Air Condition Recharging
08-08-2005, 09:40 AM
#1
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Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 282
Air Condition Recharging
i plan to let out all my air out my a/c completely and just freshly fill it up with the right amount, because i dont htink i have enough in there
anyone know how many lbs or oz i shud put in? and the oil too. 32oz or 2lbs? whats the amount the a/c holds?
anyone know how many lbs or oz i shud put in? and the oil too. 32oz or 2lbs? whats the amount the a/c holds?
08-08-2005, 10:16 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11
Originally Posted by NAPhi_Shift
i plan to let out all my air out my a/c completely and just freshly fill it up with the right amount, because i dont htink i have enough in there
anyone know how many lbs or oz i shud put in? and the oil too. 32oz or 2lbs? whats the amount the a/c holds?
anyone know how many lbs or oz i shud put in? and the oil too. 32oz or 2lbs? whats the amount the a/c holds?
08-08-2005, 10:36 AM
#6
I just did mine this weekend, the system can hold about 2 cans. The fill point is on the left side of the engine bay and it has a blue top with an L label for LOW. I would just get 1 can and see if it gets cold after you add that, its really bad if you overfill the system. Check the stickies for more info on this.
08-08-2005, 12:02 PM
#8
I was going to replace the AC compressor myself but found out that the system had to be discharged first and I wasn't about to get into that as discharging freon into the atmosphere is illegal and is a big safety risk for me. So now I have to take it to an EPA certified shop and let them do the work instead.
08-08-2005, 01:37 PM
#10
Nope, but the bearings are going out and is making this loud whining noise. I borrowed a friend's auto s-t-e-t-h-oscope and found that the noise is coming from it not the alternator. Worse case scenario, I'll get a shorter serpentine belt, for now, and by-pass the ac compressor but I really don't want to do that because it is so hot in California right now.
Originally Posted by Luxor99
Is your A/C leaking or not blowing cold air? As I understand it, the A/C is a closed system and does not need to be "filled up." I would not mess around with it if you don't have to.
08-08-2005, 07:38 PM
#12
guys to properly fill the system u need to have the old stuff vacumed out and refilled... just pay the shop to do it.. they know what they are doing... besides if air is getting in there or its leaking they you need to have it serviced anyways.... ac never wears out unless u introduce air or it just leaks out...
08-08-2005, 08:53 PM
#13
Either take it to a professional or if you really want to mess it up..umm.. I mean fix it yourself is get a retrofit kit; it's like $35 comes with 2 cans and a gauge. You won't have to guess the level and it tells you what port to attach it to. Two cans should be more than enough to recharge even if it is totally out.
08-09-2005, 04:56 AM
#14
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The CORRECT way to recharge your A/C system is to recover whats in it, apply a vacuum to the system and then MEASURE the correct quantity of R134 pumped back into the system.
Pressure charging doesn't always work correctly becuase the system pressures change as the ambient temperature changes.
Pressure charging doesn't always work correctly becuase the system pressures change as the ambient temperature changes.
08-09-2005, 07:35 AM
#16
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
The CORRECT way to recharge your A/C system is to recover whats in it, apply a vacuum to the system and then MEASURE the correct quantity of R134 pumped back into the system.
Pressure charging doesn't always work correctly becuase the system pressures change as the ambient temperature changes.
Pressure charging doesn't always work correctly becuase the system pressures change as the ambient temperature changes.
08-09-2005, 07:46 AM
#17
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 874
Originally Posted by DR-Max
I was going to replace the AC compressor myself but found out that the system had to be discharged first and I wasn't about to get into that as discharging freon into the atmosphere is illegal and is a big safety risk for me. So now I have to take it to an EPA certified shop and let them do the work instead.
I've been meaning to recharge mine, too. After 10 years and a helluva lot of miles the AC system just isn't cutting it anymore. However, before I just fill it, I've been meaning to have it pressure tested to see if I need any seals replaced. How much does R134a cost?
08-09-2005, 08:18 AM
#18
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 88
OK...take a deep breath and think for a moment.....
