the can, if you do it wrong, can damage the compressor on some vehicles. Read the instructions, write the steps down separately, then re-read the instructions to ensure you got it right. I didn't, but was saved by the condensor being between the fill point and the compressor. Direct fill of liquid refridgerant to the compressor can hydrolock it.

Why I held the can upside down? Because that is the way I remeber doing it last time, which was about 20 years ago, also the last part of the instructions said to hold the can upside down, but that only applied to when the can was essentially empty so you could get the very last bit out, presumably instead of it going into the environment.

Also you don't want to over fill it. If it is not empty it may only take so much. Over filling will reduce cooling effect.

 

[TallPaul]

I suppose you can check pressure with the engine off first. If very low, the compressor may not cycle on. Mine didn't. After I got a good amount of refridgerant into the line the compressor started cycling.

 

[HerrStig]

Instructions tell us to shake the can to ensure the proper mix of working fluid AND oil.

 

[SOHCman]

You can borrow a vacuum pump from AZ and clear the system before you fill it to do it " right" but a gauge set will still be needed or prefered to charge to proper level. Maybe they loan those to?

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: TFB1

Originally Posted By: Loobed


If the system is still full, but low, you should be able to charge it yourself.


How can a A/C system be full but low???


Hmmm....I suspect he means the system still holds pressure and has some refrigerant, just not enough.

It seems like that could be a pretty rare scenario, though.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Originally Posted By: Bamaro
Products now available like A/C Pro are simple to use and remove the guesswork.
http://acprocold.com/


Thanks! Looks simple enough but the video raises a question.

Starting at 2:45 they talk about gauge readings. The gauge being too low is simple enough to understand. But the part where they say a gauge in the red could mean "so low in refrigerant the compressor does not cycle on", followed by "don't overcharge" which would also be a gauge reading in the red.

This may be a dumb question but...How can I be sure the compressor is on vs an overfill?


Easy... you simply look at the compressor [clutch]!

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: SOHCman
You can borrow a vacuum pump from AZ and clear the system before you fill it to do it " right" but a gauge set will still be needed or prefered to charge to proper level. Maybe they loan those to?


Is an A/C vacuum pump one of the items Autozone rents?

EDIT - a vacuum pump is not on the list of A/C tools they rent, but I guess in theory they still could offer it.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/inourstores/lat/latLanding.jsp?bodyContent=airConditioning

 

[SOHCman]

My AZ does not list it online but told me they have one, I would call and ask. You will have to "pay" for it but get refunded on its return.