AC Recharge

[blk95ga]

Has anyone ever tried using one of those do-it yourself-ers recharging kits? If so, do they work pretty good or do they run out faster than having a professional place do it? Any help is appreciate and thanks in advance.

[teeJay]

You need to make sure that the recharger is the right type of coolant for your car. Prior to 1994 AC's used to use a CFC based AC coolant which depleted the ozone layer. Now there is a different kind which is safer for the environment but hazardous to human beings. ANyway, if you have the right kind you need to locate the high pressure and low pressure sides of the AC compressor. You'll also need a vacuum gauge and a pressure gauge to make sure you pressurise the lines correctly. Some plumbing may be necessary. Also, you need to be sure that the recharge reservoir (what ou bought at the store that has the coolant in it) makes good contact with the pressure valve and when finished the valves are tightened correctly (not OVERTIGHTENED or UNDERTIGHTENED) or else leaks will arise.
Believe me, I fix refrigerators, and a freon recharge is not fun or easy, and perhaps best done by a mechanic.

Hope this helps,

TJ

[blk95ga]

Thanks for the info man. Anyone know the going rate for a a/c recharge from a mechanic?

[redgrandam]

a complete evac and refill goes for around 100 CAD up here. if it just needs a top up, shouldn't be very much though.. call, as the prices vary.

[stucazzo81]

I saw a recharge kit at pep Boys here in NY, with a gauge on the can. it tells you how full/empty the system is so you don't overcharge.

[blk95ga]

You didn't happen to notice a price on that did you?

[stucazzo81]

There were 2 different kinds. I believe the ones for the newer cars (94+?) is called R-137 ( not positive of the name), and it was like 8bucks with the gauge on the can. I can also included the hose attached to it. The cans are also sold seperatly for $3 or so. And the gauge hose combo was $10 purchased w/out the can attached.