Now, if you are intent on adding R134a to your system at least get a book with a temperature/pressure chart and a description of how the AC works - it is complicated. Don't be BONEHEAD an approach this like you are changing your oil or other straightforward maintance. Resist the temptation to overfill the system - it is very easy to do with those bottles with the gauge attached. More is not better - especially with 134a!!
To little 134a = hot air, too much 134a =hot air. Get a manfold gauge and a vent temperture probe. Read up and you just might be successful - Haynes has a AC book that is good.
Buy the time you get all the proper equipment you would probably be better off following this wisdom that I have had rubbed in my face numerous times: When all else fails (which it probably will) go to a professional to save time, money, and aggravation.
BTW, It is illegal to vent 134a to the atmosphere.
Now, if you are intent on adding R134a to your system at least get a book with a temperature/pressure chart and a description of how the AC works - it is complicated. Don't be BONEHEAD an approach this like you are changing your oil or other straightforward maintance. Resist the temptation to overfill the system - it is very easy to do with those bottles with the gauge attached. More is not better - especially with 134a!!
To little 134a = hot air, too much 134a =hot air. Get a manfold gauge and a vent temperture probe. Read up and you just might be successful - Haynes has a AC book that is good.
Buy the time you get all the proper equipment you would probably be better off following this wisdom that I have had rubbed in my face numerous times: When all else fails (which it probably will) go to a professional to save time, money, and aggravation.
BTW, It is illegal to vent 134a to the atmosphere.
08-09-2005, 08:38 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 6,190
Originally Posted by joecraps
OK...take a deep breath and think for a moment.....
Now, if you are intent on adding R134a to your system at least get a book with a temperature/pressure chart and a description of how the AC works - it is complicated. Don't be BONEHEAD an approach this like you are changing your oil or other straightforward maintance. Resist the temptation to overfill the system - it is very easy to do with those bottles with the gauge attached. More is not better - especially with 134a!!
To little 134a = hot air, too much 134a =hot air. Get a manfold gauge and a vent temperture probe. Read up and you just might be successful - Haynes has a AC book that is good.
Buy the time you get all the proper equipment you would probably be better off following this wisdom that I have had rubbed in my face numerous times: When all else fails (which it probably will) go to a professional to save time, money, and aggravation.
BTW, It is illegal to vent 134a to the atmosphere.
Now, if you are intent on adding R134a to your system at least get a book with a temperature/pressure chart and a description of how the AC works - it is complicated. Don't be BONEHEAD an approach this like you are changing your oil or other straightforward maintance. Resist the temptation to overfill the system - it is very easy to do with those bottles with the gauge attached. More is not better - especially with 134a!!
To little 134a = hot air, too much 134a =hot air. Get a manfold gauge and a vent temperture probe. Read up and you just might be successful - Haynes has a AC book that is good.
Buy the time you get all the proper equipment you would probably be better off following this wisdom that I have had rubbed in my face numerous times: When all else fails (which it probably will) go to a professional to save time, money, and aggravation.
BTW, It is illegal to vent 134a to the atmosphere.
If you don't use your AC that often throughout the year at least turn the defroster on for 10 minutes at least once a month as its the same compressor and will ensure the seals don't dry out, leading to the R134a escaping.
08-09-2005, 09:53 AM
#20
I also agree with the guys, I'd let the pro's do it. It even states it in the Chilton manual that I use. R134 or not, they left out the steps for servicing the AC system because it is a great liability for DYI'ers to do so without proper equipment. It further states that it is ILLEGAL to vent refrigerants into the atmosphere as it is classified as a greenhouse gas. Federal law dictates a fine of up to $25k! The AC system should be serviced by an EPA section 609 certified automotive technician utilizing a refrigerant recovery/recycling machine.
I'm not gonna gamble myself on taking this matter in my own hands. It does suck to have to spend more money to have this done by someone else but I am convinced that it be more economically feasible to have a qualifed tech to this job.
I'm not gonna gamble myself on taking this matter in my own hands. It does suck to have to spend more money to have this done by someone else but I am convinced that it be more economically feasible to have a qualifed tech to this job.
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