Hey Guys,

My A/C puts out cold air but I want it to be better, what would be the best option to get maximum coolness? Would appreciate any feedback...thanks.

 

Well honestly I was not too sure that those r134 kits would work but I figured for $20 bucks it was whatever.

Bought one from Advanced Auto, read the directions, and just add some till the gauge says you have enough. My a/c was literally about 70 degrees at max cool. Now it blows out freezing cold air even on days where the temps is 110 outside.

 

Basically recharge it and then enjoy colder air. After a lot of use, years and years, it just doesn't get as cold as it used to. Recharge should fix that

 

It's all about having the right pressure-vs-temperature charge.

 

Are you talking about a professional recharge or the can and gauge option? It seems like everytime I try the can option I hear my compressor have trouble kicking in because of too much coolant. I've been studying the FSM though I have to check the pressure levels at a decent temperature. Its hard to read it with ambients over 95 degrees without precision shop tools.

 

If you do the Walmart recharge, DO NOT use the stop leak type, as it will gum up expansion valves and other orifices.

For the BEST performance take it to a dedicated AC shop that will;

1 pull the system down with vacuum to;
a. evacuate the system of old refrigerant
b. test for leaks
2 use high and low side gauges
3 replace ALL the refrigerant
4 replace oil by weight
5 test pump for condition

 

Just FYI, Refridgerant do not run out. Since they stay in the system, only way it get "low" is you have a slow leak somewhere in the system. That the biggest misconception where people think they get used up or low which is not correct. I found out when I was taking auto mechanic class, which was very interesting and did an experiement on it how the a/c system works. Like some of the guys says take it to a professional if you are not sure what you're doing or how to do the a/c system since it's not for the faint of heart.

 

I would have it professionally done. By adding it you could overcharge it and blow o-rings....blah blah blah

 

Ok...I'll get it professionally done. What do you guys think is a reasonable cost for this service?

If anyone in Illinois can recommend a shop that would be cool.

 

In Maine, I had mine done for $70 which included the evac and refill. But here they range $70-$125 for the full service.

 

just get a charge can kit..follow the instructions...add a little at a time till the AC gets ice cold.

If you buy the kit that comes with a guage then add refirgerant until u reach the right pressure vs outside temperature point

 

dude its not that hard. provided your ac system isnt leaking too bad, DIY it for like $20 bucks. Some places like advanced auto will even let you use their gauge so all you really need to buy is some r134a.